Durock Daybreak vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Durock Daybreak and the Gateron Mountain Top mechanical keyboard switches, it's essential to consider your typing preferences and work environment. The Daybreak offers a heftier typing experience with its 67g actuation force, making it ideal for those who prefer a more significant touch. Additionally, its quiet operation makes it suitable for workspaces where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. On the other hand, the Mountain Top switch from Gateron is designed for office environments, offering a quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience. With a comfortably light actuation and a focus on discretion, these switches are perfect for professional settings. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Daybreak and Gateron Mountain Top switches both offer different housing materials for their top and bottom components. The Daybreak features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness, while the Mountain Top uses a nylon top housing for a deeper and fuller sound. On the other hand, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound profile. Despite their differences in top housing materials, both switches provide a unique typing experience with a combination of sharp and deep sound profiles.
In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Daybreak allows for a translucent design, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting. This feature adds a visually appealing element to the switch, enhancing the overall look of the keyboard. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Mountain Top provides a more classic and understated appearance, prioritizing sound quality over visual effects. Both housing materials offer distinct advantages, catering to different preferences in terms of both sound and style.
When comparing the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall typing experience, it becomes clear that each material contributes to a specific aspect of the sound profile. The bottom housing plays a major role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. By incorporating different materials for the top and bottom housings, both the Durock Daybreak and Gateron Mountain Top switches offer a versatile typing experience with a balance of sharp and deep sound profiles.
Weight
In comparing the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, it is evident that there are significant differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Daybreak switch has an actuation force of None grams, making it a lighter option in terms of triggering keystrokes, while its bottom out force of 67 grams provides a medium-heavy feel when fully pressing down. On the other hand, the Mountain Top switch requires a 40-gram actuation force and has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Mountain Top switch a lighter option overall, offering a smoother and easier typing experience compared to the Daybreak. Therefore, those who prefer a lighter touch would likely lean towards the Gateron Mountain Top switch, while individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Durock Daybreak switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Durock Daybreak linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Daybreak has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Mountain Top. In general, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying tactile feel. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, so you can expect similar results in terms of keypress responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your personal preference for travel distance and how it affects your typing or gaming experience.
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 Mountain Top comes in at $6.00 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 switch is known for its muted and low-pitched characteristics, providing a softer and quieter typing experience compared to regular switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, suitable for various environments and user preferences. Both switches aim to maintain a level of discretion in their sound output, with the Daybreak offering a more mellow tone and the Mountain Top providing a moderate sound that is versatile for different users.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Daybreak switch is noted for its polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Gateron Mountain Top switch offers a bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle typing feel. These characteristics create a typing experience that is responsive, comfortable, and versatile for extended use in various settings. Both switches prioritize key feedback and comfort, albeit through different tactile attributes.
In conclusion, the Durock Daybreak and Gateron Mountain Top switches each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Daybreak provides a heavier actuation force with a more muted and low-pitched sound profile, while offering a polished and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Mountain Top switch caters to a lighter actuation force with a neutral sound and a bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound, typing experience, and intended use, both switches offer quality options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch, albeit with slightly different characteristics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a heavier touch with a quieter operation, the Durock Daybreak switch with its 67g bottom out force may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a light and subtle typing experience, the Gateron Mountain Top switch with its 50g bottom out force would likely suit your preferences better. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal typing style and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. Whether you prefer a polished and heavier feel or a bouncy and light touch, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. Choose wisely based on what matters most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
