United States: Free shipping on orders over $49

Durock Daybreak vs. TTC Gold Silver

An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the TTC Gold Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When comparing the Durock Daybreak and TTC Gold Silver mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer unique features catered to different preferences. The Daybreak switch provides a weightier typing experience at 67g, coupled with a quiet operation, making it ideal for those who prefer a more substantial touch and need to keep noise levels low in their workspace. On the other hand, the Gold Silver switch boasts rapid responsiveness with shortened travel, resulting in a solid bottom-out and a resonant sound signature that signifies its commitment to swift action. Each keystroke is smooth and precise, offering a seamless blend of speed, sound, and fluidity. 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

1.40 mm

Total travel

3.80 mm

Total travel

3.50 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 Silver both feature polycarbonate top housings, which means that they will both provide a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of these switches is beneficial for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the illumination of the switches. This material is relatively stiffer, leading to a more clear and resonant sound profile. In terms of aesthetics and sound quality, the polycarbonate top housings of both switches offer similar benefits.

However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Durock Daybreak features a nylon bottom housing, while the TTC Gold Silver also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. Despite both switches having the same bottom housing material, the impact on sound and feel may vary slightly due to other factors such as spring weight and stem material.

Considering the impact of the top and bottom housings on the sound profile and feel of the switches, the Durock Daybreak and TTC Gold Silver may exhibit differences in sound when pressing down on a key versus releasing it. The bottom housing material typically influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has more of an impact on the sound when releasing a key. Both switches offer unique qualities due to their housing materials, but ultimately, the choice between the Durock Daybreak and TTC Gold Silver 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 Silver linear switch, it is evident that they offer different experiences. The Daybreak has a bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing feel, while the actuation force is unspecified. In contrast, the Gold Silver has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, but the bottom out force is not known. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Gold Silver switch for longer typing sessions, while those who seek a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Daybreak switch with its heavier bottom out force. Despite the differences in force measurements, both switches can offer similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out experiences, catering to a variety of preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.

Travel distance

In comparing the travel distance of the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch, we can see that the Daybreak has a travel distance of 3.8 mm while the Gold Silver has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter range of travel distances, making them ideal for those looking for a quicker response time, such as gamers. The Daybreak has a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a bit more depth to the keypress compared to the Gold Silver. However, the difference of 0.3 mm between the two may not be very noticeable to the average user. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance, allowing for fast and responsive typing or gaming experiences.

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 Silver 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 Silver 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 best described as producing a muted and low-pitched sound profile, making it ideal for environments where noise needs to be kept to a minimum. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound, offering a deep and rich auditory experience with each keystroke. Both switches provide unique sound qualities that cater to different preferences, with the Daybreak focusing on a quieter typing experience while the Gold Silver emphasizes a satisfying resonance.

In terms of feel, both the Durock Daybreak and TTC Gold Silver switches are described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Additionally, the Gold Silver switch is also characterized as silky, providing an exceptionally smooth typing feel that minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The mild and subtle attributes of the Gold Silver switch further enhance its approachability and gentle resistance, making it suitable for shared spaces where a lighter touch is preferred. Overall, both switches deliver a premium typing experience with sleek finishes and comfortable key actuation.

In conclusion, the Durock Daybreak linear switch and TTC Gold Silver linear switch each offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Daybreak excels in providing a muted and low-pitched sound profile, coupled with a polished feel for a refined typing experience. In contrast, the Gold Silver boasts a thocky and low-pitched sound signature, along with a silky smooth feel that enhances the overall typing comfort. Whether you prefer a quieter typing experience with a heavier actuation force or a swift and precise keystroke with a smoother feel, both switches offer premium qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. Depending on your sound and feel preferences, you can expect similar results in terms of quality and performance from either the Durock Daybreak or TTC Gold Silver linear switches.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience and sound. If you enjoy a heavier typing feel and a muted, low-pitched sound profile, the Durock Daybreak may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a rapid, responsive switch with a thocky, low-pitched sound and a smooth, polished feel, the TTC Gold Silver could be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. Choose the switch that best suits your preferences and enhances your overall typing experience.

Mentioned in this article