Durock Daybreak vs. TTC Gold Red
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the TTC Gold Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Daybreak and TTC Gold Red mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique benefits for different preferences. The Durock Daybreak is known for its solid 67g weight, providing a heftier typing experience ideal for those who enjoy a more significant touch while maintaining quiet operation. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red offers a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance, accompanied by a snappy sound profile that adds a touch of personality without being too ostentatious. Each switch is categorized with its own distinct characteristics, such as the Daybreak being labeled as 'Polished', 'Muted', and 'Low-pitched', while the Gold Red is described as 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Silky', 'Subtle', and 'Polished'. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
In terms of housing materials, both the Durock Daybreak and the TTC Gold Red share the use of polycarbonate for their top housings. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, which leads to a more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. This means that both switches will likely offer a similar sound experience and aesthetic appeal when it comes to their top housings.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, the Daybreak features a nylon material while the Gold Red also uses nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound and creates a rounder sound. This means that while both switches may have a similar top housing material and sound profile, there may be a difference in the typing experience and sound produced by the bottom housings, contributing to a slightly different overall feel for each switch.
Overall, the difference in bottom housing materials between the Durock Daybreak and the TTC Gold Red may result in a variance in typing feel and sound when compared side by side. While both switches share the use of polycarbonate for their top housings, the differing nylon bottom housings can impact the overall sound and typing experience. The Daybreak may offer a deeper and fuller sound due to its nylon bottom housing, while the Gold Red may provide a slightly different typing feel with its own nylon bottom housing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch, it is evident that they offer different typing experiences. The Daybreak switch has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is considered medium to heavy, while its actuation force is not specified. On the other hand, the Gold Red switch has a lower actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option. For those who prefer a lighter touch and smoother typing experience, the Gold Red switch would be the ideal choice. In contrast, the Daybreak switch would be more suitable for individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feel with a heavier force requirement. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on personal preference and typing habits, with the Gold Red offering a lighter touch and the Daybreak providing a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Daybreak linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8mm, while the TTC Gold Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular for their responsiveness, especially among gamers. The Daybreak's 3.8mm travel distance is slightly shorter than the Gold Red's 4mm, but the difference may not be noticeable to all users. Those who prefer a more abrupt feel may lean towards the Daybreak, while those who enjoy a slightly longer press may favor the Gold Red. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance that provides a quick and responsive 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 Red 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 Red 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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Daybreak linear switch is known for its muted and low-pitched characteristics, offering a softer and quieter typing experience that is easy on the ears. In contrast, the TTC Gold Red linear switch is described as thocky, low-pitched, and neutral, providing a deep, rich sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement suitable for various purposes. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Daybreak being more subdued and the Gold Red adding a touch of personality without being too loud.
In terms of feel, the Daybreak linear switch is noted for its polished finish, delivering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red linear switch offers a mild and silky feel, with a subtle resistance that provides a gentle typing experience suitable for shared spaces. Both switches boast polished finishes, ensuring a sleek typing feel that enhances overall comfort during extended typing sessions. These tactile qualities contribute to a satisfying typing experience that caters to individual preferences for key feel and response.
In conclusion, the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Daybreak excels in providing a muted and low-pitched sound profile with a polished feel, making it suitable for quiet work environments. In contrast, the Gold Red offers a thocky and neutral sound profile with a mild and silky feel that caters to a wider range of users. While their characteristics differ, both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience that showcases the nuances of mechanical keyboard switches, allowing users to choose based on their sound and feel preferences for a personalized typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a heavier touch with a muted and low-pitched sound profile, the Durock Daybreak may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a thocky, low-pitched, and neutral sound profile, the TTC Gold Red could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking for. So, choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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