Durock Daybreak vs. Durock Ice King Linear
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the Durock Ice King Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
In the realm of mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Daybreak and the Durock Ice King Linear both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Daybreak switch is known for its solid 67g actuation force, providing a weightier typing experience favored by those who prefer a more substantial touch. Additionally, its quiet operation makes it ideal for settings where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear switch boasts a silky smooth typing experience thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube application. While the Daybreak is categorized as 'Polished', 'Muted', and 'Low-pitched', the Ice King Linear falls under 'Silky', 'Frictionless', 'Subdued', 'Creamy', and 'Polished'. Each switch offers its unique characteristics that may appeal to different users depending on their preferences. 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
52g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Daybreak and the Durock Ice King Linear, one key difference is the use of polycarbonate in the Daybreak's top housing versus nylon in the Ice King Linear's top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while nylon tends to produce a deeper and fuller sound. This means that typing on the Daybreak may result in a crisper sound, whereas typing on the Ice King Linear may produce a rounder and duller sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the Daybreak's top housing allows for RGB lighting, which is a unique aesthetic feature not found in the Ice King Linear.
Both the Daybreak and Ice King Linear utilize nylon in their bottom housings, which means that they will share similarities in terms of sound profile. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings generally elicits a deeper and fuller sound due to the material's ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics. This means that both keyboards may offer a similar typing experience in terms of the sound produced when pressing down on the keys. However, it's worth noting that the impact of the bottom housing on the overall sound and feel of the switches may vary slightly between the two models.
In conclusion, the choice of housing material in a keyboard can significantly impact the sound profile and typing experience. The Daybreak's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing may result in a unique blend of sharpness and depth in sound, while the Ice King Linear's consistent use of nylon throughout its housing could offer a more consistent, fuller sound. Ultimately, both keyboards offer distinct qualities based on their housing materials, providing users with options to tailor their typing experience to their preferences.
Weight
The Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch differ in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Daybreak has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the Ice King Linear has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is considered medium. The actuation force of the Daybreak is unknown, whereas the Ice King Linear has an actuation force of 52 grams. This difference indicates that the Ice King Linear is lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Daybreak. These variations in force can impact typing experience, with lighter switches being favored for longer typing sessions and heavier switches providing a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Durock Daybreak linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Durock Ice King Linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them popular among users looking for faster response times, particularly gamers. The slight difference in travel distance may not be noticeable to all users, but those who prefer a slightly deeper key press may opt for the Daybreak switch, while those who prefer a crisper, more immediate feel may lean towards the Ice King Linear switch. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, providing a 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 Durock Ice King Linear has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Linear for $4.20.
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, providing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear switch is described as producing a subdued and dampened sound when pressed, offering a more subtle sound signature. Both switches aim to minimize noise, making them suitable for environments where a quieter typing experience is preferred. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Daybreak linear switch is known for its polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Linear switch is described as silky, frictionless, and creamy, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches aim to provide an effortless and fluid typing experience, allowing users to glide their fingers across the keys with ease.
Considering all the available information, both the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Daybreak switch provides a heavier typing experience with muted and low-pitched sound characteristics, the Ice King Linear switch focuses on a silky-smooth feel with a subdued sound profile. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on personal preference in terms of typing experience and sound output. However, users can expect comparable results in terms of quality and performance from both switches within the Durock lineup.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a heavier typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Durock Daybreak linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. The Daybreak offers a muted and low-pitched sound profile, making it suitable for quiet work environments. On the other hand, if you seek a smoother typing feel with a medium bottom out force, the Durock Ice King Linear switch is the way to go. The Ice King Linear provides a silky, frictionless, and creamy typing experience, thanks to its full nylon construction and factory lube. Ultimately, your decision between the Daybreak and Ice King Linear switches will depend on whether you prioritize typing force or typing smoothness in your mechanical keyboard setup.
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