United States: Free shipping on orders over $49

Durock Daybreak vs. Outemu Silent White

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

Overview

When comparing the Durock Daybreak and the Outemu Silent White mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Durock Daybreak stands out with its solid 67g actuation force, providing a weightier typing experience that appeals to those who prefer a more significant touch. Additionally, its quiet operation makes it an ideal choice for workspaces or environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White switch does not have as much distinct information available, but is categorized as a silent switch. While the Daybreak is described as 'Polished', 'Muted', and 'Low-pitched', the Silent White's specific characteristics are not listed. Ultimately, when deciding between these two switches, it's crucial to consider individual preferences and typing needs. 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

60g

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Pre-travel

1.60 mm

Total travel

3.80 mm

Total travel

3.30 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

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

Gold-plated spring

Spring

Stainless steel

Housing materials

Both the Durock Daybreak and the Outemu Silent White switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. This material is especially useful for switches with RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows the light to shine through. In contrast, the Daybreak and Silent White switches have nylon bottom housings, which produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the polycarbonate top housing.

While both the Daybreak and the Silent White switches offer similar characteristics in their top and bottom housings, the split between the two materials impacts the overall typing experience. The bottom housing's qualities are more pronounced when pressing down on the switch, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing plays a larger role in the sound produced when releasing a key. This division of characteristics between the top and bottom housings allows for a nuanced typing experience that balances the sharpness of polycarbonate with the depth of nylon.

Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Daybreak and the Outemu Silent White switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel. The polycarbonate top housing of each switch creates a clear and resonant sound, while the nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound. Whether you prefer a sharper, higher-pitched sound or a duller, rounder sound, both switches provide a range of options for customizing your typing experience. Although the materials may differ, the overall result is a satisfying and unique typing experience tailored to individual preferences.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, it is evident that there are some notable differences between the two. The Daybreak switch has an actuation force of None grams, making it a lighter option in terms of initial key press compared to the Silent White switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Daybreak requires 67 grams of force, categorizing it as medium-heavy, while the Silent White only needs 60 grams, making it a medium force switch.

These variations in actuation and bottom out forces impact the typing experience for users. Those who prefer a lighter initial key press may lean towards the Outemu Silent White switch, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel with a heavier key press may find the Durock Daybreak switch more suitable for their preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing habits, with lighter switches being favored for longer typing sessions and heavier switches providing a more tactile typing experience.

Travel distance

The Durock Daybreak linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Silent White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Silent White has a shorter travel distance compared to the Daybreak. A shorter travel distance is often preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a greater depth when pressing a key. Both switches offer slightly different tactile feedback due to their varying travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference when choosing between the two. Regardless of the choice you make, you will still get a reliable linear switch with smooth keystrokes.

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 White 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 offers a more muted and low-pitched typing experience compared to the Outemu Silent White, which lacks specific sound descriptors. This means that the Daybreak switch will provide a softer and quieter typing sound, perfect for environments where noise reduction is a priority. However, keep in mind that the overall sound of a switch can be influenced by various factors including the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Daybreak switch is noted for its polished and smooth typing experience, ensuring reduced friction and a sleek key travel. Unfortunately, there is no specific information available for the feel of the Outemu Silent White switch. As a result, it is challenging to directly compare the tactile feel of the two switches. However, based on the lack of information provided, it can be inferred that the Silent White may not offer the same level of refined typing experience as the Daybreak switch.

Overall, if you are looking for a linear switch with a heavier actuation force and a quieter sound profile, the Durock Daybreak would be a solid choice. With its 67g weight and polished feel, it provides a satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a more substantial touch. While the Outemu Silent White switch lacks specific information on sound and feel, opting for the Durock Daybreak should ensure a consistent typing experience with known subjective qualities. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences for weight, sound, and feel.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience and noise level. If you prefer a heavier typing experience with a quieter operation, the Durock Daybreak with its 67g bottom out force and muted, low-pitched sound may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with a medium bottom out force and are not concerned about noise levels, the Outemu Silent White switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard.

Mentioned in this article