Durock Daybreak vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Daybreak and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Daybreak is known for its sturdy 67g weight, providing a substantial typing experience favored by those who prefer a heavier touch. In addition, its quiet operation makes it ideal for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 stands out for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, offering a different typing experience that some users may find more satisfying. Both switches have their own distinct qualities - the Daybreak being described as 'Polished', 'Muted', 'Low-pitched', while the Lightning Silver V3 is characterized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Silky'. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Although both the Durock Daybreak and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 feature polycarbonate top housings, they differ in their bottom housing materials. The Daybreak utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This contrasts with the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The choice of bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience and sound of a mechanical keyboard.
In terms of aesthetics, both switches benefit from the translucency of polycarbonate, making them ideal choices for those looking to incorporate RGB lighting into their setup. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for a clearer and more resonant sound profile in both the Daybreak and the Lightning Silver V3. However, the different bottom housing materials introduce variations in sound quality when typing on these switches. While the Daybreak offers a duller and rounder sound with its nylon bottom housing, the Lightning Silver V3 delivers a crisper and sharper typing experience with its polycarbonate bottom housing.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Daybreak and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and typing feel. The combination of different housing materials in each switch provides a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences. Whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound profile with the Daybreak's nylon bottom housing or a sharper and crisper sound with the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing, both switches offer top-tier performance with their polycarbonate top housings for a clear and resonant sound profile.
Weight
The Durock Daybreak linear switch has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it slightly heavier compared to the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, which has a bottom out force of 60 grams. On the other hand, the actuation force of the Lightning Silver V3 is 48 grams, while the actuation force of the Daybreak is not specified. This means that the Everglide switch requires a lighter touch to register a keystroke compared to the Daybreak switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 would be the better choice, allowing for longer typing or gaming sessions with less fatigue. However, for those who prefer a more substantial typing feel, the Durock Daybreak may be the preferred option despite its slightly heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Durock Daybreak linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of modern shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers seeking faster response times. The Daybreak switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a deeper keypress feel. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 switch provides a slightly shorter travel distance for a more immediate and responsive keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for keypress depth and feel.
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 Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 for $4.10.
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
In terms of sound, the Durock Daybreak linear switch offers a muted and low-pitched sound profile, providing a softer and quieter typing experience compared to more traditional switches. This makes them ideal for environments where noise reduction is a priority. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, delivering a sharp and crisp typing sound that is bright and percussive. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the more subdued sound of the Daybreak or the lively sound of the Lightning Silver V3.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Daybreak switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. This results in a sleek and comfortable feel while typing. In contrast, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch is described as silky, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches prioritize smoothness in typing, offering users a satisfying tactile feel with every keystroke.
Overall, when comparing the subjective qualities of the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, it's important to consider the individual preferences of the user. The Daybreak excels in delivering a quiet and low-pitched sound with a polished typing feel, while the Lightning Silver V3 offers a clacky, high-pitched sound and a silky smooth typing experience. Depending on whether you prioritize noise level, sound profile, or typing feel, both switches provide excellent options for different preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for in your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a heavier actuation force and a quiet, muted sound profile, the Daybreak may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force, a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, and a silky smooth typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 could be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what feels most comfortable and satisfying to you when typing, whether it's the polished feel of the Daybreak or the silky smoothness of the Lightning Silver V3.
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