Durock Daybreak vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Durock Daybreak stands out for its solid 67g weight, providing a satisfyingly heftier typing experience while remaining quiet, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean switch doesn't have a specific standout feature but offers a different typing feel. While the Daybreak is categorized as 'Polished', 'Muted', 'Low-pitched', the Silent Ocean does not fall into any specific category. Both switches have their merits, catering to different preferences, 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
45g
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
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
Both the Durock Daybreak and the Outemu Silent Ocean feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate plastic leads to a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches intended to produce a distinct sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it perfect for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting, allowing for a visually pleasing aesthetic. Therefore, both switches offer similar sound profiles and aesthetic benefits due to their shared polycarbonate top housing material.
On the other hand, the Daybreak and the Silent Ocean differ in their choice of bottom housing material. The Daybreak utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that can be more pleasing to some users. Similarly, the Silent Ocean also incorporates a nylon bottom housing material, offering the same deeper and fuller sound profile that typists may prefer. Thus, both switches provide a similar typing experience with their shared nylon bottom housing material.
When considering the impact of housing materials on switch performance, it is important to note that the qualities of each material are divided between the top and bottom housings. The bottom housing material has a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing material affects the sound produced when a key is released. In this way, the Daybreak and the Silent Ocean offer a balanced typing experience by combining polycarbonate top housing for sharp sound profiles and nylon bottom housing for deep sound profiles, allowing users to enjoy a harmonious blend of tactile and auditory feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, it is evident that there are notable differences between the two. The Daybreak switch has an actuation force of None grams, making it lighter in terms of initial keystroke pressure, while its bottom out force is 67 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. In contrast, the Silent Ocean switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, indicating a slightly heavier initial push compared to the Daybreak. However, its bottom out force is 65 grams, which is also in the medium-heavy range. Overall, the Silent Ocean switch provides a lighter actuation force but a similar bottom out force to the Daybreak, offering a different typing experience for users who prefer a lighter touch during typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Daybreak linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8mm, while the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch has a travel distance of 4mm. This makes the Silent Ocean slightly longer than the Daybreak. In terms of feel, the Daybreak will offer a slightly shorter and potentially quicker response time compared to the Silent Ocean due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers looking for a faster response may prefer the Daybreak, while those who prefer a bit more depth and feedback in their keystrokes may lean towards the Silent Ocean. Both switches offer a smooth linear typing experience, but the slight difference in travel distance could make a noticeable impact depending on individual preferences.
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 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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Daybreak linear switch offers a muted and low-pitched typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a quieter mechanical keyboard. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch does not have any specific sound descriptors available, but it's safe to assume it would also provide a quieter typing experience given its "silent" designation. Both switches are likely to produce minimal noise when typing, making them ideal for shared workspaces or environments where noise is a concern.
Moving on to feel, the Daybreak linear switch is noted for its polished feel, indicating a smooth and refined keypress with reduced friction and comfortable key travel. Unfortunately, there is no specific information available regarding the feel of the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch. However, linear switches are generally known for their smooth keystrokes without a tactile bump or audible click, so it can be inferred that the Silent Ocean switch would offer a similar polished and smooth typing experience as the Daybreak.
Overall, both the Durock Daybreak and Outemu Silent Ocean linear switches are excellent choices for those seeking a quieter and smoother typing experience. While the Daybreak switch is specifically known for its heavy 67g actuation force and polished feel, the Silent Ocean switch remains a bit of a mystery in terms of its sound and feel characteristics. However, given their linear nature, it's safe to say that both switches would offer similar benefits in terms of reduced noise and smooth keypresses. Ultimately, the choice between the two would come down to personal preference and any specific preferences in terms of weight or additional features.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a heavier actuation force and a quieter typing experience, the Daybreak with its 67g bottom out force and muted, low-pitched sound may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter actuation force and are looking for a smooth and polished typing feel, the Silent Ocean with its 65g bottom out force could be the better option. Consider your typing needs and preferences carefully before making your decision.
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