Durock Daybreak vs. Outemu Maple Leaf
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often stand out are the Durock Daybreak and the Outemu Maple Leaf. The Durock Daybreak is a linear switch known for its solid 67g weight, providing a substantial typing experience preferred by those who appreciate a more pronounced touch. With its heavy actuation force and quiet operation, it is an ideal choice for workspaces or any environment where noise reduction is key. On the other hand, the Outemu Maple Leaf is a tactile switch that offers a different typing experience. While not as heavy as the Daybreak, the Maple Leaf provides tactile feedback that some users find more satisfying when typing. Each switch has its own unique qualities that cater to different preferences and 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
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.30 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
pom
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
The Durock Daybreak and Outemu Maple Leaf switches both have unique housing materials that contribute to the overall typing experience. The Daybreak features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf uses a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer plastic composition. While the Daybreak's polycarbonate top housing lends itself to a clearer and resonant sound, the Maple Leaf's nylon top housing absorbs more sound for a duller and rounder sound profile.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Daybreak and the Maple Leaf utilize nylon, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound overall. This similarity in housing material for the bottom portion of the switches ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel. While the top and bottom housings may differ between the two switches, the qualities of the housing materials are split between the top and bottom, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel versus the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Daybreak and the Outemu Maple Leaf housing materials ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. The polycarbonate top housing of the Daybreak offers a sharper and crisper sound profile, ideal for those who prefer a clearer typing experience with RGB lighting capabilities. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Maple Leaf produces a deeper and fuller sound, appealing to those who enjoy a more muffled and rounder sound profile while typing. Both switches provide a unique tactile and auditory experience, allowing users to customize their keyboards to suit their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Daybreak linear switch to the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, it is evident that the Daybreak is the lighter option in terms of actuation force, as it requires None grams to trigger a keystroke compared to the Maple Leaf's 55 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Daybreak is the heavier of the two, needing 67 grams to fully press down compared to the Maple Leaf's 65 grams. Despite the slight differences in their force requirements, both switches fall within the medium-heavy category. Those who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing sessions may lean towards the Maple Leaf, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Daybreak. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal 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 Maple Leaf tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular in the keyboard market. Gamers may prefer the Daybreak for its slightly longer travel distance, which could provide a more satisfying depth to keystrokes. On the other hand, those looking for quicker response times may lean towards the Maple Leaf due to its shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and responsiveness.
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 Maple Leaf 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 substantial typing experience, while remaining quiet in operation, making it ideal for quiet work environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch does not have any specific notable qualities known about it in terms of sound. However, the sound produced by both switches will ultimately depend on other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Durock Daybreak is described as polished, offering a smoother and more refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Conversely, there are no specific descriptions available for the feel of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch. Both switches may provide a satisfying tactile feedback, but the Daybreak's polished finish may give it a slight edge in terms of overall typing comfort.
In conclusion, the Durock Daybreak linear switch is distinguished by its heavier actuation force, quiet operation, and polished feel, making it a solid choice for those seeking a more substantial and refined typing experience. While the specific qualities of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch in terms of sound and feel are unknown, it may still offer a comparable typing experience depending on personal preference and setup. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics that may appeal to different users based on their typing preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences. If you prefer a heavier actuation force and a quieter typing experience, the Durock Daybreak may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy actuation force and are looking for a tactile typing experience, the Outemu Maple Leaf could be the switch for you. Consider factors such as sound, feel, and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard to make the best decision for your typing needs. Ultimately, both switches have their unique characteristics, so make sure to test them out before making your final selection.
Mentioned in this article
