Durock Daybreak vs. Bsun Jade Rosales
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the Bsun Jade Rosales switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice can significantly affect your typing experience, and two noteworthy options are the Durock Daybreak and the Bsun Jade Rosales, both of which are linear switches. The Durock Daybreak switches feature a robust 67g actuation force, offering a satisfying heft that many typists appreciate for its solid feel. Their muted operation makes them particularly appealing for professionals in shared workspaces who seek a balance between performance and quietness, as their polished and low-pitched sound profile adds an element of sophistication. In contrast, the Bsun Jade Rosales switches stand out due to their meticulous design process, which involved a year of refinements to their custom housings, stems, and lubrication techniques. This attention to detail results in an exceptionally smooth and fluid typing experience, ideal for those who prioritize comfort during long typing sessions. While both switches are excellent choices for linear enthusiasts, each offers distinct advantages that cater to different preferences and environments. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
Y3X
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Custom Milky Material
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
20.5mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Housing materials
The Durock Daybreak and the Bsun Jade Rosales keyboards share a commonality in the use of polycarbonate for their top housing materials, which significantly influences their acoustic properties and aesthetic qualities. Both keyboards produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, allowing for a clear and resonant sound when pressed. This material's translucency further enhances the visual appeal, particularly for users who desire vibrant RGB lighting effects. As a result, both switches provide a similar audio experience when it comes to the sounds generated upon key release, primarily due to their identical top housing materials.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials between the two switches diverge significantly. The Daybreak employs a nylon bottom housing, known for its ability to absorb sound effectively, creating a deeper and fuller tone during typist interactions. This results in a softer bottom-out sound that contrasts with the crisper sound from the polycarbonate top. On the other hand, the Jade Rosales features a Custom Milky Material bottom housing, a proprietary blend from Bsun designed to give its own unique acoustic properties. This divergence in materials suggests that while the top sound profiles may be similar, the bottom-out sound and overall typing feel would differ, with the Daybreak likely producing a more muted sound and the Jade Rosales cultivating a distinctive auditory experience.
These differences underscore the importance of material choice in switch design, impacting not only the sound but also the tactile sensations experienced by users. With the Daybreak’s nylon bottom housing contributing a fullness and warmth to the overall keypress feedback, users may find it more suitable for long typing sessions where a softer sound is preferred. In contrast, the Jade Rosales's proprietary material may lend itself to a unique sound profile that could offer a different tactile feedback during use. Consequently, these variations highlight how the combination of top and bottom housing materials influences both the auditory experience and the overall satisfaction of the keyboard user, creating distinct preferences based on individual needs and wants in a mechanical keyboard.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch, there’s a notable difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Daybreak switch has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 67 grams, indicating a medium-heavy feel when fully pressed down. In contrast, the Jade Rosales features a lower actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, which is categorized as medium-light. This means the Jade Rosales is the lighter option, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons, as it requires less effort to actuate. On the other hand, the Daybreak's heavier bottom out force provides a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a stronger tactile feedback when bottoming out. Overall, the differences suggest that users may achieve similar typing experiences in terms of engagement but will feel the varying weights significantly during use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch, they differ in their specifications. The Daybreak has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Jade Rosales features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that if you prefer a more responsive experience, the Jade Rosales would be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, which allows for quicker key presses—ideal for gaming scenarios. Conversely, if you favor a more substantial feel and deeper engagement when typing, the Daybreak's longer 3.8 mm travel distance would be preferable, providing that hearty depth that some users appreciate. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference for responsiveness versus depth in 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 Bsun Jade Rosales has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jade Rosales for $5.39.
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 linear switch is characterized by a muted and low-pitched sound profile, which allows for a discreet typing experience. This makes it an ideal choice for environments where reducing noise is paramount, such as offices or shared workspaces. The quieter operation of the Daybreak switch creates a pleasant ambiance while maintaining the mechanical tactile feel that enthusiasts enjoy. In contrast, the sound characteristics of the BSUN Jade Rosales switches remain unspecified, making it difficult to make a direct comparison. However, it’s important to note that sound is influenced not only by the switch itself but also by the keyboard build, plate material, and keycap selection.
When discussing feel, the Daybreak switch shines with its polished finish, delivering a sleek and smooth typing experience. This smooth key travel is attributed to the materials used and factory lubrication, significantly reducing friction during use and enhancing overall comfort. On the other hand, there is no information available on the feel of the Jade Rosales switches, rendering it impossible to compare their tactile feedback or friction levels directly. However, it's worth noting that both switches fall under the linear category, implying a similar absence of tactile bump, which typically favors an uninterrupted key press.
In summary, while the Durock Daybreak offers a well-defined sound profile and a refined feel, the BSUN Jade Rosales lacks concrete details in these categories. The Daybreak's muted sounds and polished operation provide an excellent choice for those seeking a quieter and smoother typing experience. Without specific characteristics for the Jade Rosales switches, it remains unclear if they offer advantages in sound or feel. Nonetheless, both switches promise a linear typing experience that caters to users who prefer a seamless keypress, ensuring that enthusiasts will still find satisfaction regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
To wrap up, choosing between the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the BSUN Jade Rosales linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a more substantial typing experience with a heavier actuation force, the Daybreak switches provide a nice balance of firmness and quiet operation, making them a great option for work environments or places where you want to minimize noise. Their polished feel ensures a smooth and refined typing experience, perfect for those who enjoy the tactile feedback of a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, if you lean toward a lighter touch and are seeking an exceptionally smooth typing experience, the Jade Rosales might be the right choice for you. With a lower bottom out force, these switches require less effort to actuate, allowing for rapid key presses that can feel effortless. Ultimately, your choice should reflect what feels best for you in terms of sound, feel, and the overall typing experience you desire.