Durock Daybreak vs. Gateron Luciola
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the Gateron Luciola switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to explore are the Durock Daybreak and the Gateron Luciola, both linear switches. The Durock Daybreak offers a solid 67g actuation force, providing a weightier typing experience favored by those who appreciate a more substantial touch. With its quiet operation, it is a great choice for workspaces or areas where minimizing noise is important. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola stands out for its eye-catching feature of glowing in the dark. With a medium heft, smooth and bouncy typing feel, and a unique sound profile likened to a "can of spray paint being shaken," it offers a different tactile experience. The Daybreak is described as 'Polished', 'Muted', and 'Low-pitched', while the Luciola is categorized as 'Snappy', 'Clacky', 'Chirpy', 'Marbly', 'Buttery', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished'. Each switch has its own strengths and characteristics that cater to different preferences and needs. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Daybreak and the Gateron Luciola switches offer distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile and feel of the switches. The polycarbonate top housing of the Daybreak creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the proprietary INK blend top housing of the Luciola produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound. Both materials offer a clear and resonant sound, with the polycarbonate being stiffer and the INK blend providing a satisfying thin and clacky sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Daybreak features a nylon bottom housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Luciola also utilizes a proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing, resulting in a similar pointed and high-pitched sound profile as its top housing. Both bottom housings contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switch when pressed down, with the nylon offering a softer, fuller sound and the INK blend providing a more clacky feel.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the Daybreak and Luciola switches differ, they both play a crucial role in shaping the sound profile and feel of the switches. The qualities of each material are split between the top and bottom of the switch, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. Overall, the combination of these housing materials in both switches results in unique and distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences in sound and feel for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, it is clear that the Daybreak is the heavier option with a bottom out force of 67 grams, while the Luciola is lighter with a bottom out force of 60 grams. The actuation force of the Daybreak is not specified, while the Luciola has an actuation force of 55 grams. The Daybreak would provide a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force, ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the lighter bottom out force of the Luciola would be more suited for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of typing or gaming. Both switches offer different experiences based on their respective actuation and bottom out forces, catering to individual preferences for typing feel and keypress feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, we can see that the Daybreak has a travel distance of 3.8 mm while the Luciola has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Luciola has the shorter travel distance, making it slightly more responsive for users who prefer quicker key presses. On the other hand, the Daybreak offers a slightly longer travel distance, providing a bit more depth to each key press. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with the Luciola being the shorter option and the Daybreak offering a slightly longer travel distance.
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 Gateron Luciola has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Luciola for $6.50.
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, perfect for those who prefer a quieter and more bass-heavy sound profile. In contrast, the Gateron Luciola linear switch provides a clacky and chirpy sound with a marbly resonance, creating a unique and lively typing experience. Depending on personal preference, the Daybreak will offer a softer and quieter typing sound, while the Luciola will provide a sharper and more percussive sound.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Daybreak switch is described as polished, ensuring a smooth and refined keypress with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola switch offers a snappy and buttery typing feel, thanks to its super responsive and smooth keystroke experience. Both switches aim to provide a seamless and effortless typing sensation, with the Daybreak focusing on a polished finish and the Luciola emphasizing responsiveness and fluidity.
In conclusion, the Durock Daybreak linear switch is ideal for those seeking a heavier and quieter typing experience with a polished feel, while the Gateron Luciola linear switch is more suited for individuals who enjoy a bouncier and livelier typing sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. However, both switches offer high-quality performance and can deliver satisfying results based on the desired typing characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a heftier touch and a quieter operation, the Daybreak with its 67g bottom out force may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium heft with a smooth and bouncy typing feel, as well as an eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature, the Luciola with its 60g bottom out force could be more up your alley. Additionally, think about the sound profiles you prefer, as the Daybreak offers a muted and low-pitched sound, while the Luciola provides a clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched sound. Ultimately, your decision should align with your typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard.
Mentioned in this article
