Durock Daybreak vs. TTC Ice
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the TTC Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Daybreak and the TTC Ice stand out as compelling linear options, each offering unique qualities that cater to different user preferences. The Durock Daybreak, with its 67g actuation force, provides a substantial typing experience that many users find satisfying, especially in quieter environments thanks to its muted and low-pitched characteristics. This makes it an ideal choice for office settings or shared spaces where noise control is a priority. In contrast, the TTC Ice switch boasts a striking crystal-clear design, delivering a smooth and responsive feel accompanied by a satisfying bottom-out sound. This switch is well-suited for those who appreciate aesthetic appeal and a premium typing experience, making it versatile for both gaming and everyday tasks. Both switches offer significant advantages, with the Daybreak prioritizing a heavier tactile response and reduced noise, while the Ice emphasizes visual appeal and effective feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Daybreak and TTC Ice switches share a commonality in their top housing, as both are constructed from polycarbonate. This shared material leads to a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile, allowing both switches to produce a clear and resonant output. The rigidity of the polycarbonate contributes to the clarity of the auditory feedback when typing, making it an ideal choice for users who prioritize a pronounced sound. Moreover, the translucency of the polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal of both switches, particularly for those who wish to utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, regardless of the specific switch, users can expect a similar acoustic performance from the top housing, further enriched by the visual effects of lighting.
In contrast, the Daybreak and Ice switches diverge significantly in their bottom housing materials. The Daybreak utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is largely due to nylon's softer composition, allowing it to absorb sound rather than reflect it, resulting in a rounded and muted auditory experience. Conversely, the Ice's bottom housing is also made from polycarbonate, mirroring the sharp and crisp sound profile characteristic of its top housing. This dissimilarity means that while the Daybreak provides a softer overall sound when bottomed out, the Ice offers a uniformity in sound that matches its top housing, ultimately delivering a more consistent auditory experience throughout the entire actuation of the key.
When assessing the combined effects of the different housing materials in the Daybreak and Ice switches, it becomes evident that each switch offers a unique tactile and auditory experience. The Daybreak’s nylon bottom housing contributes to a more rounded sound, adding warmth to the typing experience, whereas the Ice’s polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a sharper and clearer acoustic profile. As a result, the overall sound produced when bottoming out each switch will differ, influenced by the properties of the bottom housing. Users can thus select their preferred switch based on whether they favor a deeper, fuller sound or a sharper, crisper auditory feedback, highlighting the importance of housing materials in the performance of mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the TTC Ice linear switch, significant differences arise in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Durock Daybreak has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is classified as medium-heavy, but its actuation force is unknown. In contrast, the TTC Ice switch features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which places it in the medium category. This means that the TTC Ice is the lighter option overall, offering a softer keystroke that may be preferable for users who typist for extended periods or during long gaming sessions. Meanwhile, the Daybreak, with its heavier bottom out force, may appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback and a stronger push feel while typing. Ultimately, if the actuation force of the Daybreak were known and aligned with the Ice's characteristics, users could expect similarly enjoyable typing experiences, but for now, the Ice provides the more approachable option for lighter typing.
Travel distance
The Durock Daybreak linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the TTC Ice linear switch measures slightly shorter at 3.6 mm. This means that the Daybreak, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, appealing to those who prefer deeper keystrokes. In contrast, the TTC Ice, being the shorter option, offers quicker actuation, catering to gamers and users who favor rapid response times. Although both switches are quite close in travel distance, the 0.2 mm difference may influence the overall typing experience; the Daybreak might feel more hearty, while the Ice could feel more abrupt and responsive.
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 Ice has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice for $5.99.
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
The Durock Daybreak switches are characterized by their muted sound profile, producing a quieter and more low-pitched typing experience. This muted quality allows for a more peaceful atmosphere, making them particularly appealing in office environments or shared spaces. The low-pitched tones offer a bass-heavy sound that contrasts with the higher-pitched clacks of more traditional mechanical switches, resulting in a typing auditory experience that is both subtle and unobtrusive. On the other hand, the TTC Ice switches do not provide specific sound characteristics; however, they are known for their responsive feel and satisfying bottom-out sound, which suggests they may produce a more pronounced auditory feedback.
When it comes to feel, the Daybreak switches shine with their polished design, leading to a smooth and refined typing experience. This polished finish minimizes friction and enhances the key travel, making each keystroke feel deliberate and satisfying. The 67g actuation force adds to the heftiness of these switches, ensuring a more substantial typing experience that many users find enjoyable for both typing and gaming. The TTC Ice switches, while lacking specific descriptors, are known for their smooth and responsive nature, which likely complements a dynamic tactile experience suitable for various applications, although their exact feel could vary depending on individual preferences.
Considering both the sound and feel, the Durock Daybreak switches cater to those who prioritize a quiet, low-pitched auditory experience combined with a polished tactile quality. In contrast, the TTC Ice may appeal to users looking for a smooth typing experience with a more pronounced sound when bottom-out. Although the two switches serve different preferences, their superior designs offer unique qualities that highlight the customization possible within mechanical keyboard switches. Ultimately, selecting between them depends on whether you value silence and a polished feel or responsiveness and a more pronounced audio feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the TTC Ice linear switch hinges on your typing preferences and the environments in which you plan to use them. If you prefer a heavier typing experience with a bottom-out force of 67 grams, the Daybreak is an excellent choice, especially in quieter settings like an office. Its muted sound profile and polished feel ensure a refined, low-noise environment, making it ideal for concentrated work or shared spaces. Conversely, if you're looking for a lighter 60-gram actuation force that balances smoothness with an audible yet pleasant keystroke sound, the TTC Ice switch would be more appealing. Its crystal-clear design adds a touch of aesthetic flair, while its subtly responsive feedback caters perfectly to both gaming and daily tasks. Ultimately, consider what matters most to you—whether it's the heft and subdued sound of the Daybreak or the sleek smoothness and responsiveness of the Ice—to make the choice that best enhances your mechanical keyboard experience.
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