Durock Daybreak vs. Keygeek Keylin
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the Keygeek Keylin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect linear switch for your mechanical keyboard, the Durock Daybreak and Keygeek Keylin each offer compelling features tailored to different typing preferences. The Durock Daybreak switches, with their robust 67g actuation force, deliver a substantial typing experience that many users appreciate for its feedback and stability. Not only do they excel in providing a quiet operation—making them ideal for office environments—they are also categorized as polished, muted, and low-pitched, ensuring a refined acoustic profile. On the other hand, the Keygeek Keylin switches boast new molds that emphasize exceptional smoothness and rich acoustics, which can elevate the overall feel and satisfaction during use. While both switches are linear in nature, the Daybreak tends to cater to those who appreciate a more tactile sensation with minimal noise, while the Keylin is aimed at those seeking a premium, silky typing experience. 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
38g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
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
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Daybreak and the Keygeek Keylin, noticeable differences arise primarily in the top housing, while both switches feature nylon in the bottom housing. The Daybreak utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic stems from the properties of polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that allows sound to resonate more clearly. In addition to its sonic advantages, polycarbonate's translucency enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switch, particularly for setups that utilize RGB lighting, resulting in vibrant and dynamic visual effects.
In contrast, the Keygeek Keylin opts for a nylon top housing, which significantly alters the auditory experience. Nylon, being a softer material, generates a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it absorbs more sound compared to the harder polycarbonate. This absorption leads to a duller and rounder auditory experience, moving away from the crispy notes provided by polycarbonate. As both switches use nylon for their bottom housings, the characteristics tied to this material create a degree of similarity in the overall sound profile of each switch when the key is bottomed out, focusing on the rich and muted qualities that nylon imparts.
Ultimately, the differences in sound resulting from the top housing materials may influence users' preferences based on their desired typing experience. While the Daybreak delivers a bright and clear sound due to its polycarbonate structure, the Keylin's nylon top housing invites a more mellow and subdued sound. However, with both switches employing nylon in their bottom housings, they share common ground in delivering a deeper and fuller sound effect, particularly during the bottom-out. This combination of materials allows for a range of auditory profiles, with each switch appealing to different user preferences while still achieving similar rich results from the bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Daybreak linear switch to the Keygeek Keylin linear switch, significant differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Daybreak's actuation force is unspecified, but it features a bottom out force of 67 grams, indicating a medium-heavy typing experience. In contrast, the Keylin has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams, along with a bottom out force of 48 grams, which is considered light. This means that the Daybreak is geared towards users who prefer a more substantial feel under their fingers, making it suitable for those who enjoy a heavier typing experience. On the other hand, the Keylin presents itself as a more approachable option for prolonged typing sessions, appealing to those who favor a lighter touch. Overall, users seeking a heavier switch for a robust typing feedback may gravitate toward the Daybreak, while those looking for a comfortable, less strenuous experience might find the Keylin more appealing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Daybreak and the Keygeek Keylin linear switches, the Daybreak offers a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Keylin measures slightly shorter at 3.6 mm. This difference indicates that if you opt for the Daybreak switch, you will experience a more pronounced key press due to its greater depth, which may appeal to users who favor a more tactile and hearty feel. In contrast, the Keylin, with its shorter travel distance, may cater to those seeking quicker response times, which can be advantageous for gaming and fast-paced typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference: those who prefer a more substantial reach might gravitate towards the Durock Daybreak, while users wanting a snappier key actuation will likely prefer the Keygeek Keylin.
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 Keygeek Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin for $3.29.
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 notable for its muted and low-pitched sound profile, making it an excellent option for environments where noise control is crucial. With the aim of minimizing the characteristic "clack" often associated with mechanical keyboards, the Daybreak offers a softer and quieter acoustic experience, empowering users to type with less auditory distraction. This low-pitched emphasis further adds a calming presence to the sound, which can be beneficial in professional or shared spaces. In contrast, the Keygeek Keylin linear switch's sound characteristics are presently unknown, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons regarding the auditory experience. However, one might expect that depending on the build quality and materials used, the Keylin could offer its own unique sound profile, potentially enhancing or complementing the typing experience.
As for the feel, the Durock Daybreak is characterized by a polished finish, resulting in an exceptionally smooth typing experience. The engineering behind these switches has been refined to ensure reduced friction during keystrokes, enhancing overall responsiveness and providing a satisfying tactile feedback with every press. This attention to detail in the switch’s construction speaks to its quality and user-centric design. Information on the feel of the Keylin linear switch is currently unavailable, leaving an incomplete picture. However, should they also feature high-quality manufacturing and design considerations, users could potentially experience a similarly refined typing sensation, albeit through a different tactile character.
In summary, the Durock Daybreak linear switch stands out for its heavier actuation force, muted and low-pitched sound, and polished feel, making it suitable for quiet work environments and providing a fluid typing experience. The Keygeek Keylin linear switch, while still offering the promise of a premium experience, remains less defined without additional details on its sound and feel characteristics. Ultimately, if users prioritize noise reduction and smooth feedback, both switches could lead to favorable outcomes, though the Daybreak appears to have more clearly defined qualities to offer, especially in terms of sound and tactile experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you prefer a more substantial typing experience with a heavier actuation force and appreciate the quieter, muted acoustics of the Daybreak, then this switch is likely the better fit for you. It’s particularly well-suited for those working in shared spaces or for anyone looking for a switch that minimizes noise without sacrificing feel, thanks to its polished finish. On the other hand, if you’re seeking a lighter touch with a smoother action, the Keylin might be more appealing. Its lower bottom out force allows for quicker key presses, making it ideal for fast typists or gamers who require rapid response times, while also providing rich acoustics that enhance the overall typing experience. In summary, consider the Daybreak for a more robust, quiet setup and the Keylin for lightweight, smooth performance that feels equally premium.
Mentioned in this article
