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Durock Daybreak vs. Outemu Ocean

An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the Outemu Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options include the Durock Daybreak and the Outemu Ocean. The Durock Daybreak is a linear switch known for its solid 67g weight, offering a heftier typing experience preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial touch. With a heavy actuation force and quiet operation, the Daybreak is an excellent choice for workspaces or environments where noise reduction is crucial. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean is a tactile switch without much specific information available. While the Daybreak boasts a ['Polished', 'Muted', 'Low-pitched'] typing experience, the Ocean's characteristics remain unknown. With these general points in mind, it's important to dive deeper into the specifics of each switch to determine which one best suits your typing preferences and needs.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

N/A

Actuation force

55g

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

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

Gold-plated spring

Spring

Stainless steel

Housing materials

The Durock Daybreak and Outemu Ocean both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of the polycarbonate plastic contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches that will be used with RGB lighting. In terms of aesthetics, the clear translucency of polycarbonate adds a visually appealing element to the switches. However, the differences lie in the nylon bottom housing of each switch. The Daybreak's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound to produce a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Ocean's nylon bottom housing provides a similar effect, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound experience for users.

While the top housing of both the Durock Daybreak and Outemu Ocean switches is made of polycarbonate, providing a sharp and crisp sound profile, the use of nylon for the bottom housing sets them apart. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings results in a deeper and fuller sound experience, as the softer nature of the nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This difference in housing materials contributes to the overall sound and feel of the switches when typing. The split qualities between the top and bottom housing materials means that the impact on sound and feel will vary depending on whether the key is being pressed down or released.

In conclusion, while both the Durock Daybreak and Outemu Ocean switches share the benefits of a polycarbonate top housing in producing a sharp and clear sound profile, their differences lie in the nylon bottom housing. The Daybreak's nylon bottom housing creates a rounder and fuller sound experience, absorbing more sound due to its softer nature. Similarly, the Ocean's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel when typing.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, it is evident that the Daybreak is lighter in terms of actuation force since it requires None grams to trigger a keystroke, while the Ocean has an actuation force of 55 grams. However, when looking at bottom out force, the Daybreak is heavier, needing 67 grams to fully press a key, compared to the Ocean where the force required is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter feel may lean towards the Ocean switch due to its lower actuation force, making it ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience might opt for the Daybreak switch with its heavier bottom out force. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style.

Travel distance

The Daybreak linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, which is slightly shorter than the Outemu Ocean tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Ocean providing a slightly deeper press compared to the Daybreak. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Daybreak, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Ocean. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of 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 Ocean 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 unique typing experience with a heavier actuation force of 67g, providing a substantial touch for those who prefer a more robust feel. Despite this weightier feel, the Daybreak switch operates quietly, making it ideal for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch does not have any specific information available regarding its sound or feel characteristics.

When it comes to sound, the Daybreak switch is known for producing a muted and low-pitched typing experience, creating a softer and quieter sound compared to other mechanical switches. This can be attributed to the design of the switch itself, as well as factors such as your choice of keyboard and keycaps. Unfortunately, there is no information available on the sound profile of the Outemu Ocean tactile switch.

As for feel, the Daybreak switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and seamless key travel. This polished finish contributes to a sleek feel while typing, enhancing the overall typing experience for users. Conversely, there is no specific information provided about the feel of the Outemu Ocean tactile switch.

In conclusion, the Durock Daybreak linear switch stands out for its heavier actuation force, quiet operation, muted and low-pitched sound profile, as well as the polished feel that provides users with a smooth and refined typing experience. While there is limited information available on the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, if users are looking for a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel to the Daybreak switch, they may be able to achieve comparable results depending on their specific preferences and setup.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you prefer a heavier actuation force and a quieter typing experience, the Daybreak may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile typing feel and do not mind a bit more noise, the Ocean could be the switch for you. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preferences and the specific requirements of your workspace.

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