Durock Daybreak vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular choices for enthusiasts are the Durock Daybreak and the Gateron Oil King, both linear switches. The Durock Daybreak offers a solid 67g actuation force, providing a heftier typing experience favored by those who prefer a more significant touch. They are known for their quiet operation, making them ideal for workspaces where minimal noise is essential. In contrast, the Gateron Oil King is celebrated for its buttery smoothness and a sound profile akin to snapping a dark chocolate bar. With descriptors like 'cream," "silky," and "buttery," the Oil King provides a luxurious typing experience. 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
65g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The Durock Daybreak and Gateron Oil King both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the sound profile of the switches. The Daybreak features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Oil King uses a nylon top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for those who prefer a more resonant typing experience. On the other hand, nylon produces a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. While both materials offer distinct sound profiles, the choice between polycarbonate and nylon ultimately comes down to personal preference.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches also differ in material composition. The Daybreak utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Oil King features Gateron's proprietary INK blend bottom housing. Nylon provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, complementing the characteristics of the top housing in the Daybreak switch. In contrast, Gateron's INK blend offers a pointed and high-pitched sound profile, adding a unique clacky element to the overall typing experience. The bottom housing significantly impacts the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch, highlighting the importance of selecting the right material for your desired sound preference.
While the housing materials of the Durock Daybreak and Gateron Oil King provide distinct sound profiles, they both offer high-quality construction for a satisfying typing experience. Whether you prefer the sharpness of polycarbonate or the depth of nylon, both switches deliver a premium feel that caters to different typing preferences. Additionally, the unique qualities of the bottom housings in each switch contribute to the overall sound profile, making them standout choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking a customized typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the Daybreak and Oil King will come down to personal preference and the desired sound profile for your ideal typing setup.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, it is evident that both switches fall within the medium-heavy category in terms of bottom out force. The Durock Daybreak has an actuation force of None grams, making it lighter in terms of initial keystroke pressure compared to the Gateron Oil King, which has an actuation force of 55 grams. On the other hand, the Durock Daybreak requires a bottom out force of 67 grams, slightly heavier than the Gateron Oil King at 65 grams. For those who prefer lighter keystrokes that require less pressure to actuate, the Gateron Oil King would be the better choice. However, if a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force is preferred, the Durock Daybreak would be the suitable option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Daybreak linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Gateron Oil King linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Daybreak has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Oil King. For those who prefer a quicker response time, the Daybreak may be the preferred choice due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the Oil King may be more suitable for individuals who prefer a deeper keypress feel with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer different experiences when it comes to keypress feel, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference as to which one would be the better option.
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 Gateron Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50 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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Daybreak linear switch offers a muted and low-pitched experience, keeping noise levels to a minimum while providing a deep and mellow tone during key presses. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King linear switch produces a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, reminiscent of a rich dark chocolate bar snapping. Both switches offer a pleasing sound experience, with the Daybreak being more muted and the Oil King delivering a deeper bass tone.
In terms of feel, the Durock Daybreak switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In comparison, the Gateron Oil King switch offers a creamy, silky, and buttery typing sensation, as if gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. Both switches aim to provide a smooth and seamless typing experience, with the Daybreak focusing on a polished finish and the Oil King offering a luxurious buttery feel.
Considering all the available information, the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch each have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Daybreak excels in providing a quiet and heftier typing experience with its muted sound profile and polished feel, while the Oil King stands out for its buttery smoothness and deep bassy sound. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on whether you prioritize a quieter typing experience with a heavier touch or a silky smooth feel with a rich sound profile. Either way, both switches offer high-quality performance that will satisfy mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, consider your preference for typing feel and sound. If you enjoy a heavier actuation force and a polished typing experience with muted, low-pitched sound, then the Daybreak switches may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth feel, creamy sensation, and a low-pitched, bassy sound profile, the Oil King switches would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall experience you seek from your mechanical keyboard. Choose wisely for a satisfying typing experience.
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