Durock Daybreak vs. Outemu Blue
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the Outemu Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Daybreak and Outemu Blue offer distinct typing experiences to cater to varying preferences. The Durock Daybreak, a linear switch, is praised for its solid 67g weight, providing a substantial typing feel favored by those who appreciate a more pronounced touch. Additionally, its quiet operation makes it ideal for environments where noise reduction is paramount. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue, a clicky switch, is known for its tactile feedback and audible click sound, enhancing the typing experience for those who enjoy audible feedback. While the Daybreak offers a polished, muted, and low-pitched typing experience, the Blue switch brings a satisfying clicky feel. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Durock Daybreak and the Outemu Blue utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced by the switch. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. The similarities in the top housing material of these switches indicate that users can expect comparable sound profiles and aesthetic features.
In contrast, the Daybreak features a nylon bottom housing, while the Blue also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches made with this material. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Despite the differences in their top housings, both the Daybreak and the Blue offer a similar acoustic experience due to their shared nylon bottom housing material.
The split between top and bottom housings in switches like the Daybreak and the Blue means that the qualities of each housing material are divided between the key press and release actions. The bottom housing significantly affects the sound and feel when bottoming out a key, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when the key is released. This division highlights the importance of both housing materials in creating a unique and nuanced typing experience for users of these switches.
Weight
The Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Daybreak has no specified actuation force and a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy. In contrast, the Blue has an actuation force of 50 grams, but the bottom out force is unspecified. The Daybreak is heavier in terms of bottom out force compared to the Blue. The actuation force of the Blue is known, while the actuation force of the Daybreak is unknown. If the actuation force of the Daybreak is on the lighter side like the Blue, users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with some preferring a lighter feel for longer typing sessions and others preferring a heavier push for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Daybreak linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Blue clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Outemu Blue switch has the longer travel distance compared to the Daybreak switch. The 0.2 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can affect the feel and response of the switch. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Daybreak with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more pronounced keypress may lean towards the Outemu Blue. Ultimately, both switches offer a decent travel distance that can provide a satisfactory typing or gaming experience, but the slight variation can cater to different preferences in key feel.
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 Outemu Blue comes in at $3.10 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
The Durock Daybreak linear switch offers a quieter and more muted typing experience compared to the Outemu Blue clicky switch, which is known for its loud and satisfying clicky sound. The Daybreak switch's heavier actuation force also provides a more substantial feel while typing, giving users a sense of precision and control. In contrast, the Blue switch offers a more tactile and audible typing experience, perfect for those who enjoy the satisfying click sound with each keystroke.
When it comes to sound, the Daybreak switch produces a low-pitched and muted typing sound, ideal for environments where noise levels need to be kept at a minimum. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue clicky switch provides a loud and satisfying click sound with each key press, making it a popular choice among users who enjoy an audible typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Daybreak switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. While the feel of the Outemu Blue switch is unknown, it is likely to provide a more tactile and clicky typing experience due to its design.
Overall, if you prefer a quieter and more substantial typing experience, the Durock Daybreak linear switch would be the ideal choice. However, if you enjoy a loud and tactile typing experience with a satisfying click sound, the Outemu Blue clicky switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a heavier actuation force and a quieter typing experience, the Daybreak may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky and tactile typing experience without a specified bottom out force, the Blue switch might be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking for.
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