Durock Daybreak vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the Durock Daybreak and the Akko Penguin. The Durock Daybreak is a linear switch known for its solid 67g weight, providing a heftier typing experience suitable for those who prefer a more substantial touch. with heavy actuation force and quiet operation, it is ideal for workspaces or environments where noise must be kept to a minimum. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin is a tactile switch designed for silent operation, making it perfect for office settings where noise reduction is essential. Featuring a rounded tactile bump, the Penguin offers satisfying feedback with each press while maintaining a quiet profile. Both switches fall under the polished, muted category, highlighting their subtle and refined characteristics. However, let's delve 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
43g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
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
The Durock Daybreak and Akko Penguin both utilize different materials for their housing components, with the Daybreak featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the Penguin utilizes nylon for both top and bottom housings. The polycarbonate top housing of the Daybreak is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for RGB lighting with its translucency. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Penguin produces a deeper and fuller sound profile because of its softness and sound absorption properties. Despite these differences, both materials contribute to enhancing the overall typing experience by providing distinct sound profiles.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Daybreak and Penguin use nylon, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. The softer nature of nylon in the bottom housing helps absorb sound and contributes to a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switches. This shared characteristic between the two keyboards demonstrates how the choice of housing material can impact the overall sound and feel of the switches. While the top and bottom housings may serve different functions in terms of sound production, their shared use of nylon highlights the importance of material selection in creating a satisfying typing experience.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in both the Durock Daybreak and Akko Penguin contributes to the unique sound profiles of each keyboard. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Daybreak creates a clear and resonant sound, while the softer nylon top housing of the Penguin produces a deeper and fuller sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing in both keyboards enhances the typing experience by absorbing sound and contributing to a rounder sound profile. Despite the differences in material composition, both keyboards offer high-quality sound profiles tailored to individual preferences, showcasing the importance of housing materials in creating a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, it is evident that the Daybreak is the heavier option between the two. The Daybreak has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is considered medium-heavy, while the Penguin has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is classified as medium. In terms of actuation force, the Daybreak's force is not specified, whereas the Penguin has an actuation force of 43 grams. The Daybreak provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force, while the Penguin offers a lighter actuation force, which may be preferred by those who type for longer periods. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding typing feel and desired weight of the key press.
Travel distance
The Durock Daybreak linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8mm, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3mm. In this case, the Penguin has a shorter travel distance compared to the Daybreak. The Daybreak falls within the more traditional range of travel distances, while the Penguin is on the shorter end. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may lean towards the Penguin due to its shorter travel distance. However, for those who prefer a more substantial keypress feel, the Daybreak with its longer travel distance may be preferred. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
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 Akko Penguin has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Penguin for $3.10.
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
In terms of sound, both the Durock Daybreak and Akko Penguin switches are described as muted, providing a softer and quieter typing experience compared to other switches. The Daybreak has a low-pitched sound profile, while the Penguin has a neutral sound profile, making them both suitable for environments where noise reduction is important. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, both the Daybreak and Penguin switches are described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience. The Daybreak is known for its heavier actuation force at 67g, providing a more substantial touch, whereas the Penguin features a rounded tactile bump for a satisfying feedback with each press. The Penguin is also described as mild, feathery, and subtle, offering a gentle typing experience with reduced finger fatigue and a light actuation force. Both switches strike a balance between responsiveness and comfort, making them suitable for prolonged typing sessions without causing fatigue.
Overall, the Durock Daybreak and Akko Penguin switches both excel in providing a quiet and polished typing experience. The Daybreak offers a heavier touch with a low-pitched sound profile, while the Penguin features a rounded tactile bump with a neutral sound profile. Whether you choose the Daybreak for a more significant typing experience or the Penguin for a balanced tactile feedback, both switches are reliable options for those looking for a quiet and comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two will come down to personal preference in terms of actuation force and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, consider your preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a heavier typing experience and prioritize a quiet operation, the Daybreak switch with its 67g bottom out force would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium weight switch with a satisfying tactile feedback and a quieter profile, the Akko Penguin switch with its 60g bottom out force might be more suitable for you, especially in office environments where noise minimization is crucial. Both switches offer a polished feel, but the Daybreak leans towards a more muted and low-pitched sound, while the Penguin provides a neutral sound profile. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard.
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