HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Durock Daybreak
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Durock Daybreak switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Durock Daybreak, both of which are linear switches. The Cloud - 63.5g is favored for its clacky sound profile and heavier feel, appealing to enthusiasts who prefer a bright typing experience with a silky smooth feel. On the other hand, the Durock Daybreak switches offer a solid 67g actuation force, providing a heftier typing experience with quiet operation, making them ideal for noise-sensitive environments. While the Cloud - 63.5g leans towards a bouncy and high-pitched typing experience, the Daybreak offers a polished and muted feel with a lower pitch. 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
56g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Durock Daybreak both offer unique characteristics that influence the sound profile of the switches. The Cloud - 63.5g utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softness and sound-absorbing properties. In contrast, the Daybreak features a polycarbonate top housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of polycarbonate's stiffness and clear housing for RGB lighting. While both switches offer distinct sound profiles, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate ultimately depends on personal preference for sound aesthetics.
Despite their differences, both the Cloud - 63.5g and the Daybreak share the use of nylon for their bottom housing. This consistency in material results in a similar deep and full sound profile for both switches, as nylon's softness and sound-absorbing characteristics remain consistent regardless of the housing type. However, where the two switches diverge is in their top housing materials, with the Cloud - 63.5g using nylon and the Daybreak utilizing polycarbonate. This contrast in top housing material leads to a noticeable difference in sound profile, with the Cloud - 63.5g offering a duller and rounder sound compared to the Daybreak's sharper and more resonant sound.
In terms of functionality, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate for the top and bottom housing of a switch can impact keypress feel and sound. The qualities of the bottom housing material are more pronounced during the pressing down of a key, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Conversely, the top housing material plays a larger role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Whether one prefers the deeper and fuller sound of nylon or the crisper and clearer sound of polycarbonate, both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Durock Daybreak offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Durock Daybreak linear switch differ slightly. The Cloud - 63.5g has an actuation force of 56 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the Daybreak has an actuation force of None grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams. This makes the Durock Daybreak slightly heavier when bottoming out. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the HMX Cloud - 63.5g due to its lower actuation and bottom out forces. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel may prefer the Durock Daybreak for its slightly heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding typing force and how it impacts overall typing comfort and experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Durock Daybreak linear switch, it is clear that the Cloud - 63.5g has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.9 mm compared to the Daybreak's 3.8 mm. Although the difference may seem minimal, it can have a noticeable impact on the feel and responsiveness of the switch. In general, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more substantial and satisfying key press for some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing experience.
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 Cloud - 63.5g comes in at $3.50 per 10 switches.
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
In terms of sound, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, delivering a sharp and crisp typing experience that can be described as bright and percussive. On the other hand, the Durock Daybreak switch offers a more muted and low-pitched sound, providing a quieter typing experience that is ideal for environments where noise must be minimized. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them will depend on whether you prefer a louder and more vibrant typing experience or a quieter and more subdued one.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is praised for its bouncy and creamy typing sensation, offering a lively and smooth keypress that feels like gliding across the keys with ease. In comparison, the Durock Daybreak switch is described as polished, providing a refined and sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches offer distinct tactile feedback that caters to different typing styles, so choosing between them will depend on whether you prefer a more bouncy and elastic feel or a polished and refined one.
Overall, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Durock Daybreak linear switch offer unique sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences. If you prefer a brighter, clacky sound with a bouncy and creamy feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter, muted sound with a polished and smooth feel, the Durock Daybreak switch may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality performance and typing experiences, so you can expect similar results in terms of durability and reliability regardless of which one you choose.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Durock Daybreak linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a bright and clacky sound profile, along with a silky smooth feel, the Cloud - 63.5g may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier touch with quiet operation, the Daybreak switch with its high actuation force and muted sound may better suit your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in sound and feel, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and environment.
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