Bsun Cliff vs. Durock Daybreak
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Durock Daybreak switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Cliff and the Durock Daybreak present two distinct options tailored to different typing preferences. The Cliff, recognized for its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, appeals to users who enjoy tactile feedback and a satisfying auditory response during each keystroke. This makes it an excellent choice for gamers or typists seeking an engaging experience with every press. On the other hand, the Durock Daybreak switches offer a heavier actuation force of 67g, providing a significant typing sensation. Their muted, low-pitched sound ensures a quiet operation, making them ideal for work environments or any situation where noise reduction is essential. While the Cliff embodies a lively tactile feel, the Daybreak caters to those who prefer a smoother, stealthier 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Cliff and Durock Daybreak switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in similar acoustic qualities. Polycarbonate's inherent stiffness contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic is particularly beneficial for users who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switches, particularly when RGB lighting is incorporated, allowing the colors to shine through more vibrantly. Both switches capitalize on this material to ensure that the auditory and visual experiences are harmonized, giving users the clarity and brightness they seek.
However, the bottom housings of the Bsun Cliff and Durock Daybreak differ, as both utilize nylon, a material known for its unique sound absorption properties. The switches' nylon bottom housings produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's relatively softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder auditory quality, especially when typing. While the top housings highlight a bright and crisp sound, the bottom housings provide a grounding effect, creating a balanced auditory experience during use. Thus, while both switches share a polycarbonate top for similar sound characteristics, the nylon bottom introduces a contrast that enriches the overall typing experience.
In summary, the Bsun Cliff and Durock Daybreak switches illustrate how the interplay of housing materials affects sound profiles. The identical use of polycarbonate in the top housing ensures a consistency in sharpness and brilliance, ideal for RGB aesthetics. The combination of nylon at the bottom, however, injects a depth and warmth that enhances the typing experience, leading to a well-rounded sound profile. Ultimately, the collaboration of these materials in both switches offers users the opportunity to experience distinctive auditory feedback while maintaining a degree of similarity that many typists appreciate.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Durock Daybreak linear switch, there is a notable difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cliff switch has a relatively light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a suitable choice for users who favor ease of typing over longer periods, perfect for work or extended gaming sessions. In contrast, the Daybreak switch has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, but its actuation force is unspecified. This suggests a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a firmer key feel. Consequently, the Cliff is the lighter switch overall, while the Daybreak is the heavier option. If the actuation force of the Daybreak were to match that of the Cliff, users could expect a closer typing experience, balancing ease with a stronger tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Durock Daybreak linear switch, there is a notable difference: the Bsun Cliff has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Durock Daybreak measures 3.8 mm. This makes the Cliff the shorter option, providing a quicker actuation that may appeal to gamers and those seeking faster response times. In contrast, the Daybreak, with its longer travel distance, allows for a more gradual and deeper press which some users may prefer for a more tactile and substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preferences regarding responsiveness versus depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Cliff has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cliff for $2.19.
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
The Bsun Cliff tactile switch is known for its crisp and pronounced sound signature, which makes it stand out among other mechanical switches. Its medium tactility contributes to a satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke. In contrast, the Durock Daybreak linear switch is characterized by its muted and low-pitched sound profile. The Daybreak's quieter operation allows it to blend into workspaces effectively, minimizing the clatter typically associated with mechanical keyboards. While the Cliff’s sound has a more distinct and sharp quality, both switches cater to different auditory preferences—one being more pronounced and the other more subdued.
When it comes to feel, the Cliff tactile switch offers medium tactility, which provides a noticeable bump when pressed, allowing typists to enjoy the physical feedback under their fingers. Unfortunately, the specific detailed quality of its feel is not mentioned, so more experience would be needed to fully appreciate it. The Durock Daybreak, on the other hand, is renowned for its polished feel, offering a smooth and refined typing experience thanks to reduced friction from potentially superior materials or factory lubrication. The heavy actuation force of 67g of the Daybreak adds a significant touch that can enhance typing satisfaction for users who prefer a heftier press.
In summary, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Durock Daybreak linear switch each excel in different areas, providing unique sound and feel qualities suited for various preferences. The Cliff appeals to those who appreciate a pronounced sound and tactile feedback, while the Daybreak is ideal for users seeking a quieter, polished typing experience paired with a substantial actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between these two styles will depend on personal typing preferences and the environments they will be used in.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Durock Daybreak linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and the environment in which you will be using your keyboard. If you enjoy a lighter typing experience with a satisfying tactile feedback and a crisp sound signature, the Cliff switch is an excellent option, especially if you're doing a lot of typing or gaming where speed and response are paramount. Its medium tactility adds an engaging touch, making it enjoyable for both casual and intense usage. On the other hand, if you prefer a sturdier, medium-heavy switch that provides a more polished and refined typing feel, the Durock Daybreak should be your go-to choice. The heavier actuation force can lend itself well to more deliberate typing, while its muted, low-pitched sound makes it ideal for quiet working environments or shared spaces where you want to minimize noise. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize light tactility and sound versus a more substantial, quiet typing experience.
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