Durock Daybreak vs. PH Studio Jacaranda
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the PH Studio Jacaranda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Daybreak and PH Studio Jacaranda mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique features catered to different preferences. The Daybreak, with its solid 67g actuation force, provides a hefty typing experience favored by those who enjoy a more significant touch. Its quiet operation and polished, muted, low-pitched sound profile make it ideal for workspaces or settings where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. On the other hand, the Jacaranda stands out with its gentle bottom-out of 43.5g, offering a fatigue-free typing experience. With a clacky, high-pitched, silky, and resonant sound profile, the Jacaranda produces crisp feedback with each press, thanks to its extended 22mm spring providing a bouncy sensation to each keystroke. 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
39g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
The Durock Daybreak and the PH Studio Jacaranda both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in housings results in a more clear and resonant sound due to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, while they both have nylon bottom housings, they differ in sound output. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings produces a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound.
While both switches share similarities in their polycarbonate top housings, the Durock Daybreak and the PH Studio Jacaranda demonstrate differences in their nylon bottom housings. The split qualities of the housing materials affect the overall sound profile and feel of the switches. The bottom housing material influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing material impacts the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their housing material composition.
In comparing the Durock Daybreak and the PH Studio Jacaranda, it is evident that the choice of housing materials significantly impacts the sound output and overall typing experience of each switch. The polycarbonate top housing of both switches creates a sharp and crisp sound profile, with a more resonant sound due to the stiffness of the plastic. Conversely, the nylon bottom housing of each switch provides a deeper and fuller sound, absorbing more sound and creating a duller tone. Ultimately, while there are similarities in the top housing material, the differences in the bottom housing material result in distinct typing experiences for each switch.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Daybreak and PH Studio Jacaranda linear switches, one noticeable difference is in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Daybreak has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the Jacaranda is lighter with a bottom out force of 45 grams. The actuation force of the Daybreak is not specified, while the Jacaranda has an actuation force of 39 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Jacaranda provides a more sensitive response, suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch, while the heavier bottom out force of the Daybreak offers a more substantial typing experience. Those looking for longer typing sessions may lean towards the lighter Jacaranda, while those seeking a more solid typing feel may prefer the heavier Daybreak. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Daybreak linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Jacaranda has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Daybreak. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for their faster response times. However, those who prefer a more substantial key press may find the Daybreak's longer travel distance more satisfying. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the feel of key presses.
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 PH Studio Jacaranda has an MSRP of $3.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jacaranda for $3.30.
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 offers a muted and low-pitched typing experience, making it ideal for quiet work environments. On the other hand, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch has a clacky, high-pitched, and resonant sound profile, providing a more tactile and audible feedback with each press. Depending on your preference for sound, the Daybreak offers a quieter typing experience while the Jacaranda delivers a more pronounced and lively auditory feedback.
Moving on to the feel, the Daybreak switch is known for its polished finish, ensuring a sleek and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Jacaranda switch offers a silky feel, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience that minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. If you prefer a smoother typing feel with minimal resistance, the Jacaranda switch would be the better choice, while the Daybreak switch caters to those who enjoy a polished and refined keystroke.
In conclusion, both the Durock Daybreak and PH Studio Jacaranda linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Daybreak switch provides a heavier actuation force with a muted, low-pitched sound and polished feel, making it suitable for those looking for a quieter, refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Jacaranda switch features a gentle bottom-out, clacky, high-pitched sound, and silky feel, catering to individuals seeking a more tactile and smooth typing experience with a lively audible feedback. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your preference for sound profile, typing feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you value a heavier actuation force and a quieter operation, the Daybreak may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch that minimizes fatigue and offers a unique bouncy sensation with every keystroke, the Jacaranda could be the perfect fit. Additionally, if you prefer a muted and low-pitched sound, the Daybreak is ideal, while the Jacaranda offers a clacky, high-pitched, and resonant sound profile. Lastly, if you enjoy a polished and refined typing feel, the Daybreak is the way to go, whereas silky switches provide an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance, a characteristic of the Jacaranda. Consider these factors carefully to choose the switch that best suits your typing preferences.
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