Durock Daybreak vs. TTC Gold Red Pro
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the TTC Gold Red Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Daybreak and TTC Gold Red Pro mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique features catered to different preferences. The Durock Daybreak stands out with its solid 67g weight, providing a robust typing experience favored by those who prefer a heavier touch. Its quiet operation makes it ideal for noise-sensitive environments, such as shared workspaces. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red Pro is known for its versatility, offering an easy press that caters to a wide range of users. With a neutral sound signature and adaptability across various settings, including gaming, office work, and casual typing, the Gold Red Pro excels in providing a harmonious 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
43g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
18.5mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Durock Daybreak and the TTC Gold Red Pro feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. This material is especially useful for switches with RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for better light transmission. However, the nylon bottom housing of the Daybreak provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. The Gold Red Pro also features a nylon bottom housing, meaning both switches offer a combination of sharpness from the top housing and depth from the bottom housing.
In terms of sound profile, both the Daybreak and the Gold Red Pro offer a balance of sharpness and depth due to their combination of polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings. While the top housing affects the sound when a key is released, the bottom housing has more of an impact on the sound and feel when a key is pressed down. This split in housing materials allows for a unique sound experience with each keystroke. Additionally, aesthetically, both switches utilize clear housing for their tops, indicating the use of polycarbonate for a more transparent look.
Overall, the housing materials used in the Durock Daybreak and the TTC Gold Red Pro may offer different characteristics in terms of sound profile, but they both aim to provide users with a high-quality typing experience. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound from polycarbonate or a deeper, fuller sound from nylon, both switches deliver a unique combination of materials to suit different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch, it is evident that the Daybreak is lighter in terms of bottom out force at 67 grams, while the Gold Red Pro has a lower actuation force of 43 grams. The actuation force of the Daybreak is not specified, but it is safe to assume it would be higher than 43 grams since the bottom out force is higher. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gold Red Pro may be the better option due to its lower actuation force. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Daybreak with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Daybreak linear switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. The similarity in travel distance between the two switches ensures that users will get comparable results in terms of key press feel and actuation. The consistency in this aspect makes it easier for users to switch between keyboards equipped with either the Daybreak or Gold Red Pro switches without feeling a significant difference in key press distance.
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 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 Red 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 is known for its muted and low-pitched characteristics, providing a softer and quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, giving users a deep and satisfying typing feedback without being too loud. Both switches offer different sound profiles, and the choice between them will depend on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard and keycaps.
Moving on to feel, both the Durock Daybreak and TTC Gold Red Pro switches are described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In addition, the Gold Red Pro switch is also noted to be silky and mild, providing an exceptionally smooth typing feel with gentle typing characteristics that are approachable to most users. The Daybreak, on the other hand, is straightforward in its polished feel. Both switches cater to those looking for a comfortable and consistent typing experience with minimal resistance.
In conclusion, the Durock Daybreak and TTC Gold Red Pro linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Daybreak provides a heavier actuation force with muted, low-pitched sound characteristics and a polished feel, while the Gold Red Pro offers a versatile and harmonious sound profile with a silky, mild typing feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preferences in sound, feel, and the overall typing experience desired by the user. If the qualities of each switch align closely with your preferences, you can expect to achieve similar results in your typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch, you should consider your personal preferences and typing environment. If you prefer a heavier typing experience with a quiet operation, the Daybreak switch with its bottom out force of 67 grams may be the right choice for you, especially in workspaces where noise needs to be minimized. On the other hand, if you value versatility, ease of press, and a harmonious sound signature, the Gold Red Pro switch might be more suitable, as it offers a neutral sound profile and a smooth typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your specific typing needs and preferences.
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