SP-Star Ayara vs. Durock Daybreak
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Durock Daybreak switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The SP-Star Ayara and the Durock Daybreak are two excellent mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Ayara, a linear switch, is known for its medium heftiness and hearty typing experience, making it perfect for those who enjoy a satisfying typing feel. On the other hand, the Daybreak, also a linear switch, boasts a solid 67g weight, providing a heavier touch for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Additionally, the Daybreak is praised for its quiet operation, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments such as workspaces. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
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
Two-stage
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the Durock Daybreak provide different sound profiles due to their unique characteristics. The Ayara's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Daybreak's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. This difference in sound can greatly impact the overall typing experience for users, with the Ayara offering a more muffled and rounded sound compared to the Daybreak's clear and resonant tone. However, both switches share the use of nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a similar deep and full sound profile when pressing down on the keys.
Although both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing, the differences in their top housing materials still play a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switches. The Ayara's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to its nylon top housing. In contrast, the Daybreak's nylon bottom housing provides a similar sound profile to the Ayara but with the added sharpness and clarity from its polycarbonate top housing. This combination of different housing materials in each switch allows for a unique typing experience that caters to individual preferences in sound and feel.
The split between the top and bottom housing materials in these switches demonstrates how each component can affect the overall typing experience. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the sound and feel when pressing down on the keys, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the choice between the SP-Star Ayara and the Durock Daybreak ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel. Whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound from nylon housing or a sharper and crisper sound from polycarbonate housing, both switches offer distinct experiences that can cater to different typing needs and preferences.
Weight
In comparing the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Durock Daybreak linear switch, the actuation force for both switches is unknown, but the bottom out force for the Ayara is 62 grams, which is considered medium, while the bottom out force for the Daybreak is 67 grams, making it medium-heavy. This means that the Daybreak requires a slightly heavier force to fully press down compared to the Ayara. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, the Ayara may be the better choice. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Daybreak. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Ayara linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it slightly longer than the Durock Daybreak linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. While the 0.2 mm may not seem like much of a difference, it can be noticeable to those who are more particular about the feel of their keyboard. The Ayara's longer travel distance may provide a more thorough key press experience, while the Daybreak's slightly shorter travel distance could appeal to those looking for a quicker response time. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference and what feels most comfortable to the user. Both switches offer a different tactile experience, and selecting one over the other will depend on individual typing preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Ayara has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ayara for $5.40.
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.
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 SP-Star Ayara linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, while the Durock Daybreak linear switch offers a more muted and low-pitched tone. The Ayara switch may be more suitable for those who enjoy a sharper and crisper sound, while the Daybreak switch is ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel, both the Ayara and Daybreak switches are described as having a polished finish, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. This indicates that both switches offer a premium feel that is highly sought after by mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Whether you choose the Ayara or the Daybreak, you can expect a high-quality typing experience that is both comfortable and satisfying.
In conclusion, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Durock Daybreak linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ayara provides a clacky, high-pitched sound with a soft bottom-out feel, while the Daybreak offers a muted, low-pitched sound with a heavy yet quiet typing experience. Both switches feature a polished finish for a sleek typing experience, making them both excellent choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts looking for a premium feel. Ultimately, the choice between the Ayara and Daybreak will come down to personal preference in sound and typing experience, but rest assured that both switches will deliver excellent performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the SP-Star Ayara linear switch or the Durock Daybreak linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal typing preferences. If you prefer a medium typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and clacky sound profile, the Ayara switch with its 62g bottom out force may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a heavier typing experience and quiet operation, the Daybreak switch with its 67g bottom out force could be more suitable. Additionally, if you prefer a more neutral sound profile, the Ayara switch may be preferable, whereas if you prefer a muted sound, the Daybreak switch might be the better option. Both switches offer a polished feel for smooth key travel. Ultimately, whether you choose the Ayara or the Daybreak switch will depend on your individual typing style and preferences.
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