Durock Daybreak vs. Outemu Tom
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the Outemu Tom switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often debate between linear switches like the Durock Daybreak and tactile switches like the Outemu Tom. The Durock Daybreak offers a solid typing experience with its 67g actuation force, providing a heavier touch preferred by some users. Additionally, its quiet operation makes it ideal for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom provides a tactile feedback that some typists find satisfying. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.30 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 Durock Daybreak and Outemu Tom both use polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it an excellent choice for showcasing RGB lighting due to its translucency. In terms of aesthetics and acoustics, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches enhances the overall typing experience and visual appeal.
On the other hand, the Daybreak utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This particular material choice in the bottom housing of the Daybreak contributes to a unique typing experience, emphasizing the importance of both top and bottom housing materials in determining the overall feel and sound of a switch.
While both the Durock Daybreak and Outemu Tom feature polycarbonate top housings, the differences lie in their bottom housings. The split between the qualities of nylon and polycarbonate in the bottom and top housings respectively allows for a distinctive typing experience with each switch. Whether you prefer the sharper sound of polycarbonate or the fuller sound of nylon, both switches offer a range of options for enthusiasts seeking a specific sound profile and tactile response in their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, we can see some distinct differences. The Daybreak has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the Tom has an actuation force of 55 grams. The actuation force of the Daybreak is not specified, but we can assume it is higher than 55 grams since it is a linear switch. In terms of weight, the Daybreak is heavier due to its higher bottom out force, while the Tom is lighter with its lower actuation force. For those who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Tom would be the better choice. On the other hand, for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Daybreak would be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Durock Daybreak linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it slightly longer than the Outemu Tom tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among users looking for faster response times, especially in gaming. However, the slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may result in a slightly different typing experience. Those who prefer a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Daybreak with its longer travel distance, while those seeking a quicker input may find the Tom more to their liking due to its shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for keypress depth and responsiveness.
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 Tom 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
The Durock Daybreak linear switch is known for its muted and low-pitched sound profile, providing a quieter typing experience compared to other switches. The Outemu Tom tactile switch, while lacking specific sound descriptors, may offer a different sound experience based on board and keycap choices.
When it comes to feel, the Daybreak switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Outemu Tom tactile switch's feel is unspecified, making it challenging to directly compare to the Daybreak in this aspect.
Overall, the Durock Daybreak linear switch provides a heavier touch with quiet operation, ideal for those who prefer a more substantial typing feel while keeping noise levels down. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom tactile switch lacks specific descriptors for sound and feel, making it a bit more unpredictable in terms of user experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, and experimenting with both can help determine which suits your typing style best.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, consider your preferences for actuation force, noise level, and typing experience. If you prefer a medium-heavy actuation force for a heftier typing experience and quieter operation, the Daybreak would be a suitable choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a tactile typing experience with a lower actuation force and are indifferent to switch sound, the Tom may be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what factors are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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