Durock Daybreak vs. Bsun Kiki Red
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the Bsun Kiki Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Daybreak and the Bsun Kiki Red mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes apparent that each offers a unique typing experience tailored to different preferences. The Daybreak stands out for its solid 67g actuation force, providing a hefty touch yet maintaining a quiet operation, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the Kiki Red offers a finely-tuned typing experience with a comfortably high-pitched, clacky nuance and all-POM housings for a unique sound signature. While both switches excel in their respective ways, the Daybreak leans towards a heavier touch while the Kiki Red offers a smoother actuation with medium-light weighting. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
20.4mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Housing materials
The Durock Daybreak and the Bsun Kiki Red both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Daybreak features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer plastic that creates a sharp, high-pitched sound profile with clear resonance. On the other hand, the Kiki Red comes with a POM top housing that produces a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials have their own distinct qualities, the Daybreak's polycarbonate allows for a brighter and crisper sound compared to the Kiki Red's POM which results in a deeper tone.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, the Daybreak utilizes a nylon housing that enhances the sound profile by offering a deeper and fuller typing experience. The nylon material absorbs more sound due to its softer nature, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Kiki Red's POM bottom housing contributes to its unique sound profile with a deeper and more muted tone. Although both switches have different bottom housing materials, they both aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with their distinct sound profiles.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Daybreak and the Bsun Kiki Red ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The Daybreak with its polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound, while the Kiki Red with its POM top housing provides a deeper and more muted sound. Similarly, both switches utilize bottom housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles, ensuring a unique typing experience for users. Whether you prefer a brighter, sharper sound or a deeper, more muted tone, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, we can see some distinct differences. The Daybreak has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the Kiki Red comes in lighter with a bottom out force of 50 grams. The actuation force for the Daybreak is not specified, while the Kiki Red has an actuation force of 42 grams. This means that the Kiki Red requires a lighter touch to trigger a keystroke compared to the Daybreak. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Kiki Red, as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Daybreak may be preferred by users who enjoy a more substantial typing feel with its heavier bottom out force. In this case, the choice between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference for typing feedback and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Durock Daybreak linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall in the shorter travel distance category, making them ideal for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. Despite the slight difference in travel distance, both switches offer similar levels of responsiveness. The Daybreak being slightly longer may provide a slightly deeper feel when pressed compared to the Kiki Red. Overall, both switches are great options for those looking for a shorter travel distance for their typing or gaming needs.
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 Kiki Red has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Kiki Red for $3.83.
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 offers a muted and low-pitched sound profile, creating a softer and more bass-heavy typing experience compared to other switches. This makes it a great choice for those looking to minimize noise while still enjoying a substantial feel during typing. On the other hand, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch is known for its clacky sound, providing a sharp and snappy auditory feedback that adds a crisp and bright element to typing. Both switches excel in providing unique auditory experiences, catering to different preferences in sound output.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Daybreak is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and seamless key travel. This polished feel enhances the overall typing performance for users who appreciate a sleek and effortless keypress. Conversely, the Kiki Red switch is described as creamy, silky, frictionless, snappy, and easy-to-press, providing a buttery smooth sensation with minimal resistance, effortless key travel, and gentle actuation force. These qualities combine to offer a delightful tactile experience that prioritizes smoothness, responsiveness, and comfort during extended typing sessions.
In conclusion, the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of both sound and feel. While the Daybreak excels in providing a quieter and heavier typing experience with a polished feel, the Kiki Red stands out for its clacky sound and creamy, slick, and responsive tactile feedback. Depending on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing style, users can choose between these switches to achieve similar results in exceptional performance tailored to their unique preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Durock Daybreak linear switch or the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a heavier actuation force and a quieter typing experience, the Daybreak may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a lighter actuation force and appreciate a more nuanced sound profile with a smooth and buttery feel, the Kiki Red could be the ideal choice. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's essential to consider what you value most in your keyboard switches before making a decision. Ultimately, the right switch for you will depend on your individual preferences and requirements for your typing experience.
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