Akko Botany vs. Durock Daybreak
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the Durock Daybreak switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko Botany and the Durock Daybreak offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Akko Botany switches stand out with their lively and crisp clacky sound, delivering a satisfying auditory feedback that makes typing feel more engaging and fun. This switch is ideal for users who appreciate a lively soundscape while they type, adding an element of enjoyment to their keystrokes. In contrast, the Durock Daybreak switches provide a heftier 67g actuation force, which caters to those who prefer a more significant touch with every press. While they are a linear switch much like the Botany, the Daybreaks are characterized by their low-pitched, polished feel and remarkably quiet operation, making them a perfect choice for work environments where noise reduction is a priority. Both switches cater to unique typing experiences, whether one seeks a lively auditory response or a quiet but firm touch. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon Pro
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
Stainless steel spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Akko Botany and the Durock Daybreak switches, a significant distinction lies in the materials used for their top housings. The Botany features a nylon top housing, known for its softer plastic composition, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic allows the switch to absorb more sound and produce a rounder auditory experience during typing. In contrast, the Daybreak utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that is stiffer, leading to a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. The transparency of polycarbonate makes it a favorable choice for RGB lighting applications, emphasizing its aesthetic appeal in illuminated settings, which is not a feature of the Botany's nylon top.
Both switches share nylon for their bottom housing, which results in similar sound properties when typing. The nylon bottom housing is consistent across both models, allowing for the same deeper and fuller sound profile regardless of the top material. It creates a plush auditory experience, contributing to the tactile feedback when pressing the switches. This commonality means both the Botany and Daybreak offer a balanced performance in terms of sound, as the impact of the softer nylon is felt during both the actuation and bottom-out phases of keystrokes.
Ultimately, the combination of materials between the two models leads to varied auditory experiences. With the nylon bottom housing's similarities, the main contrast arises from the top housing's materials, fundamentally affecting the sound profile during typing. The Botany's nylon top contributes to a warmer sound, while the Daybreak's polycarbonate top delivers a crisper tone, illustrating how different top housings can influence the overall feel and sound of a keystroke. Therefore, while both switches might provide a satisfying typing experience due to their shared bottom housing, the choice between them will largely depend on a user's preference for sound clarity versus warmth.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Durock Daybreak linear switch, significant differences emerge in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Akko Botany features a lightweight actuation force of 38 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a softer key feel for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Durock Daybreak switch has an unknown actuation force but a notably heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, which suggests a firmer keypress and potentially more tactile feedback for those who enjoy a stronger typing experience. The Botany's bottom out force of 45 grams is lighter than the Daybreak's, positioning it as the more suitable option for users seeking a less strenuous typing experience. While both switches serve specific preferences, the Akko Botany is clearly the lighter option overall, appealing to those who favor ease of use, while the Durock Daybreak caters to users looking for a more substantial feel.
Travel distance
The Akko Botany linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Durock Daybreak linear switch offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Botany provides a more responsive experience ideal for users who favor quick reaction times, making it suitable for gamers. In contrast, the Daybreak, with its greater travel distance, may cater to those who appreciate a more substantial feel when typing, offering a greater depth that some users find more satisfying. Overall, the Botany is the shorter option at 3.6 mm, whereas the Daybreak, with its 3.8 mm travel distance, is the longer of the two.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko Botany has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Botany for $3.11.
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 Akko Botany switch produces a crisp and lively clacky tone straight out of the box, which many typists find satisfying and akin to a classic typing experience. This distinct sound character can add an enjoyable auditory feedback to your typing, making each keystroke feel more engaging. On the other hand, the Durock Daybreak switch is designed with a low-pitched tone that leans towards a bass-heavy and mellow sound profile. Its quiet operation makes it particularly appealing for environments where noise is a concern, such as offices or shared spaces. While the Botany switches offer a more pronounced auditory feedback, the Daybreak provides a subtler, yet still richly satisfying, sound that facilitates a calm typing atmosphere.
When comparing the feel of these switches, the Akko Botany switches do not have a defined description available. Meanwhile, the Durock Daybreak switches have a polished finish, which hints at a smooth and refined typing experience. This polished feel typically results in reduced friction during key travel, allowing for a more effortless and enjoyable typing experience. If you're looking for a switch that minimizes fatigue over long typing sessions, the Daybreak's smoothness will likely appeal to you. In contrast, without a defined quality of the Botany in terms of feel, it's difficult to make a direct comparison; however, if both switches are well-lubed and fitted with suitable keycaps, you can achieve an overall pleasant sensation regardless of which you choose.
In summary, the Akko Botany and Durock Daybreak switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Botany offers a lively, clacky sound that adds excitement to typing, while the Daybreak provides a low-pitched, quiet experience suitable for noise-sensitive environments. In terms of feel, the Daybreak shines with its polished finish, which ensures a smooth typing experience. Although Akko Botany's precise tactile feedback might be less defined, with the right setup, both switches can deliver a satisfying performance for any typing enthusiast. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize auditory feedback and tactile sensations or a quieter, smoother experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Durock Daybreak linear switch really comes down to your personal preferences and typing environment. If you prefer a lighter touch and enjoy a responsive, lively typing experience enhanced by a bright clacky sound, the Botany switch is your best bet. Its 45-gram bottom out force allows for rapid typing, making it suitable for gamers or those who simply enjoy a more tactile feedback in their everyday typing tasks. On the other hand, if you find comfort in a heavier switch and are looking for a smoother, polished feel that reduces friction, the Durock Daybreak might be more to your liking. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, it offers significant tactile feedback and, thanks to its quiet operation, is perfect for office settings or situations where noise is a concern. Ultimately, the decision hinges on whether you prioritize a lighter and more audible experience with the Botany or a heavier, quieter, and more refined experience with the Daybreak.
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