Durock Daybreak vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Daybreak and the Outemu Crystal Brown offer distinct typing experiences. On one hand, the Daybreak boasts a satisfying linear switch design with a solid 67g actuation force, making it ideal for those who prefer a heavier touch. Its quiet operation and low-pitched sound profile also make it suitable for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. In contrast, the Crystal Brown provides a tactile typing experience, although specific information about this switch is limited. While the Daybreak caters to individuals seeking a polished and muted feel, the Crystal Brown's characteristics remain a bit of a mystery. 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
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 Crystal Brown switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in housings is known for its relatively stiff plastic properties, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the switch. However, despite both switches utilizing polycarbonate in their top housings, the specific design and construction of each switch may still result in slightly different sound profiles.
On the other hand, both the Durock Daybreak and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches feature nylon bottom housings, which elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon. Although the bottom housing material may have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, the top housing material also plays a role in the overall sound profile, especially when releasing a key.
In summary, while both the Durock Daybreak and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches share similarities in their housing materials such as polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings, the specific design and construction of each switch can still result in slight variations in sound profiles. The choice of housing materials affects the overall sound, feel, and aesthetics of a switch, with polycarbonate providing a sharper and crisper sound while nylon offers a deeper and fuller sound. Understanding how each housing material contributes to the overall typing experience can help users select switches that best suit their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the Daybreak is heavier in terms of bottom out force at 67 grams compared to the Crystal Brown's 55 grams. The Daybreak does not have a specified actuation force, while the Crystal Brown has an actuation force of 45 grams. This indicates that the Daybreak switch may offer a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force, while the Crystal Brown switch might be preferred by those looking for a lighter typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches have their own advantages and it is important to consider factors such as weight and typing comfort when making a decision.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Daybreak linear switch is 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Crystal Brown has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Daybreak. The Daybreak falls into the category of switches with shorter travel distances, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown offers a bit more depth in its travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial tactile feedback when typing. Both switches provide a different typing experience due to their slight difference in travel distance, but ultimately can offer similar results depending on personal preference.
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 Crystal 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 a popular choice for those seeking a heavier typing experience with its 67g actuation force. The switch is known for its quiet operation, making it ideal for environments where noise is a concern. The sound profile of the Daybreak is described as muted and low-pitched, producing a softer and more mellow tone compared to other switches. This can create a more pleasant typing experience, especially for those who prefer a quieter keyboard.
On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch does not have any specific information available regarding its sound or feel qualities. However, based on general characteristics of tactile switches, it can be assumed that the Crystal Brown switch may offer a distinct tactile bump during actuation, providing feedback to the user without producing as much noise as clicky switches.
Overall, the Durock Daybreak linear switch stands out for its heavier actuation force and quiet operation, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with polished key travel. While the specific qualities of the Outemu Crystal Brown switch are unknown, it is likely to provide tactile feedback without the loud noise associated with clicky switches. In general, both switches may offer satisfying typing experiences, with the Daybreak appealing to those looking for a heavier touch and quieter sound, while the Crystal Brown may suit tactile switch enthusiasts. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel, sound, and overall switch characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Durock Daybreak linear switch or the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a heavier typing feel and a quieter sound, the Daybreak 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 lighter touch and are not concerned about the sound level, the Crystal Brown with its 55g bottom out force may be more suitable. Ultimately, your choice should align with your individual typing preferences and environment where the keyboard will be used.
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