Kailh Berry vs. Durock Daybreak
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the Durock Daybreak switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Berry and Durock Daybreak both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Berry, a linear switch, is lauded for its heavy typing experience with a springy feel and chalk-like texture, resulting in a deep sound profile. On the other hand, the Daybreak, also a linear switch, provides a heftier typing experience at 67g while maintaining a quiet operation, making it suitable for noise-sensitive environments. While the Berry offers a textured and bassy typing experience, the Daybreak boasts a polished and muted feel. Both switches have their merits, whether you prefer a robust tactile sensation or a quieter typing experience. 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
70g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Berry and Durock Daybreak both feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed to utilize RGB lighting. While both switches share this top housing material, they may differ in the design or additional features that enhance their performance.
On the other hand, the Berry and Daybreak diverge when it comes to their bottom housings, with the Berry using nylon and the Daybreak using polycarbonate. Nylon bottom housings elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing material may impact the overall typing experience and the sound produced by each switch. Despite this contrast, both materials have their respective advantages in enhancing the tactile feedback and acoustics of the switches.
In terms of overall performance, the combination of housing materials in the Kailh Berry and Durock Daybreak plays a crucial role in determining the sound quality and feel of each switch. The split qualities between the top and bottom housings offer a unique typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. While the Berry and Daybreak may vary in their housing materials, both switches are designed to optimize sound and tactile feedback for users seeking a premium typing experience.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Durock Daybreak linear switch show some differences. The Kailh Berry linear switch has a bottom out force of 70 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Durock Daybreak linear switch's 67 grams. While both switches have the same actuation force of None grams, the difference in bottom out force may result in a slightly different typing experience. Some users may prefer the lighter bottom out force of the Daybreak for longer typing sessions, while others may appreciate the heavier bottom out force of the Berry for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Durock Daybreak linear switch, the Berry has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Daybreak has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them popular choices for gamers seeking faster response times. However, the slight difference in distance may be noticeable to individuals who prefer a more substantial key press. For those who prioritize a more abrupt feel, the Berry switch with its shorter travel distance may be the preferred option. On the other hand, the Daybreak switch with its slightly longer travel distance could be favored by those who enjoy a bit more depth in their key presses. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific feel each individual user is looking for in their mechanical keyboard.
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 Kailh Berry comes in at $6.25 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 Kailh Berry linear switch offers a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, which can provide a more mellow and deep typing experience compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Durock Daybreak linear switch is described as producing a muted and low-pitched sound, making it quieter and softer during key presses, ideal for environments where minimizing noise is important. Keep in mind that the actual sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Berry linear switch is noted for its textured typing experience, which can provide users with a tactile feedback and a chalk-like texture when typing on them. In contrast, the Durock Daybreak linear switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. This difference in feel can cater to different preferences, with the Berry switch providing a more tactile sensation and the Daybreak switch offering a sleeker typing experience.
Overall, both the Kailh Berry and Durock Daybreak linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Berry switch provides a springy typing experience with a deep sound profile, the Daybreak switch offers a hefty touch with quiet operation and polished key feel. Depending on your personal preferences for sound, tactility, and typing experience, both switches can deliver satisfying results. Ultimately, choosing between the two will come down to your individual preferences for typing feel and sound characteristics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Durock Daybreak linear switch, consider the bottom out force and your preference for typing experience. If you prefer a slightly heavier switch with a springy feel and chalk-like texture, the Berry switch with its 70g bottom out force may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quiet and smooth typing experience with a slightly lower bottom out force of 67g, the Daybreak switch may be more suitable. Additionally, if you value a low-pitched or bassy sound profile, the Berry switch would be a better option, while the Daybreak switch offers a muted sound for quieter environments. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force.
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