Durock Daybreak vs. Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Daybreak and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) mechanical keyboard switches, it is apparent that both offer unique features to appeal to different preferences. The Daybreak is a linear switch with a solid 67g weight, providing a heftier typing experience while maintaining quiet operation, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is also a linear switch known for its smooth and affordable typing experience, offering a buttery smooth keystroke paired with a low-pitched "thock" sound. With the Daybreak being categorized as 'Polished', 'Muted', 'Low-pitched' and the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) categorized as 'Buttery', 'Bassy', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', both switches cater to different preferences in typing feel and sound. Ultimately, 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
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
52g
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Daybreak and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) differ slightly in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Daybreak utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and ability to produce a sharp, high-pitched, and resonant sound. In contrast, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) features a nylon top housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. While both materials have their own unique sound characteristics, the polycarbonate in the Daybreak emphasizes clarity and brightness, while the nylon in the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) provides a more mellow and round sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Daybreak and the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) utilize nylon, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. This similarity in bottom housing material results in a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel across both switches. However, the differences in their top housings, with the Daybreak using polycarbonate and the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) using nylon, will impact the overall sound profile when typing on the switches. While the bottom housing contributes more to the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing has a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Daybreak and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) will come down to personal preference in sound characteristics. The Daybreak's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound, ideal for those who prefer a brighter sound profile. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3)'s nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, appealing to those who prefer a more mellow sound. While both switches have nylon bottom housings for a consistent typing experience, the differences in their top housings highlight the importance of housing materials in determining the overall sound profile of a switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, it is evident that there are significant differences between the two. The Durock Daybreak has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch, while the actuation force is not specified. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, categorizing it as a medium-light switch. The Daybreak is heavier in terms of bottom out force compared to the Milky Red Pro (KS-3), which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) offers a lighter actuation force, which may be preferred by those who type for extended periods or engage in lengthy gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and desired weight of key presses.
Travel distance
The Durock Daybreak linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Daybreak may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the slightly longer travel distance of the Milky Red Pro may provide a more substantial and satisfying feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience. Both switches offer a different typing experience, so it's important to consider which travel distance suits your typing style best.
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 Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.61 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) for $2.30.
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 switch offers a muted and low-pitched typing experience, minimizing noise and providing a bass-heavy tone for a quieter overall sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch is characterized by a thocky and low-pitched sound, offering a deep and satisfying "thock" with each key press. Both switches provide a pleasing auditory experience, with the Daybreak leaning towards a quieter operation and the Milky Red Pro delivering a more bass-rich sound.
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 contrast, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch is described as buttery, offering a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable and smooth typing feel, with the Daybreak focusing on a polished finish for refined typing and the Milky Red Pro emphasizing a buttery smooth keystroke for effortless typing.
In conclusion, both the Durock Daybreak and Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Daybreak excels in providing a heavy and quiet typing experience with a polished feel, while the Milky Red Pro delivers a smooth and affordable typing experience with a buttery sensation. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer excellent options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking a high-quality typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two will come down to individual preferences for sound, feel, and budget considerations.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a heavier touch and a quieter operation, the Durock Daybreak may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and more budget-friendly option with a lighter touch, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) could be the better fit. Both switches offer unique sound profiles, with the Daybreak being more muted and low-pitched, while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) provides a bassier and thocky sound. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preference in typing feel, sound, and budget.
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