Kailh Box Royal vs. Durock Daybreak
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Durock Daybreak switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Kailh Box Royal and the Durock Daybreak mechanical keyboard switches, it's important to consider the key differences between their tactile and linear properties. The Box Royal is renowned for its sharp and binary tactility, offering an almost aggressive key feel that is perfect for those who crave a highly tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Daybreak switches provide a heftier typing experience with a solid 67g actuation force, making them ideal for users who prefer a more significant touch while maintaining a quiet operation. While the Box Royal has a higher-pitched sound profile, the Daybreak switches offer a low-pitched and polished typing experience. So, if you prioritize extreme tactility and a higher pitch, the Box Royal may be the switch for you. However, if you value a heavier touch and a quieter operation, the Durock Daybreak could be your ideal choice. 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the Durock Daybreak differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Box Royal features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic absorbing more sound. In contrast, the Daybreak boasts a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile thanks to its stiffer nature. This contrast in top housing materials leads to distinct auditory experiences for users of each switch, catering to different preferences in sound output.
In terms of bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon material, resulting in a similar deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The nylon bottom housing of both the Box Royal and Daybreak contributes to a duller and rounder sound, showcasing the impact that housing material can have on the overall typing experience. While the top housing may influence the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. With this similarity in bottom housing material, users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile between the two switches.
Overall, the choice of housing material in a switch can greatly impact the sound output and feel of typing. Whether it be nylon or polycarbonate, each material brings its own unique qualities to the switch, ultimately shaping the user experience. While the Kailh Box Royal and the Durock Daybreak may differ in their top housing material, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a similarity in the deeper and fuller sound profile produced. Understanding the role of housing materials in switch design can help users make informed decisions based on their preferences for sound and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Durock Daybreak linear switch, it is evident that the Box Royal is the lighter of the two with an actuation force of 45 grams. This lighter actuation force may appeal to those who prefer a more effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Daybreak has a bottom out force of 67 grams, slightly lighter than the Box Royal's 70 grams. Both switches fall within the medium-heavy range, offering a more substantial typing feel compared to lighter switches. While the actuation force of the Daybreak is unknown, users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience due to its comparable bottom out force to the Box Royal. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Durock Daybreak linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for quicker response times. However, some users may find the Box Royal's shorter travel distance to be more abrupt, while others may appreciate the slightly longer travel distance of the Daybreak for a more satisfying keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and key feel.
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 Royal comes in at $6.25 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 Royal switch offers a high-pitched sound profile, producing a sharp and crisp noise with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Durock Daybreak switch provides a muted and low-pitched sound, offering a softer and quieter typing experience. Choosing between the two will depend on whether you prefer a more pronounced, high-pitched sound or a quieter, bass-heavy tone.
Moving on to feel, the Kailh Box Royal switch is known for its sharp and binary tactile feedback, offering a strong and intense tactile bump with each keypress. In contrast, the Durock Daybreak switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Box Royal switch offers a more aggressive tactile feel, while the Daybreak switch gives a more polished and refined typing experience.
Overall, if you are looking for a switch with aggressive tactility and high-pitched sound, the Kailh Box Royal switch would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter and smoother typing experience with a more polished feel, the Durock Daybreak switch would be more suitable for you. Keep in mind that both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choosing between the two would ultimately depend on your personal typing preferences and the context in which you will be using the keyboard. Additionally, factors such as your choice of keyboard and keycaps will also play a role in the overall sound and feel of the switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between Kailh Box Royal tactile switches and Durock Daybreak linear switches, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a keyboard switch with an aggressive and sharp tactile bump, along with a higher pitched sound profile, then the Box Royal switches would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a heavier actuation force coupled with a more muted and low-pitched sound profile, along with a smoother key travel experience, then the Durock Daybreak switches would be more suited to your liking. Consider your typing environment and whether you prioritize tactility or noise levels when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on what feels and sounds best to you as you type.
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