Kailh Box Jade vs. Durock Daybreak
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Durock Daybreak switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Jade and Durock Daybreak offer contrasting typing experiences. The Box Jade is a clicky switch, perfect for those who enjoy a medium-heavy typing experience with a satisfying clicky sound profile and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Daybreak is a linear switch, providing a heftier typing experience with a solid 67g actuation force and quiet operation. The Box Jade is ideal for those who appreciate high-pitched, accented, invigorating switches with a crunchy feel, while the Daybreak appeals to those who prefer polished, muted, low-pitched switches. 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
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
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
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Jade and the Durock Daybreak both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile thanks to the stiffness of the material. This results in a more clear and resonant sound when typing on these switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting, providing a visually appealing experience. While the top housings are the same for both switches, the differences lie in their bottom housings.
The Box Jade and the Daybreak both utilize nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This means that when pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the nylon bottom housing will have a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Despite having different bottom housings, the use of nylon in both switches ensures a satisfying typing experience with a focus on sound quality.
In summary, while the Kailh Box Jade and the Durock Daybreak have similar polycarbonate top housings that provide sharp and clear sound profiles, their nylon bottom housings offer different experiences. The Box Jade's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper sound profile, while the Daybreak's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound for a rounder sound. Ultimately, the combination of these housing materials in each switch ensures that typists will enjoy a unique and satisfying typing experience tailored to their preferences.
Weight
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight switch. On the other hand, the Durock Daybreak linear switch has an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. The Box Jade switch is lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Daybreak switch, however, both switches provide a similar bottom out force. The actuation force of the Box Jade switch allows for a lighter typing experience, which is ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming, while the Daybreak's heavier bottom out force provides a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing experience and force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Durock Daybreak linear switch, it is evident that the Box Jade has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Daybreak has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the category of shorter travel distances, making them ideal choices for those seeking quicker response times, particularly in gaming scenarios. However, the minimal difference in travel distance may not be noticeable to all users, and both switches offer a satisfying tactile feel when pressed. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference for those who appreciate a slightly deeper key press versus those who prioritize a faster, more responsive typing experience.
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 Box Jade comes in at $5.50 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 Box Jade switch offers a high-pitched and crunchy click with each press, creating a sharp and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Daybreak switch provides a more muted and low-pitched sound, making it an ideal choice for environments where noise level is a consideration. Depending on your preference for sound profile, you can achieve different auditory experiences with each switch.
Moving on to feel, the Kailh Box Jade switch offers an accented and invigorating tactile sensation, providing a moderate to firm actuation force along with a crisp tactile bump. This creates an engaging typing experience that is both responsive and satisfying. On the other hand, the Durock Daybreak switch is described as polished, meaning it offers a smooth and refined typing feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Depending on your preference for tactility and keypress smoothness, you can choose between the pronounced feedback of the Box Jade and the sleek typing experience of the Daybreak.
Ultimately, the Kailh Box Jade switch is a great choice for those seeking a clicky switch with a high-pitched sound and an invigorating tactile feel, while the Durock Daybreak switch is ideal for those looking for a linear switch with a muted sound and a polished typing experience. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so deciding between them comes down to personal preference in sound profile, tactile feedback, and typing experience. Regardless of your choice, both switches are sure to provide a satisfying and reliable typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Durock Daybreak linear switch, consider your preference for key feel and sound. If you enjoy a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and prominent tactile feedback, the Box Jade switches would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier actuation force with a quieter operation, the Daybreak switches would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard the most. Choose the switch that aligns with your typing style and enjoy a satisfying typing experience.
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