Durock Daybreak vs. Gateron Glory Yellow
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the Gateron Glory Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Daybreak and Gateron Glory Yellow both present compelling options for enthusiasts, yet they cater to distinct preferences and use cases. The Durock Daybreak switches are characterized by their solid 67g actuation force, which provides a heftier typing experience favored by those who appreciate a more substantial feel. Their quiet operation makes them ideal for shared workspaces or environments where noise reduction is important. Conversely, the Gateron Glory Yellow switches, while still falling within the linear category, offer a smoother keystroke and a pleasing travel distance, creating an enjoyable typing experience that appeals to gamers and typists seeking rapid responsiveness. While both switches excel in delivering a satisfying linear action, the Daybreak leans toward a robust experience with a focus on quietness, whereas the Glory Yellow emphasizes smoothness and an engaging feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Daybreak and the Gateron Glory Yellow, a notable contrast emerges between their top housings. The Daybreak features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. This material's clarity enhances the resonance of keypresses, making it particularly suited for users who appreciate a crisp auditory feedback when typing. In contrast, the Glory Yellow employs a nylon top housing, which is softer and dampens sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper and rounder auditory experience. This intrinsic property of nylon tends to absorb vibrations, creating a more subdued sound that some users may prefer over the more pronounced tones of polycarbonate.
Both switches do, however, share a commonality in their bottom housing material; both the Durock Daybreak and the Glory Yellow utilize nylon for the bottom housing. This uniformity contributes to the sound profile of the switch, with nylon's inherent characteristics ensuring that the bottom-out sound is consistent across both models. The use of nylon on the bottom produces a fuller body to the sound and contributes to a smoother typing experience, allowing users to enjoy the more subdued sound profile that nylon is known for. Thus, while the top housings diverge in their acoustic output, the underlying nylon bottom remains a unifying factor that shapes how the switches feel and sound when pressed.
In summary, while the Durock Daybreak and the Gateron Glory Yellow exhibit different sound profiles due to their distinct top housing materials, the similarity in their nylon bottom housings ensures that users will experience a consistent depth and fullness in the auditory feedback. The polycarbonate top of the Daybreak can yield a crisper sound, especially when combined with RGB lighting, while the nylon top of the Glory Yellow will resonate with a softer and deeper tone. Ultimately, these contrasting materials allow for a variety of auditory experiences, yet both switches can provide satisfying results for users based on their personal preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch, we see distinct differences that cater to varying preferences. The Daybreak features a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is considered medium-heavy, making it suitable for users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. However, its actuation force is unspecified, leaving that parameter unknown. In contrast, the Glory Yellow has a defined actuation force of 50 grams, indicating that it requires a lighter touch to register a keystroke, which can benefit users who prefer longer typing sessions without fatigue. Nonetheless, the bottom out force for the Glory Yellow is also unspecified. This means that users seeking a lighter switch experience might lean towards the Gateron Glory Yellow, while those who appreciate a heavier, more defined keystroke might opt for the Durock Daybreak due to its higher bottom out force. Ultimately, the differences in these switches highlight the balance between keystroke sensitivity and tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch, the Daybreak measures at 3.8 mm, while the Glory Yellow has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Daybreak the shorter option and the Glory Yellow the longer one. For users who prioritize a faster response time, the Daybreak may be more appealing due to its shorter travel distance, which allows for quicker actuation. In contrast, the Glory Yellow, with its slightly longer travel distance, may provide a more robust and satisfying keystroke for those who prefer a deeper feel. Thus, the choice between these switches really comes down to individual preferences regarding responsiveness versus key depth.
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 Gateron Glory Yellow has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Yellow for $4.19.
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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Daybreak linear switches produce a low-pitched tone that contributes to a mellow and bass-heavy auditory experience. This quality makes them especially suitable for work environments where noise reduction is a priority, allowing users to type without drawing excessive attention. The sound profile of the Gateron Glory Yellow switches isn't specified, so while the Daybreak offers a clear advantage in terms of low sound levels, the Glory Yellow's acoustic character remains a mystery and may vary significantly depending on other components of the keyboard build.
In terms of feel, the Durock Daybreak switches have a polished attribute, which indicates a smooth, refined typing experience characterized by reduced friction and seamless key travel. This can lead to a pleasurable typing experience that's easy on the fingers. On the other hand, there's no specific description available for the feel of the Glory Yellow switches, leaving an unknown factor in their tactile experience. However, being a part of the heavier Glory lineup, one might expect them to offer a robust and satisfying typing experience as well.
In summary, the Durock Daybreak switches stand out with their low-pitched sound, making them a great choice for quieter workspaces, and their polished feel enhances the overall typing experience. While the Glory Yellow switches offer a heavier actuation force that suggests a solid typing experience, their sound and feel qualities remain uncharted. Therefore, although both switches aim to provide a satisfying experience, the Daybreak clearly stands out in terms of sound and feel, while the Gateron Glory Yellow leaves some aspects open to speculation. If a user is drawn to the characteristics of one switch, they may still find comparable enjoyment in the other, particularly if they prioritize linear action and smooth keystrokes.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Durock Daybreak linear switches and Gateron Glory Yellow linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and the specific context in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you find yourself in a workspace where quiet operation is crucial and appreciate a heftier feel, the Daybreak switches with their 67g actuation force will cater well to your needs. Their low-pitched sound and polished feel make them particularly inviting for prolonged typing sessions where comfort is key. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch that offers a smooth keystroke without specific weight measures, the Gateron Glory Yellow will provide a satisfying typing experience, especially if you enjoy a more effortless actuation. The choice between these switches reflects not only your tactile preferences but also the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard. Therefore, consider these aspects carefully to select the switch that enhances your typing experience.
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