Durock Daybreak vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at the Durock Daybreak and KTT Orange mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Daybreak is a linear switch with a solid 67g actuation force, providing a hefty typing experience for those who prefer a heavier touch. Its quiet operation and low-pitched sound make it perfect for environments where noise needs to be kept to a minimum. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch features a bouncy feel due to its 22mm long spring and offers a smooth, frictionless typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile. Both switches have their strengths, but deciding on the best one for you will require a deeper dive into the specific features and benefits of each switch. Let's explore further to help you make the most informed decision for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Durock Daybreak and KTT Orange both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate plastic. This material is also known for its translucency, making it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Daybreak's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Orange's polycarbonate bottom housing continues to provide a sharper and more resonant sound, consistent with the qualities of polycarbonate plastic.
In terms of aesthetics, both switches feature clear housings, indicative of their polycarbonate materials. This transparency allows for a visually appealing design, especially when paired with RGB lighting. While the top housing impacts the sound when a key is released, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. This split between top and bottom housing materials results in a unique blend of sound characteristics for each switch. Despite these differences, the use of polycarbonate in both switches ensures a consistent sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile overall.
Overall, the housing materials of the Durock Daybreak and KTT Orange play a crucial role in determining the sound profile of each switch. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and crisp sound, the Daybreak's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Orange's polycarbonate bottom housing. This difference in bottom housing materials results in a unique sound experience for each switch, with the Daybreak providing a duller and rounder sound while the Orange maintains a clear and resonant sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, we see a notable difference in their weight. The Daybreak has an actuation force of None grams, making it very light in terms of required pressure to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Orange has an actuation force of 46 grams, which is slightly heavier. When it comes to bottom out force, the Daybreak requires 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy option, while the Orange only needs 53 grams, placing it in the medium-light category. This means that the Daybreak offers a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, while the Orange provides a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Durock Daybreak linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the KTT Orange linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the KTT Orange switch has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Durock Daybreak switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming popular especially among gamers for their quicker response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference - opting for the shorter travel distance for faster responsiveness or choosing the longer travel distance for a more substantial keystroke feel. Ultimately, both switches offer a unique typing experience, so users can expect similar results in terms of actuation despite the slight difference in travel distance.
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 KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange 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
Based on the provided information, the Durock Daybreak linear switch offers a quiet and low-pitched typing experience, making it suitable for environments where noise levels need to be minimized. With a heavier actuation force of 67g, these switches provide a solid and muted sound profile, creating a more subtle typing experience. In terms of feel, the Daybreak switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined finish that results in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the KTT Orange linear switch features a bouncy and frictionless typing experience, with a spring-like feedback sensation and a low-pitched sound profile. The combination of a polycarbonate milky top housing, long pole POM stem, and orange nylon bottom housing contributes to a slick and frictionless typing feel. Additionally, the factory-lubed switches ensure a refined and fluid key travel, maximizing smoothness during typing sessions.
When comparing the two switches, it is important to note that while the Daybreak switch emphasizes a heavier actuation force and a more muted sound profile, the Orange switch focuses on a bouncy and frictionless typing experience with a low-pitched sound. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them would ultimately depend on individual typing preferences and the desired sound and feel. However, overall, both switches provide a premium typing experience with their own distinct characteristics, ensuring a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience for users.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a heavier typing experience with a more muted sound profile, the Daybreak switch with its 67g bottom out force and polished feel may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a lighter touch with a bouncy and frictionless feel, along with a low-pitched sound profile, the Orange switch with its 53g bottom out force and unique construction may be more suitable for your typing needs. Consider your typing preferences and workspace environment when deciding between these two switches to ensure the best fit for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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