Durock Daybreak vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the benefits of various options, such as the Durock Daybreak and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy), both linear switches tailored for distinct experiences. The Durock Daybreak, with its robust 67g actuation force, caters to typists who appreciate a more substantial tactile feedback while typing, complemented by its remarkably quiet operation—ideal for office environments or any setting where minimizing noise is a priority. On the contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) offers a different take on linear switches, featuring a unique PA12 top housing that provides a softer acoustic profile combined with a POM stem, which delivers a more vibrant, higher-pitched sound. While the Daybreak emphasizes a polished, muted experience with a low-pitched resonance, the Xinhai’s construction allows for a crisp and sophisticated auditory feedback. Both switches have their merits, depending on whether you prioritize a heavier and quieter experience versus a more articulate and lively one. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Daybreak and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches utilize distinct materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their sound profiles. The Daybreak's polycarbonate top housing is engineered to provide a higher-pitched and crisper sound, attributed to polycarbonate's stiff nature, which enhances resonance. This material's translucency also offers an aesthetic advantage, making it particularly suited for setups incorporating RGB lighting, creating an engaging visual experience alongside its auditory clarity. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) employs nylon for its top housing, known for delivering a deeper, fuller sound. The softer characteristics of nylon allow it to absorb more sound, leading to a more muted and rounder auditory output. This differentiation in top housing materials establishes a clear contrast in the overall sound experience offered by the two switches.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, it's noteworthy that they are made from nylon, which provides consistency in their sound profiles. Like the Xinhai (Heavy), the Daybreak’s nylon bottom housing contributes to a fuller sound due to its softer construction. Both switches, therefore, share a common ground in terms of the deeper auditory quality associated with the nylon material used in the bottom housing. This similarity suggests that even while the top housings diverge in material and resultant sound characteristics, the overall sound experience of both switches will include the depth provided by nylon when pressed down. This means that during use, the final sound signature will retain some familiarity, due to the shared bottom housing material.
The segmentation of housing materials between the Daybreak and the Xinhai (Heavy) ultimately creates a duality of sound characteristics. Users will experience the sharper clarity of the polycarbonate in the Daybreak's top housing, combined with the depth from the dual nylon construction of both switches, while the Xinhai (Heavy)'s top nylon will yield a more uniform and rounded sound. As such, switching between the two might result in varied experiences, but it's also evident that both can deliver pleasing auditory results thanks to their nylon bottom housings. In essence, while the individual sound profiles may differ due to the distinct top materials, the commonality in the bottom housings provides a shared foundation that can ensure satisfactory sound experience across both models.
Weight
The Durock Daybreak linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Daybreak's actuation force is unspecified, leaving it ambiguous, while it has a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) offers a defined actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, which is medium. As such, the Daybreak can be perceived to have a more varied feel due to its unknown actuation force, while the Xinhai provides a consistent push experience. In terms of weight preference, the Daybreak can be considered heavier as it exhibits a higher bottom out force, making it less ideal for users seeking a lighter touch for longer typing stints. Conversely, the Xinhai's lighter feel, with its lower bottom out force, may appeal more to those who favor a gentler typing experience, especially during prolonged usage. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preference for either a firmer or softer keypress experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, the differences are distinct. The Daybreak boasts a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Xinhai (Heavy) features a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Daybreak offers a more pronounced depth with each keypress, appealing to users who appreciate a fuller, more tactile experience. On the other hand, the Xinhai (Heavy) provides a more responsive feel, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking quicker actuation times. Ultimately, if you prioritize depth and a more substantial keystroke, the Daybreak is the better choice, whereas those who favor rapid response may prefer the shorter distance of the Xinhai (Heavy).
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Daybreak has an MSRP of $6.87 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Daybreak for $5.41.
The HMX Xinhai (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai (Heavy) for $2.99.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When comparing the sound profiles of the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, the Daybreak stands out for its muted, low-pitched qualities. These characteristics result in a softer and quieter typing experience, making it ideal for environments where noise reduction is key. The Durock's bass-heavy tone contributes to a mellow atmosphere that is less distracting. In contrast, while specific sound characteristics of the Xinhai (Heavy) are not provided, its unique design elements, including the PA12 top housing, suggest a more sophisticated acoustic profile that could produce a different sound. However, without concrete descriptors, we can't determine how it compares directly to the Daybreak in terms of auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Durock Daybreak switch is characterized by a polished finish, which ensures a smooth and refined typing experience. This smoothness is a result of well-executed manufacturing processes, possibly including factory lubing, allowing for reduced friction during key travel. On the other hand, while the feel of the Xinhai (Heavy) is not specified, the quality of its construction and materials may lead to a smooth action as well. Nevertheless, without definitive information, we can only speculate on how it measures up against the Daybreak's polished texture.
In conclusion, both the Durock Daybreak and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switches present distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Daybreak excels in providing a muted, low-pitched sound and a smooth feel, making it suitable for quieter spaces and those who prioritize a refined typing experience. Meanwhile, while the Xinhai (Heavy) offers unique acoustics through its innovative housing design, its sound and feel remain undefined in this context. Ultimately, users can expect to achieve a satisfying typing experience with either switch, but the Daybreak may offer a more predictable outcome based on the clear descriptions available.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and intended use. If you enjoy a heftier typing experience with a bottom-out force of 67 grams, the Daybreak switch is an excellent option, particularly if you value a quieter environment. Its muted low-pitched sound and polished finish provide a refined typing experience that is well-suited for offices or shared spaces where minimizing noise is a priority. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter actuation force, with the Xinhai (Heavy) at 62.5 grams, you might appreciate its unique PA12 top housing that contributes to a crisper sound profile. This switch offers a balance of sophistication and performance, making it a solid choice for more casual or creative settings where sound isn't as critical but still notably refined. Ultimately, consider how the tactile experience and acoustics of each switch align with your typing habits to make the most satisfying choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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