Durock Daybreak vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Daybreak and the KTT Pine mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique features for different preferences. The Daybreak switch from Durock is known for its solid 67g weight, providing a heftier typing experience that some users may prefer. With a heavy actuation force and quiet operation, the Daybreak switch is ideal for workspaces or settings where noise reduction is essential. On the other hand, the KTT Pine switch stands out with its translucent, forest green design and medium-heavy feel. The Pine switch is buttery smooth and offers an effortless typing experience, thanks to its polished, factory-lubed finish that minimizes friction for smooth key travel. Both switches have a low-pitched sound profile, but the Daybreak is described as 'Polished' and 'Muted', while the Pine is labeled as 'Bassy', 'Buttery', and 'Creamy'. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style; 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
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Daybreak and the KTT Pine, it is clear that both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switches. However, the Daybreak features a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and sound-absorbing properties, while the Pine utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining the sharp and clear sound profile associated with this material.
Despite their differences in bottom housing material, the Durock Daybreak and KTT Pine switches both provide unique sound profiles by combining polycarbonate top housing with either nylon or polycarbonate bottom housing. The split in housing material allows for a differentiation in sound experience when pressing down on the switch versus releasing a key. While the Daybreak offers a softer and more rounded sound due to its nylon bottom housing, the Pine delivers a consistent sharp and resonant sound throughout. It is important to consider how the choice of housing materials can impact the overall typing experience when selecting a switch for a keyboard.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Durock Daybreak and the KTT Pine play a significant role in shaping the sound profile of each switch. The use of polycarbonate for the top housing in both switches results in a clear and crisp sound profile, ideal for those seeking a sharper typing experience. However, the choice of bottom housing material differs between the two switches, with the Daybreak offering a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon bottom housing, while the Pine maintains a consistent sharp sound with its polycarbonate bottom housing. Ultimately, the housing materials selected for a switch can greatly impact the overall typing experience and should be considered when choosing a switch for a keyboard setup.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, it is evident that they differ in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Daybreak has a significantly higher bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch in terms of the pressure needed to fully press down on a key. In contrast, the Pine has a lower bottom out force of 58 grams, categorizing it as a medium switch. The actuation force of the Daybreak is not specified, while the Pine has an actuation force of 45 grams. The Pine is the lighter option between the two, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, such as during work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Daybreak may appeal to individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel with a heavier bottom out force. Both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can choose based on their desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Daybreak linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it slightly shorter than the KTT Pine linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may be noticeable to some users. Those who prefer a more responsive feel may lean towards the Daybreak, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may opt for the Pine. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference 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 KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $4.15.
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, the Durock Daybreak linear switch is known for its muted and low-pitched sound profile, providing a softer and quieter typing experience compared to regular switches. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound, giving a deeper and richer tone during key presses. Both switches aim to reduce the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards, but the Daybreak leans towards a more subtle and mellow sound, while the Pine offers a deeper and more resonant tone.
When it comes to feel, the Daybreak switch is noted for its polished finish, resulting in smooth and refined key travel with reduced friction. On the contrary, the KTT Pine switch is described as buttery and creamy, offering a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation with factory-lubed finish. Both switches prioritize a smooth typing experience, but the Daybreak emphasizes a polished feel, while the Pine focuses on providing a buttery and creamy keystroke experience.
Overall, the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch offer distinct but equally reputable qualities in the realm of mechanical keyboard switches. While the Daybreak provides a heavier touch and a more muted sound with a polished feel, the Pine offers a medium-heavy touch, a bassy sound, and a buttery typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile, both switches deliver superior performance and can cater to different user preferences effectively. Ultimately, choosing between the two will come down to individual preferences in terms of touch weight, sound, and typing feel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a heavier touch and a quieter sound profile, the Durock Daybreak with its medium-heavy 67g bottom out force and muted, low-pitched sound may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, buttery typing experience with a slightly lighter 58g bottom out force and a bassy, low-pitched sound, the KTT Pine switch could be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and sound profile. So, consider your preferences carefully before making a choice.
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