Durock Black Lotus vs. Durock Daybreak
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Durock Daybreak switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When deciding between mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Black Lotus and the Durock Daybreak both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Black Lotus is lauded for its smooth feel and precision, with reduced wobble for a satisfying typing experience. With a manageable 55g actuation weight and a removable light column for customizable lighting, it falls under the categories of 'Silky', 'Buttery', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Daybreak boasts a heavier 67g actuation force, providing a more substantial touch while maintaining quiet operation. This makes it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. Categorized as 'Polished', 'Muted', and 'Low-pitched', the Daybreak is a great option for those seeking a different 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
55g
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
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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Durock Black Lotus and Daybreak both feature unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile and feel of the switch. The Black Lotus's modified PC & UPE Blend top housing offers a premium and unique feel, while the Daybreak's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. While both switches have different top housing materials, they both provide a high-quality typing experience with distinct characteristics.
In terms of bottom housing materials, both the Black Lotus and Daybreak feature nylon bottom housings. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound than harder plastics to produce a duller and rounder sound. This means that regardless of which switch you choose, you can expect a similar sound and typing experience due to the shared bottom housing material. The qualities of the nylon bottom housing will be felt when pressing down on the switch, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel of each keystroke.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Black Lotus and Daybreak ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of the feel and sound profile you're looking for in a switch. While the Black Lotus offers a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing for a premium feel, the Daybreak's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper sound profile. Both switches feature nylon bottom housings, ensuring a consistent typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound. Whether you prioritize the unique feel of the Black Lotus or the crisper sound profile of the Daybreak, both switches offer high-quality housing materials that contribute to an excellent typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Durock Daybreak linear switch, it is clear that the Black Lotus is the lighter option with an actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Daybreak's unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a similar medium-heavy bottom out force, with the Black Lotus at 63.5 grams and the Daybreak at 67 grams. The actuation force of the Black Lotus provides a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Daybreak offers a slightly heavier push feel, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Durock Daybreak linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Black Lotus being on the longer side and the Daybreak being on the shorter side. Gamers may prefer the Daybreak for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing a key may opt for the Black Lotus. In general, both switches offer a tactile experience that is suitable for typing or gaming, with the decision between them ultimately depending on personal preference for travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Black Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Black Lotus for $4.57.
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 Durock Black Lotus switch is known for its quiet operation, while the Durock Daybreak switch is described as producing a muted, low-pitched sound. Both switches prioritize minimizing noise, making them suitable for quiet work environments. When considering sound, it's essential to take into account other factors like the keyboard chassis and keycaps used, as they can influence the overall sound profile.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Black Lotus switch is recognized for its silky, buttery, mild, and polished typing experience, offering a smooth and refined feel with minimal resistance. On the other hand, the Daybreak switch shares the polished attribute, providing a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. While the Daybreak lacks the specific tactile descriptors of the Black Lotus, both switches promise a pleasant typing sensation ideal for extended use.
Overall, the Durock Black Lotus and Daybreak linear switches provide users with different typing experiences based on their preferences. The Black Lotus offers a lighter actuation weight and a unique light column feature for in-switch lighting, combined with a smooth and precise feel. In contrast, the Daybreak switch boasts a heavier 67g actuation force for a more substantial touch, along with quiet operation and a polished finish for smoother key travel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation weight, sound profile, and tactile feedback. With their distinct qualities, users can expect similar levels of typing satisfaction from either switch, tailored to their specific typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Durock Daybreak linear switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force and typing experience. If you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force of 63.5 grams and a smoother, silky typing feel with in-switch lighting, the Black Lotus is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams for a more substantial touch and quieter operation, the Daybreak is the better choice. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preference for typing feel and sound.
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