Durock Daybreak vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the Outemu Cold Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Daybreak and the Outemu Cold Plum mechanical keyboard switches, one can see that both switches offer unique qualities to enhance the typing experience. The Daybreak, a linear switch, is characterized by its hefty 67g force, providing a substantial touch for those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. In addition, its quiet operation makes it an ideal choice for environments where noise reduction is crucial. On the other hand, the Cold Plum, also a linear switch, stands out for its thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, offering a smooth keystroke and satisfying sound that appeals to typing enthusiasts. While the Daybreak is polished, muted, low-pitched, the Cold Plum does not fall into a specific category. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches depends on personal preference and specific typing needs. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Daybreak and the Outemu Cold Plum, it is clear that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This shared feature means that both switches will provide a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, thanks to nylon's ability to absorb more sound and create a duller, rounder sound. However, the Cold Plum's nylon top housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, a material used in the Daybreak's top housing. This contrast in sound profiles highlights how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience.
One notable difference between the Daybreak and the Cold Plum is the material used for their respective top housings. The Daybreak features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a clear and resonant sound profile that is especially useful for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Cold Plum utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This contrast in sound profiles showcases how the choice of housing material can alter the auditory experience of using these switches. While both switches offer unique sound profiles, the specific characteristics of polycarbonate and nylon result in distinct typing experiences for users.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Durock Daybreak and the Outemu Cold Plum plays a significant role in shaping the sound profiles of these switches. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Daybreak produces a sharper and crisper sound, ideal for those looking for a more high-pitched typing experience. On the other hand, the softer nylon top housing of the Cold Plum creates a deeper and fuller sound, which may appeal to users seeking a more rounded typing experience. Despite these differences, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, leading to a consistent deep and full sound profile when typing. Ultimately, the housing materials chosen for these switches offer users a range of options to suit their preferences in sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, it is evident that there are some differences between the two. The Daybreak switch has an actuation force of None grams, making it unclear, and a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. In contrast, the Cold Plum has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, also falling in the medium-heavy range. The Cold Plum switch is slightly lighter in terms of actuation force, while the Daybreak requires less force to bottom out. This means that the Cold Plum may feel slightly lighter to type on, while the Daybreak may provide a more substantial typing experience due to the higher bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Daybreak linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Cold Plum has a shorter travel distance compared to the Daybreak. The Daybreak falls somewhere between the traditional 3.0 mm and 4.0 mm travel distances, offering a balance between speed and depth. Gamers looking for faster response times might prefer the shorter Cold Plum, while those who prefer a more substantial key press might lean towards the Daybreak. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and 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 Cold Plum 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 lower-pitched sound profile, making it a suitable choice for environments where noise needs to be minimized. Its heavy actuation force provides a solid typing experience for those who prefer a heavier touch. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch provides a unique thocky sound and a smooth keystroke due to its fully nylon construction. This creates a distinct and enjoyable typing feel for enthusiasts seeking something different. While the sound and feel qualities of these switches vary, both options promise to deliver a satisfying typing experience, albeit with different characteristics. Ultimately, choosing between the Durock Daybreak and Outemu Cold Plum switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, consider the bottom out force and typing experience that best suits your preferences. If you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force at 67 grams and a quiet, muted sound profile with low-pitched tones, the Daybreak may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force at 70 grams and enjoy a thocky sound profile with a fully nylon construction for a unique typing feel, the Cold Plum could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific typing experience and tactile feedback you desire in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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