Durock Daybreak vs. Outemu Brown
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the Outemu Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Daybreak linear switch to the Outemu Brown tactile switch, there are some key differences to consider. The Durock Daybreak offers a solid 67g actuation force, providing a heavier typing experience that is ideal for those who prefer a more substantial touch. In addition, its quiet operation makes it suitable for workspaces or settings where noise levels need to be kept at a minimum. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown switch is a tactile switch with no specific standout features mentioned. Tactile switches like the Outemu Browns are generally favored for providing feedback during typing, making them a popular choice for those who enjoy a responsive keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your specific typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Daybreak and the Outemu Brown, it is clear that both switches feature polycarbonate top housings. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that will be used with RGB lighting. In terms of aesthetics and sound quality, both the Daybreak and the Brown switches will provide similar results due to their polycarbonate top housings.
However, the key difference between the two switches lies in their nylon bottom housings. The Daybreak features a nylon bottom housing, which is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the relatively softer plastic of nylon. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the Daybreak switch. Conversely, the Outemu Brown also has a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a deep and full sound profile. Despite the slight variations in sound characteristics, the nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a unique typing experience.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in both the Durock Daybreak and the Outemu Brown switches offers a balance of sharp, crisp sound and deep, full sound profiles. While the top housing impacts the sound when letting go of a key, the bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. Whether choosing the Daybreak or the Brown, users can expect a blend of aesthetics, sound quality, and tactile experience that cater to their typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the Daybreak is the lighter option with no specified actuation force and a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is medium-heavy. In contrast, the Brown has an actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, also falling into the medium-heavy category. The difference in actuation force between the two switches highlights that the Daybreak may provide a slightly lighter typing experience, while the Brown offers a slightly heavier push feel. Both switches have comparable bottom out forces, indicating that users can expect similar results in terms of overall typing resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to individual preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Daybreak linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Outemu Brown switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Daybreak switch. The 0.2 mm may not seem like much, but it can impact the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. Those who prefer a shorter travel distance may find the Daybreak switch more appealing for its quicker response times, while others who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Outemu Brown switch. However, both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, so you can expect similar results in terms of overall feel and performance.
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 Brown 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 is praised for its heavier 67g actuation force, providing a more substantial typing experience while still remaining quiet, making it ideal for quiet work environments. The switch is known for producing a muted, low-pitched sound, which can be a pleasant change from the typical clacky noise associated with mechanical keyboards. Additionally, the Daybreak switch offers a polished feel, resulting in smooth and refined key travel due to materials used and factory lubing.
Conversely, there is limited information available on the Outemu Brown tactile switch regarding sound and feel qualities. However, based on the information provided, it can be inferred that the Brown switch may offer a different typing experience compared to the Daybreak linear switch.
In conclusion, the Durock Daybreak linear switch is a solid option for those seeking a heavier actuation force with a quieter sound profile and smooth key travel. While the Outemu Brown tactile switch lacks specific details, it may provide a different tactile experience that some users may prefer. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities and it is recommended to try out different switches to determine which one suits your preferences best.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, consider your preference for typing experience and noise levels. If you enjoy a heavier actuation force and quiet operation, the Daybreak switch with its 67g bottom out force and muted, low-pitched sound may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile feedback and a lighter touch, the Outemu Brown switch with its 65g bottom out force could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard.
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