Durock Daybreak vs. Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade)
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Daybreak and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) offer distinct experiences for users. The Daybreak is a linear switch, known for its solid 67g actuation force which provides a hefty typing experience while remaining quiet, making it suitable for noise-sensitive workspaces. On the other hand, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) is a tactile switch that stands out for its sharp tactile feel and unique blend of PBT top and bottom housing, offering a premium typing experience with strong downstroke and upstroke bumps. While the Daybreak is categorized as 'Polished', 'Muted', 'Low-pitched', the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) is categorized as 'Accented', 'Resonant', 'Sharp'. Both switches have their strengths and appeal to different preferences, 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
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
PBT
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the Durock Daybreak and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade), it is clear that one key difference lies in their housing materials. The Daybreak utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) features a PBT top housing that offers a more neutral sound profile. While polycarbonate is praised for its translucency and ability to enhance RGB lighting, PBT is described as providing a sound that is neither crisp nor dull.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Daybreak's nylon material is celebrated for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. This results in a switch that has a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) also utilizes a PBT bottom housing, which similarly offers a neutral sound profile like its top housing counterpart. The impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel is emphasized in both switches, showcasing the importance of both housing materials in determining the overall sound profile of the switch.
Overall, while the Durock Daybreak and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) may have different housing materials for their top and bottom, both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in defining the sound profile. The Daybreak's polycarbonate top housing provides a crisper sound, while the nylon bottom housing offers a deeper tone. In contrast, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has a more consistent sound profile with both PBT top and bottom housings providing a neutral tone. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to individual preference in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, we can see some differences between the two. The Daybreak linear switch has an actuation force of None grams, which means it does not require a specific force to trigger a keystroke, while the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch has an actuation force of 50 grams, providing a slightly lighter touch. Both switches share a bottom out force of 67 grams, which falls into the medium-heavy category. The Daybreak switch offers a consistent typing experience without the need for a specific actuation force, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switch provides a tactile bump at 50 grams of force, giving users a more pronounced feedback while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with the Daybreak offering a lighter feel and the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) providing a tactile experience with a slightly heavier actuation force.
Travel distance
The Durock Daybreak linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, which is slightly shorter than the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. In the world of mechanical keyboards, even small variances like this can make a noticeable difference in typing feel and performance. Gamers looking for quick response times might lean towards the Daybreak with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may prefer the Moyu Black. Both switches offer a different typing experience, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
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 Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has an MSRP of $12.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) for $7.59.
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, perfect for those looking to keep noise levels down while typing. On the other hand, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch provides a resonant and clean sound profile, with a sharp and immersive auditory experience. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience, depending on personal preference, keycaps, and keyboard setup.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Daybreak switch is noted for its polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and seamless key travel. Meanwhile, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switch is described as accented and sharp, providing a medium tactile feedback that is strong and crisp with each keypress. Both switches offer distinct feel qualities that cater to different preferences in terms of tactility and keypress feedback.
Overall, the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch offer unique characteristics in sound and feel that can greatly enhance the typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Whether you prefer a quieter typing experience with a heavier touch or a more tactile and sharp feedback, both switches provide high-quality options for different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering whether to choose the Durock Daybreak linear switch or the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a quieter typing experience with a medium-heavy touch, the Daybreak switches may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more pronounced tactile feel with a sharp and punchy response, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches with their unique PBT housing and hypertactile sensation could be the perfect fit. Whether you prefer a polished and muted switch or an accented and resonant one, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different typing preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for your typing needs.
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