Durock Daybreak vs. Outemu Milk Blue
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the Outemu Milk Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Daybreak and the Outemu Milk Blue mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes evident that they offer distinct features catering to different preferences. The Durock Daybreak is a linear switch known for its 67g weight, providing a substantial typing experience favored by those who prefer a heavier touch. Despite the weight, the Daybreak operates quietly, making it ideal for environments where noise reduction is crucial. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue is a clicky switch with unique characteristics yet to be defined. While the Daybreak is polished, muted, and low-pitched, the Milk Blue's attributes remain undisclosed. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on personal preferences and specific 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
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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
The housing materials of the Durock Daybreak and the Outemu Milk Blue switches are quite similar as they both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, which results in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, polycarbonate is translucent, making it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. However, the differences lie in the bottom housing material, with the Daybreak using nylon while the Milk Blue also utilizes a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is favored for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is softer and absorbs more sound than harder plastics.
The use of different housing materials in the top and bottom sections of a switch impacts the overall typing experience. The Daybreak's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the polycarbonate top housing adds sharpness and clarity to the sound output. On the other hand, the Milk Blue's combination of nylon bottom housing and polycarbonate top housing achieves a similar result with a deeper sound profile from the bottom housing and a crisper sound from the top housing. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, both the Durock Daybreak and the Outemu Milk Blue switches offer a unique combination of housing materials to create a balanced sound profile. While the Daybreak's nylon bottom housing may provide a slightly deeper sound compared to the Milk Blue, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing ensures a sharper and clearer sound. Both switches benefit from the qualities of their respective housing materials, offering a diverse typing experience for users looking for different sound profiles.
Weight
The Durock Daybreak linear switch is lighter in actuation force, requiring None grams, while the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Daybreak is heavier at 67 grams, while the Milk Blue force is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Outemu Milk Blue switch for its lower actuation force, which can be ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Durock Daybreak switch offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Daybreak linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, which is shorter than the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Daybreak offers a slightly quicker response time compared to the Milk Blue due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers who prioritize speed and responsiveness may prefer the Daybreak. On the other hand, the Milk Blue provides a bit more depth and feedback with its longer travel distance. Both options are within the range of traditional travel distances, so you can expect similar results in terms of key feel and actuation. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
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 Milk Blue 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
Overall, the Durock Daybreak linear switch offers a heavier actuation force and a quieter operation compared to the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch. The Daybreak switch provides a more muted and low-pitched sound, making it suitable for quieter environments. Its polished feel ensures smooth key travel and reduced friction for a refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Milk Blue switch's sound and feel qualities are unknown, making it harder to directly compare. However, based on the available information, if you prefer a heavier touch and quieter typing experience, the Durock Daybreak switch would be the recommended choice. Remember that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as your keyboard build and keycaps used. Ultimately, both switches have their own characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider your personal typing style and environment when choosing between the two.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you're looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a quiet operation, the Durock Daybreak linear switch would be a great choice for you. The Daybreak's 67g actuation force provides a substantial typing experience while keeping noise to a minimum, making it ideal for workspaces or quiet settings. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with a lighter touch and are less concerned about noise, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal typing style and environment, so consider your priorities carefully before making a decision.
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