Durock Daybreak vs. SP-Star Meteor White
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the SP-Star Meteor White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Daybreak and the SP-Star Meteor White mechanical keyboard switches, we see two excellent options for different preferences. The Daybreak offers a solid 67g actuation force, providing a heftier typing experience ideal for those who prefer a more significant touch. Additionally, its quiet operation makes it perfect for environments where noise reduction is crucial. On the other hand, the Meteor White switch is known for its gentle linear feel, easy to push and with a gentle, pitter-patter sound profile. Both switches offer unique characteristics, with the Daybreak being categorized as 'Polished', 'Muted', and 'Low-pitched', while the Meteor White is labeled as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished'. When considering which switch to choose, it ultimately depends on individual preferences and typing habits. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
57g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Durock Daybreak employs a polycarbonate top housing, which has gained popularity for its ability to produce sharp, crisp, and high-pitched sound profiles. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which results in a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the SP-Star Meteor White features a nylon top housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows for more sound absorption, resulting in a rounder and duller sound compared to polycarbonate. Despite their differences, both materials have their own unique advantages in enhancing the overall sound quality of the switches.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Daybreak and Meteor White utilize nylon for this component. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for its ability to bring depth and fullness to the sound profile. The softer properties of nylon absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While the bottom housing may not have as significant of an impact on the overall sound quality as the top housing, it still plays a crucial role in enhancing the typing experience for users of both switches.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in switches such as the Durock Daybreak and SP-Star Meteor White can greatly influence the sound and feel of typing. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Daybreak creates a sharper sound profile, while the nylon top housing of the Meteor White produces a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches feature nylon bottom housings, contributing to a more absorbent sound profile. Ultimately, the differences in housing materials showcase the diversity in options available to keyboard enthusiasts seeking a unique typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, it is evident that they have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Daybreak has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is medium-heavy, while the Meteor White has a bottom out force of 57 grams, which is medium-light. Both switches have an unknown actuation force, but it is clear that the Daybreak requires a stronger push to bottom out compared to the Meteor White. This makes the Daybreak the heavier of the two switches, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Meteor White is lighter, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Daybreak linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Meteor White switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Daybreak switch. The Daybreak switch falls into the category of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for quicker response times. On the other hand, the Meteor White switch with a longer travel distance may provide a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference based on whether you prefer a shorter, more responsive feel or a longer, more deliberate press. Both switches offer smooth linear action, so regardless of which one you choose, you can expect similar performance in that aspect.
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 SP-Star Meteor White has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor White for $5.00.
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 typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a quieter keyboard. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch provides a neutral and thocky sound profile, giving users a deep and rich typing sound. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Daybreak being more muted and low-pitched while the Meteor White is neutral and thocky.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Daybreak switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In comparison, the SP-Star Meteor White switch offers a mild and polished feel, giving users a gentle typing experience with a safe middle-ground zone of qualities. Both switches excel in providing a polished typing feel, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience for users.
In conclusion, the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Daybreak provides a heavier typing experience with muted and low-pitched sound, along with a polished feel for reduced friction. On the other hand, the Meteor White offers a softer and gentler typing experience with a neutral and thocky sound profile, complemented by a mild and polished feel. Depending on individual preferences for typing experience and sound profile, both switches provide excellent options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking a specific typing feel and sound. Ultimately, users can expect similar results in typing experience and sound profile with both switches, as they aim to cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a heavier touch and want a quieter operation, the Daybreak with its 67g bottom out force might be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a more subdued sound profile, the Meteor White with its 57g bottom out force could be the ideal option. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference in terms of actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel. So, choose the switch that aligns with your typing style and preferences for the best mechanical keyboard experience.
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