Durock Daybreak vs. Aflion Foggy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the Aflion Foggy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Daybreak linear switch to the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch, it's important to consider their unique features and qualities. The Daybreak stands out for its solid 67g weight, providing a substantial typing experience that is both satisfying and quiet. This makes it a great option for those who prefer a heavier touch and need a switch that won't disturb others in shared workspaces. On the other hand, the Aflion Foggy Shadow offers a light tactile bump with a 63.5g bottom-out force, striking a balance between responsiveness and ease of use. While the Daybreak is characterized as 'Polished', 'Muted', and 'Low-pitched', the Foggy Shadow is labeled as 'Low-pitched' and 'Neutral'. Each switch has its own strengths and appeals to different preferences, so choosing the right one depends on your personal typing style and needs. 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
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
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
Gold-plated spring
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Daybreak and the Aflion Foggy Shadow both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing material, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that produces a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the incorporation of RGB lighting, making it an ideal choice for those looking to add a visual element to their keyboard. Both switches offer similar qualities in terms of sound profile and aesthetics due to their shared use of polycarbonate for the top housing.
In contrast, the Daybreak features a nylon bottom housing, while the Foggy Shadow also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing material. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While both switches share the same bottom housing material, the impact of this material will primarily affect the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, contributing to the overall typing experience.
The differentiation between the top and bottom housings in these switches highlights how the qualities of each housing material are distributed throughout the switch. The bottom housing material, such as nylon, will have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. Conversely, the top housing material, like polycarbonate, will influence the sound when releasing a key. This division of materials allows for a nuanced typing experience that incorporates the unique characteristics of each material for a more dynamic sound profile.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have a medium to heavy bottom out force. The Daybreak has an actuation force of None grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, while the Foggy Shadow has an actuation force of None grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. In terms of weight, the Daybreak is slightly heavier with a bottom out force of 67 grams compared to the 63.5 grams of the Foggy Shadow. For those who prefer lighter switches for longer typing sessions or gaming, the Foggy Shadow would be the better choice. However, for individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Daybreak would be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Durock Daybreak linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, slightly longer than the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch with a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular in modern keyboards. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Foggy Shadow, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Daybreak. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding the feel and responsiveness of the keys.
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 Aflion Foggy Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Foggy Shadow for $3.91.
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 Durock Daybreak linear switch stands out for its muted and low-pitched sound profile, making it a great choice for those seeking a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound, catering to a broader range of users. When it comes to feel, the Daybreak switch is noted for its polished finish, enhancing the typing comfort with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Unfortunately, information on the tactile feel of the Foggy Shadow switch is not available. Overall, if you prefer a heavier actuation force and a quieter sound, the Daybreak switch would be a suitable option. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter tactile bump and a more versatile sound profile, the Foggy Shadow switch may be the better choice. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so selecting the one that aligns with your typing style and environment is crucial for a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a heavier touch and quieter operation, the Daybreak's 67g bottom-out force and muted, low-pitched sound may be the way to go, especially in workspaces where noise level is a concern. On the other hand, if you prefer a light tactile bump and a medium weight feel, the Foggy Shadow's 63.5g bottom-out force and balanced performance could be more to your liking. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your typing style and environment, so choose the switch that best suits your needs.
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