Durock Daybreak vs. Everglide Oreo
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the Everglide Oreo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. The Daybreak offers a solid 67g actuation force, providing a hefty typing experience that is both quiet and polished. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer a more substantial touch and need to keep noise levels low in shared workspaces. On the other hand, the Oreo switch from Everglide boasts a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. With a medium light tactility, the Oreo strikes a balance between satisfying keystrokes and comfortable typing. 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
55g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
Both the Durock Daybreak and the Everglide Oreo utilize polycarbonate as their top housing material, resulting in a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which contributes to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. However, the Daybreak stands out with its nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Oreo's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound overall.
The difference in bottom housing material between the Daybreak and the Oreo impacts the overall sound and feel of the switches. The Daybreak, with its nylon bottom housing, offers a unique typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile that absorbs more sound compared to the Oreo's polycarbonate bottom housing. On the other hand, the top housing material, both being made of polycarbonate in this case, contributes to a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when the key is released. The combination of different housing materials in the Daybreak and Oreo creates a balance between the impact of bottom-out sound and feel, and the sound when releasing a key.
While the Daybreak and the Oreo share the same polycarbonate top housing, their differing bottom housing materials provide distinct typing experiences. The Daybreak's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound for a duller and rounder sound when compared to the Oreo's polycarbonate bottom housing. Both switches offer unique qualities based on their housing materials, with the Daybreak focusing on a softer and absorbing bottom housing, while the Oreo emphasizes the sharpness and clarity of polycarbonate throughout its construction. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profiles and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, it is evident that the Oreo is the lighter option overall. The Daybreak has an actuation force of None grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke compared to the Oreo's 45 grams. On the other hand, the Daybreak has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, while the Oreo is lighter at 55 grams. This means that while the Daybreak may provide a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force, the Oreo offers a lighter actuation force for quicker keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for typing feel and desired force requirements for typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
The Durock Daybreak linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Everglide Oreo tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Oreo has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Daybreak. A 0.2 mm might not seem like a significant difference, but it can affect the overall feel and typing experience. Some users may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Daybreak for quicker response times, especially for gaming purposes. On the other hand, others may appreciate the slightly longer travel distance of the Oreo for a more deliberate and satisfying key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing style.
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 Everglide Oreo has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Oreo for $4.19.
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 typing experience, ideal for those looking for a quieter option. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch provides a chirpy sound profile, adding a unique acoustic signature to your typing sessions. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, with the Daybreak focusing on minimizing noise, while the Oreo adds a touch of whimsical charm to your keystrokes.
In terms of feel, the Daybreak switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch offers an accented and stepped tactile feel, striking a balance between noticeable tactility without being overwhelming. Both switches offer different tactile sensations, catering to individuals who prefer either a polished and sleek typing experience or a medium-light tactility with a cushioned bottom out.
Overall, both the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound levels and tactile feedback, users can choose between the muted and low-pitched experience of the Daybreak or the chirpy and accented feel of the Oreo switch. Ultimately, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that newcomers can enjoy their mechanical keyboards regardless of their choice between linear or tactile switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a heavier actuation force and a quieter sound profile, the Daybreak may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a crisp tactile bump and a mellow sound, the Oreo could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal preferences in terms of typing feel and sound, so take into account how these characteristics align with your typing style and environment. Happy typing!
Mentioned in this article
