Durock Daybreak vs. Outemu Cream Pink
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the Outemu Cream Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Daybreak and the Outemu Cream Pink mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches, there are distinct differences to consider. The Durock Daybreak is renowned for its solid 67g weight, offering a satisfyingly heavier typing experience perfect for those who prefer a more substantial touch. Additionally, its quiet operation makes it ideal for workspaces or environments where noise needs to be kept to a minimum. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Pink does not have a specific standout feature but is still a reliable choice. The Daybreak is described as 'Polished', 'Muted', 'Low-pitched', while information about the Cream Pink's characteristics is limited. Ultimately, when choosing between these two switches, deciding factors may include the desired actuation force, noise level, and typing experience. 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
65g
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Daybreak's polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing provide a unique combination of characteristics compared to the Cream Pink's nylon top and bottom housings. The polycarbonate top housing of the Daybreak creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is enhanced by its translucency, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Cream Pink's nylon top housing produces a deeper, fuller sound due to the material's softer nature and sound absorption qualities. On the other hand, both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a similar deep and full sound profile when typing.
While the top housing of the Daybreak emphasizes a clear and resonant sound profile with a sharper tone, the Cream Pink's top housing offers a duller and rounder sound due to the nylon material's softer nature. This results in a distinct auditory experience for each switch, with the Daybreak delivering a more crisp and high-pitched sound compared to the Cream Pink's deeper and fuller tones. However, despite the differences in top housing materials, both switches utilize a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a similar sound profile characterized by a dull and rounder sound.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Daybreak and Cream Pink switches significantly influences the sound profile and feel of typing on each switch. The use of polycarbonate in the Daybreak's top housing creates a unique sharpness and clarity, while the Cream Pink's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which results in a consistent deep and full sound profile when typing. Ultimately, the differences in housing materials between the two switches contribute to distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch, one can see a significant difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Daybreak has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is medium-heavy, while the actuation force is unspecified. On the other hand, the Cream Pink has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, also falling into the medium-heavy category. In terms of weight, the Cream Pink is slightly lighter than the Daybreak. The actuation force is crucial for typing efficiency, with the Daybreak providing a lighter touch due to the unknown force. Meanwhile, the Cream Pink offers a more defined tactile response with its 50-gram actuation force. Both switches, however, deliver a similar medium-heavy bottom out force, ensuring a satisfactory typing experience for users who prefer a more substantial push. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and weight preference.
Travel distance
The Durock Daybreak linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Cream Pink has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Daybreak. The 0.2 mm may not seem like a significant difference, but it can still affect the overall feel and performance of the switch. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Daybreak with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke may lean towards the Cream Pink. Both switches fall within the range of modern travel distances, providing a balance between quick actions and satisfying keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference 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 Outemu Cream Pink 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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Daybreak linear switch offers a muted and low-pitched typing experience, perfect for those looking for a quieter touch. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch's sound qualities are unknown, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. However, both switches can provide a relatively quiet typing experience, with the Daybreak having a slightly deeper and more mellow sound profile.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Daybreak switch is described as polished, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Cream Pink switch is unknown, making it challenging to compare directly in this aspect. Nevertheless, with the Daybreak's polished feel, users can expect consistent and comfortable typing sessions with minimal resistance.
Considering the available information, the Durock Daybreak linear switch shines in providing a heavier actuation force at 67g, along with a quiet and polished typing experience. While the sound and feel qualities of the Outemu Cream Pink switch remain unknown, it is likely to provide a similar level of quietness and potentially a smooth typing feel. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches would come down to personal preference in actuation force and potential sound and feel preferences. Both switches offer a quality typing experience, with the Daybreak catering to those who enjoy a heavier touch and quieter operation.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Durock Daybreak linear switch or the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch, it really comes down to your personal preference for typing feel and noise level. If you prefer a heftier typing experience with a quiet operation, the Durock Daybreak switch with its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 67 grams may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a slightly lighter bottom-out force of 65 grams and are not concerned about noise level, the Outemu Cream Pink switch could be the right choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your own typing preferences and environment.
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