Durock Daybreak vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Daybreak and Durock Piano both stand out as top contenders. The Daybreak is a linear switch known for its solid 67g weight, providing a hefty typing experience ideal for those who prefer a more substantial touch. Its quiet operation makes it perfect for noise-sensitive environments, making it a great choice for workspaces. In comparison, the Piano switch is also a linear option but stands out for its proprietary material blend that offers a smooth and enjoyable typing experience. With a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature, the Piano switch is categorized as 'Bassy', 'Frictionless', and 'Silky'. While the Daybreak is more 'Polished', 'Muted', and 'Low-pitched', both switches have their unique features that cater 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Durock Daybreak features a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the Durock Piano utilizes a proprietary POM blend for both the top and bottom housing. The differences in materials lead to distinct sound profiles for each switch. The polycarbonate top housing of the Daybreak creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound, whereas the POM blend top housing of the Piano offers a deep and satisfying sound profile. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Daybreak produces a deeper and fuller sound, while the POM blend bottom housing of the Piano also contributes to the switch's unique sound quality. Overall, the combination of materials in each switch results in varying sound experiences.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Durock Daybreak and the Durock Piano, both switches aim to provide a satisfying and unique typing experience. The use of polycarbonate in the Daybreak's top housing allows for clear and resonant sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting, while the POM blend top housing of the Piano offers a deep and rich sound profile. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Daybreak absorbs more sound, creating a duller sound profile, whereas the POM blend bottom housing of the Piano contributes to the switch's unique sound qualities. While each switch has its own distinct characteristics, both are designed to enhance the overall typing experience for users.
In terms of overall performance, the use of different housing materials in the Durock Daybreak and the Durock Piano results in unique sound profiles for each switch. The split between the top and bottom housing allows for a combination of qualities that affect the typing experience in different ways. The Daybreak provides a sharper and higher-pitched sound with its polycarbonate top housing, while the Piano boasts a satisfying and deep sound profile with its POM blend housing. The nylon bottom housing of the Daybreak offers a fuller sound, contrasting with the Piano's POM blend bottom housing, which contributes to its unique sound quality. Despite these differences, both switches are designed to enhance typing performance and deliver a premium typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, we can see that both switches have a similar actuation force of None grams. However, the Daybreak has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is slightly heavier compared to the Piano's 63.5 grams. The Daybreak is considered to be on the medium-heavy side in terms of bottom out force, while the Piano falls into the same category. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Durock Piano due to its slightly lower bottom out force, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Durock Daybreak with its slightly heavier bottom out force for a stronger push feel during typing. Overall, both switches offer a solid typing experience, and selecting between the two would ultimately depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Daybreak linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Durock Piano linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Piano switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Daybreak switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular among users, especially gamers seeking faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Daybreak switch with the shorter travel distance may be more suitable for you. However, if you prefer a more substantial keypress feel, the Piano switch with the longer travel distance could be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and keypress feel.
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 Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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 is known for its muted and low-pitched sound profile, providing a softer and quieter typing experience compared to other switches. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch offers a bassy sound with a deep and rich tone during key presses. Depending on your preference for sound, the Daybreak offers a more subtle and mellow sound, while the Piano delivers a deeper and more resonant typing experience.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Daybreak linear switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and sleek key travel. In contrast, the Durock Piano linear switch is characterized as frictionless and silky, providing an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing feel with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Whether you prefer a polished and refined feel or a completely smooth and fluid travel, both switches offer top-notch tactile experiences for typing enthusiasts.
In conclusion, the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Daybreak provides a heavier actuation force with a muted and low-pitched sound, along with a polished and refined typing feel, the Piano delivers a deep and rich bassy sound with a frictionless and silky smooth typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches comes down to personal preference in sound and feel, as both switches offer superb quality and performance for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a heftier touch and quieter operation, the Daybreak with its 67g bottom out force and muted, low-pitched sound may be the best choice for you. However, if you prioritize a smooth, frictionless typing experience with a deep and rich sound profile, the Piano with its proprietary material blend and 63.5g bottom out force could be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you will be using the keyboard.
Mentioned in this article
