Durock Daybreak vs. Outemu Red
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the Outemu Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Daybreak and the Outemu Red both fall under the category of linear switches, offering a smooth keystroke experience without any tactile bump. The Durock Daybreak stands out with its solid 67g actuation force, providing a heavier typing feel that some users prefer for a more substantial touch. In addition, its quiet operation makes it a suitable choice for environments where noise reduction is crucial. On the other hand, the Outemu Red switch does not have any standout feature or defining characteristic. It is often seen as a standard linear switch without any unique qualities. If you are looking for a switch that offers a heavier actuation force and quieter operation, the Durock Daybreak may be the way to go. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.10 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
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 Red switches share similar characteristics in terms of the polycarbonate top housing. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches that utilize RGB lighting. However, while the top housing of both switches may be the same, the bottom housing material differs.
In contrast, the Daybreak and the Red switches differ in their bottom housing materials. The Daybreak features a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Red switch also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, offering a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. With the bottom housing having more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, the choice of material can significantly impact the overall typing experience.
While the Durock Daybreak and the Outemu Red switches share similarities in their top housing material of polycarbonate, they differ in their bottom housing material of nylon. The polycarbonate top housing contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing brings a deeper and fuller sound when typing. Ultimately, the choice of housing materials in a switch can greatly impact the overall sound and feel of typing, making it an important consideration for keyboard enthusiasts seeking a specific typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, it is clear that the Daybreak is the heavier option with a bottom out force of 67 grams compared to the Red's 62 grams. However, the Red has a lighter actuation force of 46 grams, while the Daybreak's actuation force is unknown. For those looking for a lighter typing experience, the Red switch may be more suitable due to its lighter actuation force. On the other hand, the Daybreak may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing feel and the desired weight of the switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, the Daybreak has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Red has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Outemu Red linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Durock Daybreak linear switch. The difference of 0.2 mm may not seem significant, but it could impact the overall feel and experience of typing on the keyboard. Those who prefer a deeper and more pronounced key press may lean towards the Outemu Red switch, while individuals looking for a quicker response time might opt for the Durock Daybreak switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two would 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 Red 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 at 67g, providing a solid and robust typing experience that some users may prefer. The switch also boasts a muted and low-pitched sound profile, making it a great choice for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. Additionally, the polished feel of the Daybreak switch ensures smooth key travel and reduced friction, resulting in a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, information on the Outemu Red linear switch is not available, so it is challenging to directly compare the two switches in terms of sound and feel. However, if the Red switch is similar in characteristics to other linear switches on the market, users can expect a lighter actuation force and potentially a louder sound profile. In conclusion, the choice between the Daybreak and Red switches ultimately comes down to personal preference, with the Daybreak offering a heavier and quieter typing experience, while the Red may provide a different feel and sound.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a heavier actuation force and a quieter operation, the Durock Daybreak linear switch would be a great choice for you. The Daybreak's 67g bottom out force provides a satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a more substantial touch while keeping the noise level to a minimum in various settings. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force, the Outemu Red linear switch with its 62g bottom out force might be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your choice between the Daybreak and the Red will depend on your preference for actuation force and noise level. Consider these factors carefully to ensure you select the switch that best fits your typing needs and preferences.
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