Durock Daybreak vs. Gateron Ink Box Black
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the Gateron Ink Box Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Daybreak and Gateron Ink Box Black both offer unique features and benefits. The Durock Daybreak is a linear switch that comes in at a solid 67g, providing a heftier typing experience for those who enjoy a more significant touch. With its heavy actuation force and quiet operation, it is an excellent choice for workspaces or any settings where noise needs to be kept to a minimum. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black, also a linear switch, offers an incredibly smooth and creamy typing experience with a sound signature reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. While the Daybreak is categorized as 'Polished', 'Muted', 'Low-pitched', the Ink Box Black is categorized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Silky', 'Polished'. Both switches have their unique qualities and advantages, making them appealing choices for different 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
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Daybreak and the Gateron Ink Box Black, it is evident that both switches feature unique characteristics in their top housing materials. The Daybreak utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharp, high-pitched sound profile, while the Ink Box Black's proprietary INK blend top housing offers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound without being overly sharp. Both materials contribute to a distinct typing experience, with the polycarbonate providing a clearer and resonant sound, and the INK blend delivering a satisfying and clacky sound.
While the top housing materials of the Daybreak and the Ink Box Black differ, their bottom housing materials also showcase distinct qualities. The Daybreak's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound and creating a duller, rounder sound. In contrast, the Ink Box Black's proprietary INK blend bottom housing contributes to the switch's overall pointed and high-pitched sound profile, adding to the clacky typing experience. These bottom housing materials play a significant role in the overall sound and feel of each switch, providing unique characteristics that enhance the typing experience.
Overall, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in a switch can significantly impact the sound and feel of each keystroke. While the Daybreak and Ink Box Black feature different housing materials, each one contributes to a distinctive typing experience. The polycarbonate top housing of the Daybreak offers a clear and resonant sound, while the INK blend top housing of the Ink Box Black provides a satisfying and clacky sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Daybreak delivers a deeper and fuller sound, while the proprietary INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Box Black adds to the switch's high-pitched sound profile. Regardless of the differences in housing materials, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in typing sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining their feel and performance. The Durock Daybreak has a bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience, while its actuation force is not provided. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black has a slightly lighter actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, also falling in the medium-heavy category. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gateron Ink Box Black may be the better option, as it offers a slightly lighter actuation force. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial push feel, the Durock Daybreak may be preferred due to its higher bottom out force. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar weight range, so users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of force requirements.
Travel distance
The Durock Daybreak linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for users who prioritize quick response times, such as gamers. However, the slight difference in travel distance may affect the feel of the key press for some users. Those who prefer a slightly deeper key press may lean towards the Daybreak switch, while those who prefer a quicker, more abrupt feel may opt for the Ink Box Black switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference and typing style, as both switches offer similar results in terms of overall travel 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 Gateron Ink Box Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Black for $7.65.
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, making it ideal for those seeking a quieter keyboard option with a deep, bass-heavy tone. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, reminiscent of a sharp and crisp tone when keys are pressed. Depending on personal preference, users may opt for the Daybreak if they prefer a softer and quieter typing experience or the Ink Box Black for a more vibrant and sharp sound.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Daybreak linear switch is described as polished, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and enhanced key travel. Conversely, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch offers a silky typing feel, providing exceptional smoothness and minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches feature a polished finish, contributing to a sleek and comfortable typing experience for users.
Overall, the Durock Daybreak and Gateron Ink Box Black linear switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. If you prefer a heavier actuation force and quieter operation, the Daybreak may be the better choice. Alternatively, if you seek an incredibly smooth typing experience with a clacky and high-pitched sound, the Ink Box Black could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you prioritize a heavier typing experience with a quieter operation, the Durock Daybreak linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and creamier typing feel with a sharper, clackier sound profile, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and actuation force. Both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your overall typing experience, so choose the one that aligns best with your preferences.
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