Durock Daybreak vs. Gateron Glory Red

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Daybreak and Gateron Glory Red offer distinct yet appealing options for typing enthusiasts. The Durock Daybreak is recognized for its substantial actuation force of 67g, which provides a weighty touch that many users find satisfying, particularly in environments where quiet operation is a priority. Its polished, muted, and low-pitched characteristics make it an ideal choice for workplaces that require minimal noise distraction while still delivering a solid tactile feedback. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Red switches are designed for a lighter, more effortless keystroke, offering a smooth travel experience that many typists appreciate. While the Daybreak is perfect for those who prefer a more substantial feel and discretion, the Glory Red caters to those who enjoy a more fluid typing experience. Both switches have their merits, depending on your preferences for key feel and sound level; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.

By the numbers

Durock Daybreak Linear

Gateron Glory Red Linear

$6.87

$5.41 per 10

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Daybreak and Gateron Glory Red switches, a clear distinction emerges in their top housing compositions. The Daybreak utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that enhances the overall auditory feedback during typing. The stiffness of polycarbonate not only facilitates a more resonant sound but also makes it an optimal choice for showcasing RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Glory Red employs a nylon top housing, known for its more muted, deeper auditory signature. The nylon's softer nature absorbs sound more effectively, providing a rounded tone that contrasts sharply with the Daybreak's crispness.

The bottom housing of both switches offers a point of similarity, as both the Daybreak and Glory Red utilize nylon for this component. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a fuller and deeper sound profile in both cases. The sound-dampening qualities of nylon mean that regardless of the differences in the top housings, both switches will produce a comforting, thock-like bottom-out feel when keys are fully pressed. This shared material choice ensures that both switches provide a degree of consistency when it comes to sound absorption, thereby influencing the overall typing experience positively.

Ultimately, the differentiation in sound profiles between the Durock Daybreak and Gateron Glory Red lies predominantly in the materials used for the top housing. While polycarbonate imbues the Daybreak with a clear and bright response when keys are released, the nylon of the Glory Red wraps each keystroke in a softer envelope of sound. However, due to their shared nylon bottom housings, users can expect a sense of harmony in sound and feel when bottoming out either switch, providing a nuanced typing experience that appeals to various preferences. Overall, while both switches may diverge in sound character due to their top materials, they converge in offering a well-rounded and satisfying typing experience grounded in their nylon bottom construction.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Daybreak has an unspecified actuation force but features a bottom out force of 67 grams, which categorizes it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Glory Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it lighter compared to the Daybreak. However, the bottom out force for the Glory Red is unknown. Users seeking a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions would likely prefer the Gateron Glory Red due to its lower actuation force. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience might lean towards the Durock Daybreak, given its heavier bottom out force, which could provide a more pronounced tactile feedback. Overall, the Daybreak is heavier in terms of tactile experience, while the Glory Red offers a lighter touch for ease of use.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch, the Daybreak features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Glory Red has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you prioritize responsiveness and prefer a quicker keystroke, the Gateron Glory Red might be more to your liking due to its shorter travel distance. However, the Daybreak provides a more substantial feel with its longer travel distance, which some users may find more satisfying and less abrupt. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you favor the responsiveness of the shorter Glory Red or the more pronounced keystroke of the Durock Daybreak.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Durock Daybreak linear switches stand out with their muted and low-pitched characteristics, making them a solid choice for environments where noise control is crucial. Their softer and quieter sound profile minimizes the clank typically associated with mechanical keyboards, resulting in a more subdued auditory experience. The Gateron Glory Red switches, while similar in being linear, do not have specific sound descriptors provided, which leaves their acoustic qualities less defined. However, the Daybreak’s sound is particularly appealing for those who prioritize a tranquil typing environment, especially in shared or professional spaces.

Regarding the feel of these switches, the Durock Daybreak switches are noted for their polished surface, contributing to a smooth and refined typing experience. This polished finish, likely aided by either high-quality materials or factory lubrication, reduces friction and enhances key travel, making it satisfying to use over extended periods. There's no specific information available about the tactile feel of the Gateron Glory Red switches, which makes it challenging to directly compare. However, if their logical counterpart, the silent nature and smooth action typical of linear switches, holds true, users can expect a decent feel but without the explicitly defined polish.

In conclusion, both the Durock Daybreak and Gateron Glory Red linear switches cater to users seeking a linear experience, though they diverge in some qualities. The Daybreak excels in providing a muted sound and a polished feel, making it suitable for quieter environments. The absent descriptors for the Glory Red mean that while they may offer a satisfactory typing experience as well, they lack the refinement and sound control associated with the Daybreak. Ultimately, if you choose either switch, you can expect a smooth linear typing experience, but the Daybreak will provide extra benefits in sound and feel that may enhance your overall typing enjoyment.

Conclusion

To summarize, when choosing between the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch, your preference will largely depend on your typing experience and environment. If you appreciate a more substantial feel and require a switch that minimizes noise, the Daybreak with its 67g bottom-out force is an excellent choice. Its muted sound profile and polished feel make it well-suited for office settings or any quiet space where you don't want to disturb others. On the other hand, if you're looking for a lighter switch that offers a smooth keystroke and an engaging typing experience, the Gateron Glory Red would be a better fit, especially if you enjoy faster typing speeds and a more responsive touch. Ultimately, the decision hinges on whether you prefer a more tactile and weighted experience or a lighter, more fluid action in your typing. Thus, assessing your personal typing style and the contexts in which you’ll be using your keyboard will guide you to the perfect switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Daybreak Linear

$6.87

$5.41 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Glory Red Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn more