Kailh Box Navy vs. Durock Daybreak

Overview

When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Navy and the Durock Daybreak offer unique experiences for different preferences. The Box Navy is ideal for those who appreciate a heavy typing experience with a loud and tactile clicky sound, reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards from the past. On the other hand, the Daybreak provides a heftier typing feel with its linear switch design, offering a quieter operation while still maintaining a satisfying level of actuation force. Both switches have their strengths depending on whether you prioritize sound and tactility or prefer 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

Kailh Box Navy Clicky

Durock Daybreak Linear

$5.50 per 10

$6.87

$5.41 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and the Durock Daybreak are quite similar in terms of their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiff plastic that produces a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. Therefore, users can expect a similar sound experience when typing on both switches due to their shared polycarbonate top housing.

However, the main point of differentiation between the two switches lies in their nylon bottom housing. The Box Navy utilizes a nylon bottom housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to nylon's softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housing. In contrast, the Daybreak also features a nylon bottom housing that offers the same deep and full sound profile, adding to the overall typing experience of the switch.

While the top and bottom housings of the Box Navy and Daybreak switches differ in material, both play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience. The bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both switches ultimately provide a satisfying typing experience, with the polycarbonate top housing contributing to a sharp and resonant sound profile, and the nylon bottom housing adding a deeper and fuller sound to the switch's overall acoustics.

Weight

In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Durock Daybreak linear switch, it's clear that the Box Navy is heavier than the Daybreak. The Box Navy requires 60 grams of force to actuate a keystroke, making it a relatively heavy switch, while the Daybreak's actuation force is unknown. For bottoming out, the Box Navy requires 90 grams of force, indicating a substantial typing experience, whereas the Daybreak has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is still on the medium-heavy side. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Daybreak, while the Box Navy would suit those who enjoy a more substantial push feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter than the Durock Daybreak linear switch with a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The difference in travel distance may not seem significant, but it can affect the feel and response of the switch when typing or gaming. Gamers who prioritize quick response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Box Navy, while those looking for a more substantial keypress may lean towards the longer travel distance of the Daybreak. Both switches offer unique experiences based on their travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch offers a resonant and crunchy typing experience, with a higher-pitched sound profile reminiscent of vintage buckling spring keyboards. On the other hand, the Durock Daybreak linear switch produces a muted and low-pitched sound, ideal for environments where noise levels need to be minimized. The Box Navy will provide a more immersive auditory experience, while the Daybreak offers a quieter and more subtle typing sound. However, the actual sound produced by both switches can also depend on factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Navy switch offers a sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile experience, with a prominent tactile bump that provides intense feedback with each keypress. This creates a snappy and reactive typing sensation, perfect for those who enjoy a high-feedback typing experience. In contrast, the Durock Daybreak linear switch provides a polished feel, with a smooth and refined finish that ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel. While the Box Navy focuses on a robust tactile experience, the Daybreak emphasizes a sleek and polished typing feel, catering to those who prefer a smoother typing experience.

In conclusion, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Durock Daybreak linear switch offer distinctly different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Navy provides a resounding and crunchy typing sound paired with a sharp and stiff tactile feel, ideal for users who enjoy a clicky and tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Daybreak offers a muted and low-pitched typing sound coupled with a polished and smooth typing feel, catering to those who prefer a quieter and more refined typing experience. Both switches excel in their respective qualities, providing users with unique options to tailor their typing experience to their preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a more immersive and clicky typing experience (Box Navy) or a quieter and smoother typing feel (Daybreak).

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a heavy typing experience with a high tactile feedback and loud clicky sound, then the Kailh Box Navy switches would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force, then the Durock Daybreak linear switches would be a better fit. The Box Navy switches offer a sharp and invigorating feel with a resonant and crunchy sound profile, while the Daybreak switches provide a polished and muted typing experience with low-pitched sound characteristics. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your preference for typing feel, sound profile, and actuation force.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box Navy Clicky

$5.50 per 10

Learn more

Durock Daybreak Linear

$6.87

$5.41 per 10

Learn more