Durock Daybreak vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Daybreak linear switch to the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, there are distinct differences in their typing experiences. The Daybreak is best known for its solid 67g weight, providing a heavier touch for those who prefer a substantial feel while typing. Its quiet operation makes it ideal for environments where noise reduction is key. On the other hand, the Silent Grey offers a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a prominent bump and smooth keystroke, perfect for those looking for satisfaction in silence. While both switches have their unique characteristics, such as being polished and low-pitched for the Daybreak and silent for the Silent Grey, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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 Durock Daybreak and the Outemu Silent Grey both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. This results in a more clear and resonant sound when typing on switches with polycarbonate top housings. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches that utilize RGB lighting, as it allows light to shine through effectively. However, the Daybreak's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Silent Grey's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings.
While both the Daybreak and the Silent Grey utilize polycarbonate top housings, the differences lie in their bottom housings. The split between the qualities of the housing materials can affect the overall sound and feel of the switch. The nylon bottom housing of the Daybreak contributes to the deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Grey may produce a slightly sharper sound. The impact of the bottom housing is especially evident in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing influences the sound upon key release.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Durock Daybreak and the Outemu Silent Grey play a significant role in the overall sound profile of the switches. While both switches use polycarbonate top housings, their bottom housings differ with the Daybreak featuring nylon and the Silent Grey using polycarbonate. These differences result in variations in sound characteristics, with the Daybreak offering a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the slightly sharper sound of the Silent Grey. Understanding the impact of housing materials on sound can help keyboard enthusiasts choose switches that best suit their preferences for typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, it is evident that the Daybreak is the lighter option with no specified actuation force and a bottom out force of 67 grams, falling into the medium-heavy category. On the other hand, the Silent Grey has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, also classified as medium-heavy. Both switches provide a substantial typing experience, with the Silent Grey offering a slightly lighter actuation force. Individuals who prefer a lighter typing feel may lean towards the Silent Grey, while those who enjoy a more robust typing experience may opt for the Daybreak. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and whether a lighter or heavier feel is preferred for typing or gaming purposes.
Travel distance
The Durock Daybreak linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Daybreak has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Grey. The Daybreak's 3.8 mm travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times due to its shorter distance, while the Silent Grey's 4 mm travel distance may provide a more substantial feel for those who prefer a deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences 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 Silent Grey 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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Daybreak linear switch offers a muted and low-pitched typing experience, perfect for those looking for a quieter option without sacrificing the tactile feedback of a mechanical keyboard. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch is known for its silent operation, making it an ideal choice for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. While the Daybreak provides a softer sound profile, the Silent Grey ensures complete silence during typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the specific requirements of the user's workspace.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Durock Daybreak is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. This results in a sleek and satisfying feel with each keystroke. In comparison, the Outemu Silent Grey switch's feel is not specified. Both switches are designed to provide a comfortable typing experience, but the Daybreak's polished finish may offer a slight edge in terms of overall smoothness and key responsiveness.
In conclusion, the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Daybreak excels in providing a quieter typing experience with a heavier actuation force and polished finish for smoother key travel. On the other hand, the Silent Grey is ideal for those seeking a silent and highly tactile typing experience. Both switches have their own unique qualities, and choosing between them will ultimately depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing performance.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a heavier actuation force and a quieter operation, the Daybreak may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, the Silent Grey switch is the way to go. Consider your typing environment and the type of typing experience you desire when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing needs.
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