Durock Daybreak vs. TTC Gold Brown
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the TTC Gold Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, it is evident that they each offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Daybreak provides a solid 67g actuation force, delivering a hefty typing experience while maintaining quiet operation, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the Gold Brown offers a balanced feel with a slight bump and moderate weightiness, accompanied by a softer sound profile. While the Daybreak is described as 'Polished', 'Muted', and 'Low-pitched', the Gold Brown is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Buttery', 'Accented', and 'Polished'. Each switch has its own strengths and appeals to different tastes in 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
N/A
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Daybreak and TTC Gold Brown both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances resonance and clarity. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. However, both switches diverge when it comes to their bottom housing material. The Daybreak features a nylon bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. Conversely, the Gold Brown also incorporates a nylon bottom housing, emphasizing the same qualities in terms of sound profile and feel.
Despite the similarities in their top housing material, the Durock Daybreak and TTC Gold Brown offer slightly different experiences due to their distinct bottom housing materials. The nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a more rounded sound compared to polycarbonate. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound, resulting in a duller sound that adds a unique dimension to typing on these switches. While the top housing of both switches impacts the sound when a key is released, the differences in the bottom housing subtly affect the overall typing experience and sound quality of each switch.
In summary, both the Durock Daybreak and TTC Gold Brown benefit from the sound-enhancing properties of polycarbonate in their top housing, providing a sharper and crisper sound profile. The incorporation of nylon in their bottom housing further refines the sound, with deeper and fuller tones produced due to its sound absorption capabilities. While the top housing influences the sound upon key release, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the overall typing experience, offering a unique sound profile that sets these switches apart. Overall, both switches offer a blend of materials that cater to different preferences in sound and typing feel.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, it is evident that there are significant differences between the two. The Daybreak switch has an actuation force of None grams, making it extremely light in terms of keystroke activation, while its bottom out force of 67 grams is considered medium-heavy. On the other hand, the Gold Brown switch has an actuation force of 55 grams, providing a tactile feedback upon keystroke, and a bottom out force of 63 grams, which is slightly lighter compared to the Daybreak. In terms of weight, the Gold Brown switch is lighter and may be preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming, while the Daybreak switch offers a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Durock Daybreak linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch have slightly different travel distances. The Daybreak has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Gold Brown has a travel distance of 4 mm, making the Gold Brown tactile switch slightly longer in travel distance. Both switches fall within the range of common travel distances for mechanical switches, which typically range from 3 mm to 4 mm. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Daybreak, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Gold Brown. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference regarding keypress depth and responsiveness.
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 TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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
In terms of sound, the Durock Daybreak linear switch offers a muted and low-pitched typing experience, minimizing noise and providing a deep, bass-heavy tone. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch provides a neutral sound profile that is moderate and suitable for various settings. Both switches offer a softer sound profile, with the Daybreak being quieter due to its linear nature, while the Gold Brown offers a balanced sound that is gentle and approachable.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Durock Daybreak linear switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch provides a mild and buttery feel that is accentuated with a medium amount of tactility, striking a perfect balance between being too subtle and too overwhelming. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience with their respective qualities.
Overall, when comparing the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, it is clear that they excel in different aspects. The Daybreak prioritizes a heavier actuation force and a quieter operation, ideal for those who prefer a solid and muted typing experience. On the other hand, the Gold Brown focuses on providing a balanced and satisfying bump with a moderate weightiness, appealing to users looking for a tactile switch that is gentle yet pronounced. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Durock Daybreak linear switch or the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, you should take into account your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a heavier touch and quieter operation, the Daybreak with its 67g bottom out force might be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more balanced and satisfying bump with a slightly lighter 63g bottom out force, the Gold Brown could be the switch for you. Additionally, if you value a muted and low-pitched sound profile, the Daybreak would be a good fit, whereas the Gold Brown offers a more neutral sound profile. When it comes to feel, the Daybreak provides a polished typing experience, while the Gold Brown gives a mild, buttery, and accented feel. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for weightiness, sound, and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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