KTT Cream Yellow vs. Durock Daybreak
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the Durock Daybreak switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to contemplate are the KTT Cream Yellow and the Durock Daybreak. The Cream Yellow switch is renowned for its distinctively clacky sound, thanks to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem which provides resonant audio feedback. Not only does it offer a bouncy typing feel due to its lengthened spring, but it is also categorized as 'Bouncy' and 'Clacky.' On the other hand, the Durock Daybreak switch stands out for its solid 67g weight, offering a heftier typing experience. Despite the heavy actuation force, these switches operate quietly, making them ideal for quiet workspaces. Categorized as 'Polished', 'Muted', and 'Low-pitched', the Daybreak switch provides a more subtle 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
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
18mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Overall, both the Cream Yellow and Daybreak keyboards feature polycarbonate top housings that contribute to a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate is useful for switches with RGB lighting. In terms of the nylon bottom housings, both keyboards offer a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics.
While both keyboards share similar characteristics in their housing materials, the Cream Yellow and Daybreak differ slightly in their overall sound profiles. The Cream Yellow may have a slightly sharper sound due to the combination of the polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing. On the other hand, the Daybreak's sound profile may lean more towards being deeper and fuller, as the nylon bottom housing plays a larger role in the overall sound experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two may come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel while typing.
When considering the impact of the housing materials on typing experience, it is important to note that the bottom housing has a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. This means that the nylon bottom housing of both the Cream Yellow and Daybreak will play a key role in how typing on these keyboards feels. On the other hand, the top housing will have a larger impact on the sound when releasing a key, contributing to the overall typing experience. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, fuller sound, both the Cream Yellow and Daybreak offer unique typing experiences based on their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Durock Daybreak linear switch, it is clear that the Cream Yellow is lighter overall. The Cream Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, while the Daybreak's actuation force is unknown and has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it heavier than the Cream Yellow. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range of force required. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Cream Yellow may be the better choice. However, for users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Daybreak may be the preferred option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The KTT Cream Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Durock Daybreak linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Daybreak has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Cream Yellow. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Cream Yellow providing a slightly quicker keypress due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers may prefer the Cream Yellow for its faster response time, while others who prefer a more deliberate keypress may lean towards the Daybreak for its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.
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 Cream Yellow linear switch is known for its distinctively clacky sound, providing a sharp and snappy audio feedback that is crisp, bright, and percussive when pressed. In contrast, the Durock Daybreak linear switch offers a muted and low-pitched sound, minimizing noise and featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. This difference in sound profiles caters to different preferences, with the Cream Yellow offering a more audible typing experience while the Daybreak provides a quieter alternative suitable for shared workspaces.
When it comes to feel, the Cream Yellow switch is praised for its bouncy typing sensation, giving the keys a spring-like and elastic feedback that provides a lively feel with a rebound effect when pressed. On the other hand, the Durock Daybreak switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience due to reduced friction and smooth key travel. This difference highlights the Cream Yellow's emphasis on tactile feedback and bounce, whereas the Daybreak focuses on a sleek and frictionless typing experience.
In conclusion, the Cream Yellow and Durock Daybreak linear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cream Yellow excels in providing a clacky sound and bouncy typing feel, the Daybreak offers a muted sound profile and polished typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and typing sensation, both switches provide unique options that cater to different needs. Ultimately, choosing between the Cream Yellow and Daybreak switches will come down to personal preference in sound, feel, and the overall typing experience desired.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the KTT Cream Yellow and the Durock Daybreak linear switches, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you prefer a clacky sound with a bouncy typing feel, the Cream Yellow switch may be the better choice for you. However, if you prefer a more muted and low-pitched sound with a polished and smooth typing experience, the Daybreak switch could be the ideal option. Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns with your typing style and environment to enhance your overall typing experience.
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