Durock Daybreak vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Daybreak and Cherry MX Black mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique features to cater to different preferences. The Durock Daybreak is praised for its solid 67g actuation force, providing a hefty typing experience that is quiet and suitable for noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black stands out for its classic textured smoothness achieved through Cherry's Hyperglide tooling, offering a familiar deep sound profile while typing. The Daybreak switch is categorized as 'Polished', 'Muted', 'Low-pitched', while the MX Black switch is categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Textured', 'Stiff'. Each switch has its own strengths that may appeal to different users based on their typing 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
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Daybreak and the Cherry MX Black, it is clear that they both utilize nylon as their bottom housing material. This means that typing on switches from both keyboards will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. However, the Daybreak's top housing is made from polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the MX Black's nylon top housing. The Daybreak's polycarbonate top housing is also translucent, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting, while the MX Black's nylon top housing lacks this feature.
On the other hand, both the Daybreak and the MX Black feature nylon bottom housings, which absorb more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. This means that the typing experience on both keyboards will have a similar feel and sound when it comes to the bottom housing. However, the Daybreak's polycarbonate top housing will contribute to a different sound profile when compared to the MX Black's nylon top housing. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate leads to a more clear and resonant sound, while the softer nylon absorbs more sound.
Overall, while the bottom housing material remains the same for both the Durock Daybreak and the Cherry MX Black, the difference in their top housing materials significantly impacts the sound profile of each keyboard. The polycarbonate top housing of the Daybreak creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the nylon top housing of the MX Black produces a deeper and fuller sound. This variance in top housing material highlights how different plastics can affect the overall typing experience and sound output of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, it is clear that the Daybreak is lighter in terms of actuation force, as it requires None grams compared to the MX Black's 60 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Daybreak is heavier at 67 grams compared to the MX Black's 80 grams. This means that while the Daybreak may offer a lighter initial press for typing, it will require more force to fully press the key down. In contrast, the MX Black provides a heavier initial press but also requires more force to bottom out. Overall, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for typing experience, with the Daybreak leaning towards a lighter touch and the MX Black offering a more substantial feel.
Travel distance
The Durock Daybreak linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8mm, while the Cherry MX Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4mm. In this case, the Cherry MX Black has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Durock Daybreak. A difference of 0.2mm may not seem significant, but it can impact the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. Players who prefer faster response times may opt for the Daybreak with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a deeper keystroke experience may lean towards the MX Black. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, so users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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
In terms of sound, the Durock Daybreak switch offers a muted and low-pitched typing experience, providing a softer and quieter sound compared to other switches. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black switch also produces a low-pitched sound, contributing to a bass-heavy and mellow tone while typing. Both switches offer a pleasant auditory feedback that can enhance the typing experience, with the Daybreak being particularly suitable for quiet work environments.
Regarding feel, the Durock Daybreak switch is known for its polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black switch is described as textured and stiff, offering noticeable friction when pressed and requiring a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out. This difference in feel can cater to different preferences, with the Daybreak providing a sleek typing experience and the MX Black offering a more tactile feedback.
Overall, both the Durock Daybreak and Cherry MX Black switches have unique qualities that can cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. While the Daybreak switch offers a quieter and smoother typing experience, the MX Black switch provides a more tactile and textured feedback. Depending on individual preferences for typing sound and feel, both switches can offer satisfying results, ensuring a pleasant and customized typing experience for users.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, consider your typing preferences. If you enjoy a medium-heavy typing experience with a quiet operation, the Durock Daybreak switch with its 67g bottom out force may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier actuation force and a classic textured smoothness, the Cherry MX Black switch with its 80g bottom out force might suit your typing style better. Additionally, if you prioritize a polished and refined typing feel, the Daybreak switch may be more appealing, while those who prefer a textured and stiff typing experience may lean towards the MX Black switch. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing needs.
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