Durock Daybreak vs. TTC Gold Pink
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the TTC Gold Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the Durock Daybreak and the TTC Gold Pink, both being linear switches. The Durock Daybreak is known for its solid 67g weight, providing a hefty typing experience favored by those who prefer a more substantial touch. Its heavy actuation force pairs well with its quiet operation, making it suitable for environments where noise reduction is important. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Pink stands out with its light 37g actuation force, catering to individuals seeking a fast and effortless typing experience, especially ideal for quick typing or gaming sessions. The Gold Pink also offers a pleasant clacky sound for satisfying feedback. These switches are categorized differently as the Daybreak is described as 'Polished', 'Muted', and 'Low-pitched', while the Gold Pink is labeled as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Feathery', 'Subtle', and 'Polished'. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Durock Daybreak and TTC Gold Pink utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which creates a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this top housing material, they may differ in the design and aesthetics of their housing.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Daybreak and Gold Pink use nylon, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound. This material choice impacts the typing experience on these switches, providing a more muted and cushioned feel compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings. The use of nylon in the bottom housing complements the sharpness and clarity brought by the polycarbonate top housing in both switches.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in the Durock Daybreak and TTC Gold Pink switches provides a balanced sound profile with a mix of sharpness and depth. While the specific typing experience and aesthetic design may vary between the two switches, the similar choice of housing materials ensures that users can expect comparable results in terms of sound quality and feel. Whether you prefer the crisper sound of the polycarbonate top housing or the fuller sound of the nylon bottom housing, both switches offer a unique typing experience that reflects the characteristics of their chosen materials.
Weight
The Durock Daybreak linear switch and the TTC Gold Pink linear switch offer different experiences when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. The Daybreak has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, while the Gold Pink is lighter with a bottom out force of 45 grams. The actuation force of the Daybreak is unknown, while the Gold Pink requires 37 grams to trigger a keystroke. The Daybreak's heavier bottom out force may appeal to those seeking a more substantial typing experience, while the lighter Gold Pink switch may be preferred by those looking for a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Daybreak linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it slightly shorter than the TTC Gold Pink linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Daybreak being on the shorter end and the Gold Pink being slightly longer. Gamers may prefer the Daybreak for its faster response time due to its shorter travel distance, while those looking for a more substantial keypress may prefer the Gold Pink. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
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 Pink has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Pink for $4.28.
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, making it a great choice for those looking for a quieter switch option. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Pink linear switch is known for its clacky sound, providing a more lively and audible typing experience. Whether you prefer a muted and low-pitched sound or a clacky and more noticeable sound, both switches offer distinct auditory feedback to cater to different preferences.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Daybreak switch is described as polished, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Pink switch is characterized as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation that is effortless and uniform. Additionally, the Gold Pink switch is also described as mild, feathery, subtle, and polished, showcasing its versatility in providing a gentle and comfortable typing experience suitable for various settings.
In conclusion, the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the TTC Gold Pink linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Daybreak switch provides a heavier actuation force and a quieter, low-pitched sound, with a polished feel for smooth key travel. In contrast, the Gold Pink switch offers a lighter actuation force, a clacky sound, and a buttery, mild, feathery, and subtle feel for a more effortless and uniform typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches provide unique characteristics that cater to a variety of typing needs. If you prefer a more substantial touch and a quieter typing experience, the Daybreak would be the ideal choice; however, if you prioritize a lighter touch with audible feedback, the Gold Pink switch may better suit your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer quality options for different typing preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Durock Daybreak linear switch or the TTC Gold Pink linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference in typing experience. If you prefer a heavier touch and quieter operation, the Durock Daybreak with its 67g bottom out force would be the way to go. On the other hand, if you value a lighter and more effortless typing experience with a clacky sound, the TTC Gold Pink with its 45g bottom out force would be the better choice for you. Both switches offer unique sound and feel characteristics, so it's important to consider what qualities are most important to you when selecting your ideal mechanical keyboard switch. Ultimately, the decision between the Durock Daybreak and TTC Gold Pink linear switches will depend on your personal typing preferences and the type of environment you'll be using your keyboard in.
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