Durock Daybreak vs. HMX Jammy
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the HMX Jammy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Daybreak and HMX Jammy both offer unique characteristics to enhance your typing experience. The Durock Daybreak is a linear switch with a hefty 67g actuation force, perfect for those who appreciate a more substantial touch while maintaining quiet operation. On the other hand, the HMX Jammy provides a softer typing experience with medium-weight switches housed in glittery nylon, offering a muted and satisfying feel. Both switches have their strengths depending on individual preferences, but 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
57g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 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-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Daybreak and the HMX Jammy, it is clear that they both feature nylon in their bottom housings. Both switches provide a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softness of the nylon material, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. This similarity suggests that both switches may offer a similar typing experience in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the keys.
However, when looking at the top housings of the two switches, a noticeable difference arises. The Daybreak utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate creates a more clear and resonant sound, especially beneficial for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Jammy features a nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound compared to the Daybreak's polycarbonate top housing.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Daybreak and the HMX Jammy may come down to personal preference in sound profile. While both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of the bottom housing material, the difference in top housing material results in distinct sound profiles. Those who prefer a sharper and crisper sound may lean towards the Daybreak with its polycarbonate top housing, while individuals seeking a deeper and fuller sound may find the Jammy's nylon top housing more appealing. Ultimately, the housing materials play a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience and sound of each switch.
Weight
The Durock Daybreak linear switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch have differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Daybreak has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Jammy which has a bottom out force of 63 grams. However, the actuation force of the Daybreak is not specified, while the Jammy has an actuation force of 57 grams. This means that the Jammy requires less force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Daybreak. When considering weight, some may prefer the Daybreak for a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force, while others may opt for the Jammy for longer typing sessions as it has a lighter actuation force. Both switches provide a medium feel in terms of bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Daybreak linear switch is 3.8 mm, while the HMX Jammy linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches offer a shorter travel distance compared to more traditional switches at 4.0 mm. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance for quicker response times, while others may find it too abrupt. Those who prefer a deeper, more substantial key press may opt for the switch with the longer travel distance, although the difference between 3.7 mm and 3.8 mm may not be significant enough to notice in practical use. Overall, the difference in travel distance between the Durock Daybreak and HMX Jammy switches is minimal and may not be a deciding factor for most users.
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 Jammy 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 is known for its muted and low-pitched sound profile, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Jammy linear switch's sound profile remains unknown, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. However, both switches are likely to provide similar results when considering the overall effect on sound will be the combination of factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Durock Daybreak is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The HMX Jammy's feel remains unknown, so a direct comparison in this aspect is not possible. Nevertheless, based on the information provided, both switches are likely to provide similar results in terms of the overall typing feel due to their linear nature, which typically offers a consistent and fluid keystroke.
In conclusion, the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Daybreak provides a quiet and polished typing experience with a heavier actuation force, while the Jammy offers a muted and deeply satisfying typing experience with medium-weight characteristics. While specific details on the sound and feel of the Jammy switch are limited, both switches are likely to deliver similar results in those aspects, providing a satisfying typing experience tailored to individual preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and any additional features that may be important to the user.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a heavier touch and a quieter operation, the Daybreak with its 67g bottom out force may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a softer feel and a medium weight switch, the Jammy with its 63g bottom out force and glittery nylon housings might be the right fit. Ultimately, your preference for typing experience, whether it be heavier and more muted or softer and deeply satisfying, should guide your decision between these two switches.
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