Durock Daybreak vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Daybreak and the Outemu Silent Yellow both offer unique qualities to consider. The Durock Daybreak is a linear switch with a solid 67g actuation force, providing a heftier typing experience while remaining quiet, making it ideal for workspaces or noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow is also a linear switch but lacks specific standout features. The Durock Daybreak is known for its polished, muted, and low-pitched feel, while the Outemu Silent Yellow does not have any specific defining characteristics. 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
2.20 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
The housing materials of the Durock Daybreak and the Outemu Silent Yellow both feature a top housing made of polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. 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. However, despite both switches having polycarbonate top housings, the overall sound profile may differ based on other factors such as the type of keycaps used.
While both switches share a common polycarbonate top housing, they differ in their bottom housing material. The Daybreak features a nylon bottom housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Silent Yellow's nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. This difference in bottom housing material may impact the overall typing experience and sound of each switch, particularly when it comes to bottom-out sound and feel.
Overall, the combination of different housing materials in the Durock Daybreak and Outemu Silent Yellow switches results in a unique typing experience for each. The split between the qualities brought by the top and bottom housing materials means that the sound and feel of each switch may vary based on which part of the switch is being engaged. Whether you prefer the sharper, crisper sound profile of polycarbonate or the deeper, fuller sound of nylon, each switch offers a distinct typing experience that caters to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, it is evident that there are some notable differences. The Daybreak has a light actuation force of None grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes quickly. In contrast, the Silent Yellow requires 65 grams of force to actuate, providing a slightly more tactile typing experience. When it comes to bottom out force, the Daybreak requires 67 grams, while the Silent Yellow is heavier at 80 grams. This means that the Silent Yellow offers a more substantial typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a firmer push feel. However, the Daybreak's lighter bottom out force may be preferred by users who type for extended periods and value a more effortless keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for typing experience and desired level of force feedback.
Travel distance
The Durock Daybreak linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Silent Yellow has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Daybreak. The Daybreak's 3.8 mm travel distance falls on the shorter end of the spectrum, making it a good choice for those who prefer quick and responsive keystrokes, such as gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow's 4 mm travel distance provides a bit more depth, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial keypress experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and keypress feedback.
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 Yellow 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 quieter and softer typing experience due to its muted and low-pitched characteristics. This makes it a great choice for those who prefer a more discreet typing noise. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch doesn't have specific sound descriptors available, but it is generally known for providing a quieter typing experience compared to other mechanical switches. Ultimately, both switches are designed to reduce typing noise, but the Daybreak may have a slightly more refined and mellow sound profile.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Daybreak switch is known for its polished feel, which signifies a smooth and refined typing experience. This is achieved through either the materials used in the switch or factory lubrication, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Conversely, information about the tactile feel of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch is not available. However, as both switches are linear, they are likely to provide a similar consistent and smooth typing experience without any tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Durock Daybreak linear switch offers a heavier actuation force at 67g, providing a more robust typing feel while remaining quiet due to its muted sound profile. The polished feel adds to the overall typing experience, making it a great choice for those who prioritize both typing feel and sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch focuses on noise reduction without specific sound and feel descriptors available. If a quieter and smoother typing experience is desired, both switches can provide similar results, but the Daybreak may offer a more refined and premium feel overall.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the Durock Daybreak linear switch or the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, you should opt for the Daybreak if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams and enjoy a more substantial typing experience with quiet operation, making it ideal for environments where noise reduction is crucial. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams and prioritize a silent typing experience, the Silent Yellow may be the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences in terms of typing feel, sound, and bottom out force.
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