Durock Daybreak vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Daybreak and Cherry MX Silent Red both offer unique features to cater to different preferences. The Durock Daybreak is a linear switch that boasts a solid 67g actuation force, providing a heavier typing experience that some users may prefer. Additionally, its quiet operation makes it a suitable choice for workspaces where noise control is crucial. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red is also a linear switch but stands out for its silent operation, maintaining a slightly heavier feel similar to the MX Red. This switch is perfect for those who desire a satisfying typing experience with minimal noise disruption. Both switches offer a low-pitched sound profile, but the Daybreak is polished while the Silent Red has a textured feel. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on personal preferences and specific needs. 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
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Daybreak and the Cherry MX Silent Red, one key difference lies in their top housings. The Daybreak utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the Silent Red features a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound by absorbing more sound with its softer plastic composition. While both materials have their own unique characteristics, the Daybreak's polycarbonate top housing offers a more resonant and clear sound, ideal for those looking for a crisper typing experience, while the Silent Red's nylon top housing provides a more muted and round sound, suited for those seeking a quieter typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Daybreak and the Cherry MX Silent Red utilize nylon for this component. Nylon, being a softer plastic than polycarbonate, absorbs more sound and produces a duller and rounder sound profile. This means that regardless of the switch chosen, the bottom housing of both keyboards will offer a deeper and fuller sound when typing. While there may not be a significant difference in sound production between the two switches in this aspect, the choice of nylon for the bottom housing ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile.
In terms of overall sound experience, the choice of housing materials plays a crucial role in shaping the sound profile of a mechanical keyboard. While the Daybreak's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, the Silent Red's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound. With both switches utilizing nylon bottom housings, the typing experience on both keyboards will have a consistent aspect in terms of sound. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference for sound profile, with the Daybreak offering a more resonant and clear sound, and the Silent Red providing a quieter and more muted typing experience.
Weight
The Durock Daybreak linear switch has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy option for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is lighter compared to the Daybreak. The actuation force of the Daybreak is not specified, but for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Cherry MX Silent Red may be the better choice. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their respective actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences among keyboard users. If you prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions, the Cherry MX Silent Red may be the more suitable option, while the Daybreak may be favored by those who prefer a heavier force for a more tactile typing feel.
Travel distance
The Durock Daybreak linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among gamers for their quicker response times. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to the average user, but for those seeking a slightly shallower press, the Cherry MX Silent Red may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, the Durock Daybreak with its slightly longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a bit more depth to their typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of key feel 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 Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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, both the Durock Daybreak and Cherry MX Silent Red switches are described as producing a muted and low-pitched sound profile, making them both suitable choices for those seeking a quieter typing experience. The Daybreak offers a quieter operation that minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, while the MX Silent Red provides a deep, rich "thocky" sound when pressed and released. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, so individual preferences may vary.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Daybreak switch is noted for its polished finish, resulting in smooth and refined key travel with reduced friction. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is described as having a textured feel, which may provide a different typing experience with noticeable friction when pressed. The preference for a polished or textured switch ultimately comes down to personal preference, as some users may prefer a smoother typing experience while others may appreciate a bit of tactile feedback.
In conclusion, both the Durock Daybreak and Cherry MX Silent Red switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. While the Daybreak provides a heftier typing experience with a muted sound profile, the MX Silent Red offers a slightly heavier feel with a "thocky" sound. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience and noise levels. If you prefer a heavier typing feel with a quieter operation, the Daybreak with its 67g bottom out force would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you value a silent typing experience above all else, the MX Silent Red with its noiseless operation would be the ideal option for you. Both switches offer unique features that cater to different needs, so it ultimately comes down to your personal preference in terms of typing feel and sound profile. Choose wisely based on what matters most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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