Durock Blue Lotus vs. Durock Daybreak
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Durock Daybreak switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the Durock Blue Lotus and the Durock Daybreak. The Blue Lotus is a tactile switch known for its blend of tactile intensity and responsive feel, with a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm for a snappy typing experience. For those who appreciate both tactile feedback and vibrant RGB lighting, the Blue Lotus may be the ideal choice. On the other hand, the Daybreak is a linear switch with a solid 67g weight, offering a heftier typing feel while remaining quiet in operation. This makes it a suitable option for environments where noise needs to be kept to a minimum. Both switches have their unique characteristics, but ultimately, the choice between them will depend on personal preferences and typing style. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 long spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Durock Daybreak switches both offer unique characteristics that can impact the overall performance and sound of the switch. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, which provides a premium feel and a certain level of uniqueness. In contrast, the Daybreak utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. While both materials are high quality, they offer slightly different sound profiles and aesthetics.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Blue Lotus and Daybreak switches use nylon, a classic switch housing material known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. As a result, typing on switches that use nylon bottom housings can offer a more satisfying sound experience compared to other materials. Despite both switches utilizing nylon for the bottom housing, the impact on sound and feel may differ slightly due to the design and construction of the switches.
Overall, the combination of housing materials in a switch plays a crucial role in determining its overall sound profile and feel. While the Blue Lotus and Daybreak switches both offer premium housing materials, the slight differences in materials can lead to variations in sound and feel. Regardless, both switches are likely to provide a satisfying typing experience due to the high quality of materials used. Whether you prefer the unique feel of a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing or the sharper sound profile of a polycarbonate top housing, both switches are sure to deliver impressive performance.
Weight
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. In comparison, the Durock Daybreak linear switch has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 67 grams, also falling into the medium-heavy category. While the Blue Lotus requires a specific amount of force to trigger a keystroke, the Daybreak's actuation force is unspecified. Both switches offer a substantial typing experience with a heavier feel, which some users prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. Users who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Blue Lotus to be a more comfortable option for extended typing sessions, while those who enjoy a stronger push feel may lean towards the Daybreak. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Durock Daybreak linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers seeking quicker response times. The difference of 0.1 mm between the two switches may not be noticeable to most users, but those who prefer a slightly deeper keypress may lean towards the Daybreak with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, both switches offer similar experiences in terms of travel distance, and the choice between them may come down to personal preference for that extra 0.1 mm of travel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Blue 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 Blue 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 Blue Lotus switches offer a bassy tone, providing a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. This can create a more impactful and satisfying auditory experience for users. On the other hand, the Durock Daybreak switches produce a muted and low-pitched sound, making them ideal for environments where noise level is a concern. The Daybreak switches' quiet operation can help maintain a peaceful workspace without sacrificing typing quality.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Durock Blue Lotus switches are known for their accented tactility, providing a medium level of tactile feedback that is not overwhelming but still noticeable. This can enhance the typing experience by adding a satisfying level of tactility without being too pronounced. Additionally, the snappy and stepped feel of the Blue Lotus switches offers a more engaging and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Daybreak switches are described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined typing feel. The polished finish of the Daybreak switches results in reduced friction and effortless key travel, making them a comfortable option for extended typing sessions.
Overall, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switches and Daybreak linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blue Lotus switches excel in providing a tactile and responsive typing experience with a bassy sound profile, while the Daybreak switches prioritize a smooth and quiet typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the tactile intensity of the Blue Lotus switches or the refined typing experience of the Daybreak switches. Ultimately, both switches provide high-quality performance and can deliver satisfying results based on individual preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switches and the Durock Daybreak linear switches, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy a more tactile typing experience with vibrant RGB illumination and a slightly reduced travel distance, the Blue Lotus switches with their accented and snappy feel may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier typing experience with quiet operation and a polished finish for smooth key travel, the Daybreak switches with their muted and low-pitched sound profile may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will come down to your personal preferences in terms of tactile feedback, sound output, and overall typing experience.
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