Durock Daybreak vs. Cherry MX Purple RGB
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the benefits of linear switches against their tactile counterparts. The Durock Daybreak, a linear switch, is celebrated for its solid 67g actuation force, providing a substantially heftier typing experience that caters to users who appreciate a more pronounced touch. Additionally, its remarkably quiet operation makes it a preferable choice for office environments or any scenario where minimizing noise is crucial. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch delivers a delightful tactile feedback with a short, medium-strength bump, offering an engaging typing experience that many users find satisfying. This switch, developed in collaboration with keyboard expert Glarses, emphasizes a refined tactile feel without being overly loud. While the Daybreak appeals to those seeking muted elegance and a smooth keystroke, the MX Purple RGB captures the interest of users who enjoy the pronounced feedback of a tactile switch. 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
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 housing materials of the Durock Daybreak and the Cherry MX Purple RGB exhibit distinct characteristics that significantly influence the resulting sound profile and tactile experience when typing. The Daybreak features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and translucency. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, enhancing the auditory response when keys are released. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB employs a nylon top housing, which is softer and produces a deeper, fuller sound profile. The difference in materials leads to varying auditory experiences during use—while the Daybreak offers a more resonant and clear sound, the Cherry MX Purple ensures a rounder, muted tone.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon, which provides consistency in sound characteristics between them. Nylon’s inherent softness contributes to a sound absorption quality that yields a duller, rounded sound profile, regardless of the origin of the switch. This means that while the top housings diverge in their acoustic presentation, both the Daybreak and MX Purple RGB share a commonality in their bottom housings that deeply affects the overall sound and feel during typing. Even though the audible experience when pressing down differs, the nylon bottom housing contributes to the tactile nature and bottom-out sound shared by both switches.
Therefore, when pressing the keys of the Daybreak and Cherry MX Purple RGB, users experience a blend of both strengths and weaknesses from each housing material. The Durock Daybreak's polycarbonate top enhances the release sound with a sharper character, while the nylon bottom provides a deep, rounded foundation. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB balances deep sounds from its nylon top and bottom housings. Despite their differences, both switches can yield pleasing auditory results when integrated into a keyboard design, illustrating how a combination of materials can create a multifaceted typing experience. Ultimately, users interested in either switch will find that their sound profiles complement the intended use, whether for gaming or typing.
Weight
The Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch present differing characteristics in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Daybreak switch has a bottom out force of 67 grams, classified as medium-heavy, but does not specify its actuation force, leaving it unknown. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams; however, its bottom out force is also unknown. This means that while the MX Purple RGB offers a lighter feel for users who prefer less resistance during typing, the Daybreak provides a more substantial push with its medium-heavy bottom out force, which may appeal to those who favor a stronger tactile feedback. Since the actuation force of the Daybreak is unknown, we can only ascertain that the actuation experience might result in a softer or firmer feel in comparison to the Cherry MX Purple RGB. Overall, those who favor a lighter switch may lean towards the Cherry MX, while those who prefer a more robust typing experience might choose the Durock Daybreak, especially considering the known bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, the Daybreak features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the MX Purple RGB measures 4 mm. This means that the Cherry MX Purple RGB has a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced key press for tactile feedback. In contrast, the Daybreak's shorter travel distance allows for quicker response times, making it more suitable for gamers seeking rapid actuation. While both switches offer unique benefits depending on personal preference, the Durock Daybreak provides a more responsive feel, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB caters to those who enjoy a deeper and more deliberate press.
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 Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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 Durock Daybreak linear switch operates quietly, characterized by a muted sound profile that is low-pitched. This combination ensures that it produces a softer and more bass-heavy tone, ideal for environments where noise reduction is a priority. Such subtle acoustics make the Daybreak especially suitable for workspaces where the clackiness of traditional mechanical switches might be disruptive. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch does not have a specified sound profile, but generally, tactile switches tend to produce more pronounced sounds compared to linear switches. However, the specific sound characteristics of the MX Purple RGB remain unknown, indicating that the overall auditory experience might not be as finely defined as that of the Daybreak.
In terms of feel, the Durock Daybreak excels with a polished touch, yielding a smooth and refined typing experience. The use of quality materials and likely effective factory lubrication reduces friction and facilitates effortless key travel, allowing for comfortable and rapid typing sessions. In contrast, the feel of the Cherry MX Purple RGB is equally unknown as it lacks a specific descriptor. Typically, tactile switches provide a noticeable bump, which can offer feedback during typing, but without further details on its feel characteristics, it’s challenging to draw a definitive comparison.
In conclusion, the Durock Daybreak linear switch presents a quiet, muted sound and a polished, smooth feel that caters to individuals seeking a serene typing experience without sacrificing quality. Conversely, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB's sound and feel characteristics remain largely unspecified, it typically offers a tactile feedback experience associated with its design. Those seeking similar qualities in typing experiences may find that both switches offer compelling options, albeit for different auditory and tactile preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you prefer a heavier actuation force and enjoy a smooth, quiet typing experience conducive to a work environment, the Daybreak is an excellent choice for you. Its muted and low-pitched sound profile makes it well-suited for situations where noise reduction is essential, such as in shared spaces or during late-night sessions. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more tactile feedback that provides a noticeable bump during key presses, the Cherry MX Purple RGB would be a better fit. This switch is designed for enthusiasts who appreciate the sensation of a refined tactile response, making it ideal for both typing and gaming. Ultimately, both switches offer unique benefits, so consider your personal preferences for sound, feel, and actuation force to determine which one aligns best with your mechanical keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
