Durock Daybreak vs. Cherry MX Orange
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the Cherry MX Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Daybreak and Cherry MX Orange both stand out as compelling linear options, each catering to unique preferences and typing experiences. The Durock Daybreak switches offer a solid 67g actuation force, providing a heftier feel that many typists appreciate, alongside their muted operation that makes them ideal for quieter work environments. Their polished and low-pitched characteristics create a satisfying yet discreet typing experience, perfect for those who value both feedback and sound. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Orange switches bring a historical touch to the lineup, as they are a reissue of the original switches renowned for their balanced performance and enhanced features thanks to the MX2A generation. While the MX Orange retains a focus on quiet operation, it has garnered a loyal following for its reliability and tactile consistency. Both switches offer unique benefits depending on your typing style and environment; 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
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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 Durock Daybreak and Cherry MX Orange switches exhibit distinct differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influence their auditory characteristics. The Daybreak features a polycarbonate top housing that is designed to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This quality arises from polycarbonate's stiffer nature, allowing sound waves to resonate more clearly. The translucency of polycarbonate also adds visual appeal, especially when RGB lighting is present. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange uses a nylon top housing, known for its ability to absorb sound and create a deeper, fuller audio profile. The softer characteristics of nylon contribute to a rounder sound, making the auditory experience markedly different when typing on these switches.
Both switches, however, share a commonality in their bottom housing material—nylon. The Daybreak's nylon bottom housing and the MX Orange's nylon bottom housing create a cohesive auditory experience, characterized by a deep and rich sound profile. This softness in material allows both switches to dampen sound effectively, contributing to a less pronounced bottom-out sound when keys are pressed down. In this way, both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience, although the Daybreak benefits from the sharper qualities imparted by its polycarbonate top housing, while the MX Orange relies on the full sound provided by its nylon top housing. The combination of these materials results in a rich auditory experience, though the switches will sound markedly different when released due to the differing top housings.
Ultimately, the impact of the materials used in both the Daybreak and MX Orange switches is felt in the typing experience, with each housing contributing uniquely. When a user types, the characteristics of the nylon bottom in both switches create a common foundation for depth and fullness in sound. However, it's the top housing that ultimately defines the sound profile upon release: the Daybreak's polycarbonate allowing for a brighter tonal shift, while the MX Orange's nylon results in a softer return to rest. Therefore, while both switches can create satisfactory typing experiences, their differences in top housing materials lead to distinct auditory effects that cater to varied preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch present notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Daybreak boasts a bottom out force of 67 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy, yet its actuation force is not specified. In contrast, the MX Orange has a known actuation force of 55 grams, indicating a lighter feel for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience. However, the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Orange remains unspecified. As a result, while the Daybreak can be considered heavier due to its defined bottom out force, the MX Orange may provide a lighter typing experience owing to its known actuation force. Consequently, for individuals who seek a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, the Cherry MX Orange stands out, whereas those desiring a heavier, more substantial feel would gravitate towards the Durock Daybreak, especially if they favor the tactile feedback of a stronger push.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, the Daybreak features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the MX Orange has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This makes the Daybreak the shorter of the two switches, providing a more responsive feel that can be appealing for gamers seeking quicker actuation times. On the other hand, the MX Orange's longer travel distance offers a more traditional typing experience, which some may find provides a satisfying depth that feels more deliberate. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on personal preference; those who favor speed and responsiveness might lean towards the Daybreak, whereas those who enjoy a more profound key press may prefer the Cherry MX Orange.
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 Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
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
The sound characteristics of the Durock Daybreak linear switches are refined and subtle, falling into a category of muted, low-pitched profiles. This means they produce a softer and quieter sound, ideal for environments where peace is prioritized. The low-pitched tone adds to the overall pleasantness of the auditory experience, giving a more bass-heavy and mellow quality compared to more traditional mechanical keyboards. As for the Cherry MX Orange switches, there is no specific sound detail provided; however, they are generally known to be quieter than many clicky and tactile switches, suggesting that they likely do not create a significant amount of noise, but further specifics remain unknown.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Daybreak switches excel with their polished texture, delivering a smooth and refined typing experience. This polished finish likely contributes to reduced friction and seamless key travel, making for a more satisfying and effortless typing session. In contrast, the feel of the Cherry MX Orange switches is not detailed; therefore, comparisons on tactile feedback or smoothness cannot be made. This lack of available information leaves a gap in understanding how they might stack up against the Daybreak switches in terms of physical interaction.
In summary, the Durock Daybreak linear switches stand out for their muted sound and polished feel, making them a solid choice for users seeking a quiet yet refined typing experience. While the sound profile of the Cherry MX Orange switches remains undefined, they are typically expected to be quieter than more tactile options. Without additional information on the feel of the MX Orange, one can still anticipate that both switches will provide a generally smooth typing experience, albeit with the Daybreak switches offering a more polished sensation. Ultimately, both options cater to those who appreciate a more subdued auditory experience, with the Daybreak providing clear advantages in terms of sound and tactile quality.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange switch ultimately boils down to your personal preferences in typing feel and environment. If you favor a heavier actuation force of 67 grams along with a muted and low-pitched sound, the Durock Daybreak is an excellent choice. It provides a more substantial tactile experience that many typists find satisfying, making it ideal for those who enjoy a solid, refined feel while maintaining a quiet atmosphere—perfect for office environments or shared spaces. On the other hand, if you're leaning towards a more nostalgic switch that is engineered for durability and performance, the Cherry MX Orange might suit your needs better, especially if you appreciate the history and slight enhancements of the modern MX2A version. While the MX Orange's specifics on sound and actuation aren’t highlighted, it is generally known for its reliability and familiarity. Ultimately, assess your typing habits, acoustics, and whether you prefer that heavier tactile feedback or a more classic touch when making your decision.
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