Durock Daybreak vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Daybreak and SP-Star Polaris Gray both offer unique features to cater to different preferences. The Durock Daybreak is a linear switch with a solid 67g weight, providing a hefty typing experience that is matched by its quiet operation, making it perfect for quiet workspaces. In contrast, the SP-Star Polaris Gray is also a linear switch but offers a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile. While the Daybreak is categorized as 'Polished', 'Muted', and 'Low-pitched', the Polaris Gray is categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished'. 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
67g
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
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
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Durock Daybreak and SP-Star Polaris Gray both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. This makes them ideal for switches that will be used with RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows the light to shine through. However, while the Daybreak's bottom housing is made of nylon, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, the Polaris Gray has a polycarbonate bottom housing that contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound. This means that the sound experience of typing on these switches may differ slightly based on the combination of materials used in their housing.
In terms of aesthetics, both switches are likely to have a similar look due to the fact that clear housings are typically made of polycarbonate. The use of this material in the top housing allows for a more visually pleasing experience when combined with RGB lighting effects. However, the choice between a nylon or polycarbonate bottom housing will impact the overall sound profile of the switch, with nylon providing a softer and more absorbing sound while polycarbonate produces a sharper and crisper sound. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing feel, users may lean towards one switch over the other based on the composition of their housing materials.
Overall, the Durock Daybreak and SP-Star Polaris Gray offer different combinations of housing materials, resulting in unique typing experiences. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a similar aesthetic appeal and sound profile when letting go of keys, the choice of nylon or polycarbonate for the bottom housing will influence the sound and feel when pressing down on keys. Ultimately, users may appreciate the deeper and fuller sound of the Daybreak's nylon bottom housing or the sharper and crisper sound of the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate bottom housing, depending on their individual preferences for typing on mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Durock Daybreak linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch have similar actuation forces and bottom out forces. Both switches have an actuation force of None grams, meaning they require a light touch to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottoming out, both switches have a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. This makes them ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel while typing. Overall, both switches offer a medium-heavy typing experience, with a balance between a light actuation force and a heavier bottom out force for a satisfying typing feel.
Travel distance
The Durock Daybreak linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it slightly shorter than the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Daybreak offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray provides a bit more depth to the key press, which some users may prefer for a more tactile feel. Both switches fall within the range of modern travel distances, with the Daybreak being on the shorter end and the Polaris Gray being slightly longer. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
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 SP-Star Polaris Gray has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Gray for $5.00.
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 muted and low-pitched typing experience, resulting in a softer and bass-heavy sound profile that is perfect for quiet work environments. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch provides a low-pitched and thocky sound that is clean and clacky, ideal for those who enjoy a more distinct and satisfying typing sound. Despite these differences, both switches offer a pleasant auditory experience that will vary depending on the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Daybreak switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In comparison, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch offers a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users, with qualities that fall within a safe middle-ground zone. Both switches offer a comfortable typing feel, with the Daybreak emphasizing smoothness and the Polaris Gray focusing on a gentle typing experience.
Overall, both the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. While the Daybreak provides a heavier touch and a quieter operation, the Polaris Gray offers a bouncier feel and a clean, clacky sound. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will come down to personal preference and the desired typing experience, but rest assured that both switches will deliver satisfying results in their respective categories.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Durock Daybreak and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches, consider your preferences and typing habits. If you enjoy a heavier typing experience and value a quieter operation, the Durock Daybreak may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncier feel and a clean, clacky sound profile, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches could be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's essential to consider what matters most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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