Durock Daybreak vs. TTC Gold Brown Pro
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the TTC Gold Brown Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Daybreak linear switch to the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, it becomes clear that each offers a unique typing experience catered to different preferences. The Daybreak's solid 67g actuation force provides a hefty touch for those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, coupled with its quiet operation making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the Gold Brown Pro offers a gentle tactile bump for a nuanced feedback experience, allowing users to focus on their tasks with minimal distraction. While the Daybreak is polished, muted, and low-pitched, the Gold Brown Pro is described as polished, thocky, low-pitched, silky, mild, neutral, subtle, and stepped. Both switches have their strengths and appeal to different preferences, 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
45g
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
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
NPI
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
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Durock Daybreak and TTC Gold Brown Pro both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for implementing RGB lighting in switches. In terms of design and sound, both switches provide similar results with their polycarbonate top housings.
However, the Durock Daybreak and TTC Gold Brown Pro diverge when it comes to their bottom housing materials. The Daybreak utilizes a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, contributing to a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Gold Brown Pro also features a nylon bottom housing, so in terms of bottom-out sound and feel, both switches offer a similar experience with their shared bottom housing material.
In terms of overall switch performance, the differences in housing materials between the Durock Daybreak and TTC Gold Brown Pro mainly impact the sound and feel of the switches. While both switches share the benefits of polycarbonate for their top housings, the Daybreak's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Gold Brown Pro. However, the impact of the bottom housing is primarily felt during typing, while the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities based on their housing materials, catering to different preferences in typing experience.
Weight
The Durock Daybreak linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch have some notable differences in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Daybreak has an actuation force of None grams, meaning it requires no force to trigger a keystroke, while the Gold Brown Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams. This makes the Gold Brown Pro a lighter switch in terms of actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Daybreak is heavier at 67 grams compared to the Gold Brown Pro's unknown bottom out force. This means that the Daybreak provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel, while the Gold Brown Pro offers a lighter typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether the user prefers a lighter or heavier feel when typing.
Travel distance
The Durock Daybreak linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch both have a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that you can expect a similar tactile experience and typing feel when using either of these switches. Despite this similarity, they differ in their switch type - linear and tactile, respectively. The linear Daybreak switch provides a smooth and consistent keystroke with no tactile bump, ideal for fast typists and gamers looking for quick actuation. In contrast, the tactile Gold Brown Pro switch offers a bump in the keystroke to provide feedback to the user, making it suitable for typists who prefer more pronounced keypresses and feedback. Both switches have their advantages, with the Daybreak being shorter in travel distance but lacking the tactile feedback present in the Gold Brown Pro switch.
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 Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown Pro for $2.90.
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 switch offers a muted and low-pitched typing experience, perfect for those seeking a quieter option that minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch provides a thocky and low-pitched sound that is deep, rich, and satisfying. Both switches offer a more subtle sound profile, with the Daybreak being more muted and bass-heavy, while the Gold Brown Pro delivers a softer "thud" or "knock" when pressed and released. Depending on your preference for sound, either switch can provide a quiet and understated typing experience.
In terms of feel, both the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch are described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. However, the Gold Brown Pro switch goes a step further with its silky feel, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, the Gold Brown Pro switch offers a mild, subtle, and stepped feel that caters to those looking for a gentle yet tactile typing experience. Whether you prefer a smoother or slightly more pronounced tactile feel, both switches offer a comfortable and approachable typing experience.
Overall, the Durock Daybreak linear switch and TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch each have their unique qualities when it comes to sound and feel. The Daybreak provides a heavier touch with a quieter sound profile, while the Gold Brown Pro offers a subtle tactile feedback with a rich and satisfying sound. Depending on your personal preferences for typing experience, both switches can deliver a premium feel and sound that enhances your overall typing experience. Whether you choose the Daybreak for its heavier actuation force and muted sound, or the Gold Brown Pro for its subtle tactility and thocky sound, you can expect a high-quality typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who prefers a heavier typing experience with a quieter operation, the Durock Daybreak linear switch with its 67g bottom out force may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a subtle tactile feedback with a subdued sound profile to allow you to stay focused on your tasks, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for key feel and sound, so choose accordingly to enhance your typing experience.
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