Durock Daybreak vs. Gateron Ink Red

Overview

When comparing the Durock Daybreak and Gateron Ink Red mechanical keyboard switches, both are linear switches that offer unique characteristics for different typing preferences. The Durock Daybreak provides a heftier typing experience with its 67g actuation force, making it ideal for those who prefer a more substantial touch. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Red features a lower actuation force, catering to individuals with a lighter typing style. The Daybreak is known for its quiet operation, making it suitable for noise-sensitive environments, while the Ink Red offers a satisfyingly smooth typing experience with a crispy and clacky sound profile. Whether you prefer a polished, muted, and low-pitched switch like the Daybreak or a neutral, silky, chirpy, mild, and polished switch like the Ink Red, both have their own unique appeal. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Durock Daybreak Linear

Gateron Ink Red Linear

$6.87

$5.41 per 10

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

There are distinct differences between the housing materials of the Durock Daybreak and the Gateron Ink Red switches. The Daybreak features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Ink Red includes a proprietary INK blend top housing, characterized by a pointed and relatively high-pitched, yet not overly sharp sound profile. Both housing materials offer unique sound profiles, with the Daybreak's polycarbonate providing a clear and sharp sound, while the Ink Red's INK blend offers a more clacky and satisfying sound.

In terms of bottom housing materials, the Durock Daybreak utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Conversely, the Gateron Ink Red incorporates a proprietary INK blend bottom housing that complements the top housing for a consistent sound profile. The INK blend bottom housing contributes to the pointed and high-pitched sound profile of the Ink Red switch, enhancing the overall typing experience with a clacky sound.

While the housing materials of the Durock Daybreak and Gateron Ink Red switches differ, they each play a crucial role in determining the sound profile of the switches. The split between the top and bottom housings allows for a balance of qualities in both the downstroke and release of a key press. The Daybreak's polycarbonate top housing emphasizes the sound when releasing a key, while the nylon bottom housing contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel. Similarly, the INK blend top and bottom housings of the Ink Red work together to create a harmonious typing experience with a distinctive clacky sound profile.

Weight

The Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch differ in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Daybreak has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the actuation force is unknown. In contrast, the Ink Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is considered medium. The lighter actuation force of the Ink Red makes it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Daybreak's heavier bottom out force may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial push feel while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing feel and weight preference.

Travel distance

The Durock Daybreak linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Gateron Ink Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Ink Red has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Daybreak. Generally, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, making the Daybreak a potentially better choice in that aspect. However, some may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, in which case the longer travel distance of the Ink Red may be more appealing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the type of typing or gaming experience desired.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Durock Daybreak linear switch offers a muted and low-pitched typing experience, making it ideal for users looking for a quieter switch option. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch provides a neutral sound profile with a chirpy undertone, adding a unique auditory dimension to typing. Both switches can offer a satisfying typing experience, but if you prefer a more subdued sound, the Daybreak may be the better choice, while if you enjoy a bit of character in your typing sound, the Ink Red could be more appealing.

When it comes to feel, the Durock Daybreak switch is described as polished, guaranteeing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and effortless key travel. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Red switch offers a silky and mild feel, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. Both switches aim to enhance the overall typing experience by offering different levels of smoothness, so the choice between the two would depend on whether you prefer a more refined and polished feel (Daybreak) or a silky and gentle feel (Ink Red).

Taking into consideration the sound and feel characteristics of the Durock Daybreak and Gateron Ink Red linear switches, it is important to note that both switches cater to different preferences in typing experience. While the Daybreak excels in providing a quiet and polished typing experience, the Ink Red stands out for its unique chirpy sound profile and silky feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on whether you prioritize a quieter typing experience with a refined feel or a more audibly interesting sound profile with a silky smooth feel. However, both switches offer high-quality performance, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of the choice made.

Conclusion

In summary, when choosing between the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, consider your typing style and environment. If you prefer a heftier typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a quieter operation, the Daybreak is the way to go. On the other hand, if you have a lighter typing style and enjoy a smoother, crispier sound profile with a medium bottom out force, the Ink Red is the better option. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what characteristics you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Daybreak Linear

$6.87

$5.41 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Red Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more