Durock Daybreak vs. Outemu Lime
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the Outemu Lime switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Daybreak linear switch to the Outemu Lime tactile switch, it becomes evident that both offer distinct qualities catering to different preferences. The Daybreak is praised for its solid 67g weight, providing a hefty typing experience while remaining quiet, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the Lime stands out for its lightweight design, approachable tactility, and silent operation, appealing to tactile fans seeking a feathery light typing feel. While the Daybreak is categorized as 'Polished', 'Muted', and 'Low-pitched', the Lime falls under 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Muted', 'Feathery', 'Subtle', and 'Polished'. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Daybreak and the Outemu Lime switches offer unique characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile and feel of the switches. The Daybreak features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. In contrast, the Lime's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone. While the Daybreak's nylon bottom housing provides a similar deep and full sound profile as the Lime's nylon top housing, the impact of each housing material is felt differently depending on whether you are pressing down or letting go of a key.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both the Durock Daybreak and the Outemu Lime switches offer quality sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The polycarbonate top housing of the Daybreak gives it a clear and resonant sound ideal for those seeking a sharper tone, while the nylon top housing of the Lime appeals to those looking for a deeper and fuller sound experience. Similarly, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, offering a consistent approach to creating a duller and rounder sound upon bottoming out the keys. Overall, whether you prefer the sharpness of polycarbonate or the depth of nylon, both switches deliver satisfying sound profiles based on their housing materials.
In terms of aesthetics and functionality, the choice between the Durock Daybreak and the Outemu Lime hinges on personal preferences for sound profiles and design elements. The translucency of polycarbonate in the Daybreak's top housing allows for compatibility with RGB lighting, offering a visually appealing option for users interested in customizable lighting effects. On the other hand, the classic nylon housing of the Lime provides a traditional look and feel, maintaining a focus on delivering a deep and full sound experience. While the bottom housings of both switches share similar characteristics due to their nylon composition, the different top housings offer distinct sound profiles that cater to varying tastes in mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, it is clear that they offer different typing experiences. The Daybreak has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the Lime has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams. The actuation force of the Lime is also lighter at 35 grams compared to the Daybreak's None grams, providing a more responsive typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Lime switch, as it allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. In contrast, the heavier actuation and bottom out force of the Daybreak may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing feel. Both switches provide unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, ultimately offering a customized typing experience based on individual needs.
Travel distance
The Durock Daybreak linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Lime tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Lime has a shorter travel distance compared to the Daybreak. The Daybreak provides a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial keypress feel. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Lime may be preferable for those seeking a quicker response time, particularly gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for keypress feel and responsiveness.
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 Outemu Lime comes in at $3.40 per 10 switches.
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, creating a softer and quieter sound that is ideal for shared or noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime tactile switch provides a neutral and muted sound profile, offering a moderate level of noise that is suitable for various settings. Both switches aim to minimize the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards, providing a more pleasant typing experience overall.
In terms of feel, the Durock Daybreak switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In comparison, the Outemu Lime switch provides a mild, feathery, and subtle feel that is gentle on the fingers and reduces fatigue during extended typing sessions. Both switches offer a comfortable and approachable typing experience, catering to the preferences of users who enjoy different levels of tactility and keypress resistance.
Overall, the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Daybreak switch provides a heavier actuation force and a quieter, polished typing experience, the Lime switch offers a lightweight, tactile feel with approachable tactility. Depending on personal preferences and typing habits, users can choose between these switches to achieve the desired typing experience whether they prefer a quieter, heavier feel or a lighter, more tactile one. Ultimately, both switches aim to enhance the overall typing experience with their unique qualities, ensuring satisfaction for users seeking different attributes in their mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Durock Daybreak linear switch or the Outemu Lime tactile switch, you should take into account your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a heavier touch with a quieter operation, then the Daybreak switches with their 67g actuation force would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light and tactile typing experience that is both quiet and feather-light, then the Lime switches with their 45g bottom out force would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose wisely based on what feels best for you.
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