Durock Daybreak vs. Outemu Silent Green
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the Outemu Silent Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Durock Daybreak and the Outemu Silent Green, both of which fall under the linear switch category. The Durock Daybreak is renowned for its hefty 67g actuation force, providing a weightier typing experience favored by those who prefer a more substantial touch. Additionally, the Daybreak's quiet operation makes it ideal for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green switch does not have any specific standout features mentioned but falls under the linear switch category. While the Daybreak leans towards a polished, muted, and low-pitched typing experience, the Silent Green's characteristics remain unspecified. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these 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
60g
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Overall, the Durock Daybreak and the Outemu Silent Green both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiff plastic, leading to a clear and resonant sound. However, the Daybreak's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound than harder plastics. In contrast, the Silent Green's polycarbonate bottom housing aligns with the top housing in creating a sharper sound profile, maintaining consistency in sound throughout the switch.
In terms of aesthetics, both switches feature a clear housing, indicating the use of polycarbonate material. This translucency is especially useful for switches intended for RGB lighting, as it allows the lighting to shine through the housing. While the Daybreak's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper sound profile, the Silent Green's polycarbonate bottom housing complements the top housing in maintaining a sharp and crisp sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile and feel, as well as the desired aesthetic appeal with RGB lighting.
When it comes to typing experience, the qualities of the housing materials play a significant role in determining the overall sound and feel of the switch. The Durock Daybreak's split between polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing results in a combination of sharper top-out sound and deeper bottom-out feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green's use of polycarbonate for both top and bottom housings provides a more consistent sharp and crisp sound profile throughout the keypress. Whether one prefers a deeper and fuller sound or a sharper and crisper sound, both switches offer unique typing experiences based on their housing materials.
Weight
The Durock Daybreak linear switch has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Outemu Silent Green switch with a bottom out force of 60 grams. While the actuation force of the Daybreak is not disclosed, the Silent Green switch has an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Silent Green switch requires less force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Daybreak switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Outemu Silent Green switch would be the better choice, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. On the other hand, the Durock Daybreak switch would be more suited for individuals who prefer a slightly heavier typing feel. In terms of weight, the Silent Green switch is lighter overall, making it suitable for longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Daybreak linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, which is slightly shorter than the Outemu Silent Green linear switch that has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of modern travel distances, with the Daybreak leaning towards the shorter end and the Silent Green being closer to the traditional distance. Gamers may prefer the Daybreak for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the Silent Green. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the feel of key presses.
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 Silent Green 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
In terms of sound, the Durock Daybreak linear switch offers a muted and low-pitched typing experience, perfect for those seeking a quieter and more refined sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch's sound profile is unknown, but it is essential to consider the impact of factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps on the overall sound produced.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Daybreak switch is known for its polished finish, providing a smooth and sleek typing experience with reduced friction and seamless key travel. As for the Outemu Silent Green switch, information on its feel is not available, so it is advisable to test the switch in person to determine its tactile feedback and overall typing experience.
Overall, if you prefer a heavier actuation force and a quieter sound profile, the Durock Daybreak linear switch may be the ideal choice for your typing needs. However, if you are interested in the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, testing it in person is recommended to experience its unique characteristics firsthand. Ultimately, both switches offer their own set of qualities, and selecting the right one will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a heavier touch with a quieter operation, the Daybreak switches with a bottom out force of 67 grams may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter touch with a bottom out force of 60 grams, the Silent Green switches might suit your preferences better. Additionally, if you prioritize a muted and low-pitched sound, the Daybreak switches excel in providing a quieter typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your individual typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard.
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