Durock Daybreak vs. HMX EMO
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the HMX EMO switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Durock Daybreak and HMX EMO are both linear mechanical keyboard switches, known for their unique characteristics and typing experiences. The Daybreak offers a solid 67g actuation force, providing a heavier touch for those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Its quiet operation makes it an excellent choice for noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the EMO features a lighter 46g bottom-out force, delivering a lively and clacky typing experience that is both satisfying and smooth. The factory-lubed EMO ensures effortless key presses and a bouncy feel. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
46g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
Both the Durock Daybreak and the HMX EMO feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, polycarbonate is especially useful if you plan to use RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for the illumination to shine through. Therefore, users can expect similar sound profiles and visual effects from the polycarbonate top housings of both switches.
On the other hand, the Durock Daybreak and the HMX EMO differ when it comes to their nylon bottom housings. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Users can expect a different typing experience between the two switches based on the properties of their nylon bottom housings, with the Daybreak offering a different sound profile compared to the EMO.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings in the Durock Daybreak and the HMX EMO splits the qualities each housing material brings to the switch. The bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This distinction allows for a varied typing experience between the two switches, with each housing material contributing to a unique sound profile and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the HMX EMO linear switch, it becomes clear that they offer different experiences for users. The Daybreak switch has no specified actuation force, making it difficult to directly compare to the EMO's 40-gram actuation force. However, the Daybreak's bottom out force of 67 grams is heavier than the EMO's 46 grams, making the Daybreak switch a heavier option overall. This means that the Daybreak switch may offer a more substantial typing experience, while the EMO switch provides a lighter touch for those who prefer a smoother typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Daybreak linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the HMX EMO linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the EMO has a shorter travel distance compared to the Daybreak. The difference may seem small, but it can significantly impact the typing experience. Generally, shorter travel distances are preferred by gamers for faster response times, while longer travel distances are favored by those who enjoy a more substantial key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, but those looking for a shorter travel distance may lean towards the EMO, while those looking for more depth in their keystrokes may opt for the Daybreak.
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 EMO comes in at $3.49 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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Daybreak linear switch offers a muted and low-pitched typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a quieter keyboard. On the other hand, the HMX EMO linear switch's sound qualities are currently unknown, so it is hard to directly compare the two in this aspect. It is essential to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other variables such as the keyboard case and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Daybreak switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and seamless key travel. In contrast, information on the feel of the HMX EMO switch is not available at this time, making it challenging to make a direct comparison between the two in terms of feel.
Considering the available information, the Durock Daybreak linear switch offers a heavier actuation force, quiet operation, and a polished typing feel, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a more substantial and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX EMO linear switch boasts a lighter actuation force, a factory-lubed smooth typing experience, and a lively, clacky feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preferences for actuation force, sound, and feel. If you enjoy a heavier touch and quieter operation, the Daybreak may be the better option, while those who prefer a lighter touch and a more bouncy feel might lean towards the EMO. Regardless of your choice, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the HMX EMO linear switch, you should choose the Daybreak if you prefer a heavier typing experience with a quieter operation. The Daybreak's 67g bottom out force provides a solid touch, making it great for work environments where noise needs to be minimized. On the other hand, if you enjoy a lighter touch with a bouncy and clacky feel, the EMO's 46g bottom out force and factory-lubed smoothness may be more to your liking. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your personal preference for typing feel and sound.
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