Durock Daybreak vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch both offer unique typing experiences. The Daybreak is praised for its solid 67g weight, providing a hefty touch for those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. With quiet operation and a polished, muted, low-pitched sound profile, the Daybreak is a great choice for quiet workspaces. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple offers a big tactile bump that delivers an exhilarating typing experience with a snappy sound profile. Categorized as neutral, mild, and polished, the Polaris Purple is a popular choice for those who enjoy a tactile feel while typing. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your keyboard needs.
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 Purple both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. Similarly, both switches are likely to be more visually appealing when used with RGB lighting due to the translucency of polycarbonate. However, the Daybreak's nylon bottom housing offers a different typing experience compared to the Polaris Purple's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile as it absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This means that the bottom-out sound and feel of the Daybreak switch will be different from that of the Polaris Purple.
In terms of sound profile, the nylon bottom housing of the Daybreak provides a unique typing experience that is deeper and fuller compared to the sharper and crisper sound profile of the polycarbonate bottom housing in the Polaris Purple. The split between top and bottom housing materials also means that the bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. Despite these differences, both switches offer quality sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Daybreak and the SP-Star Polaris Purple will depend on individual preferences for sound profile and typing feel. Those who prefer a sharper and crisper sound profile may lean towards the Polaris Purple, while those who enjoy a deeper and fuller sound may opt for the Daybreak. However, both switches offer the benefits of using polycarbonate in the top housing for a visually appealing and resonant sound profile. Whether you prefer a more rounded sound or a higher-pitched sound, both switches provide quality options for keyboard enthusiasts looking to customize their typing experience.
Weight
The Durock Daybreak linear switch and SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch both have a bottom out force of 67 grams, making them both medium-heavy in terms of pressure required to fully press the keys. However, the actuation force for the Daybreak is not specified, while the Polaris Purple also has an actuation force of None grams. This means that the Daybreak may have a lighter actuation force compared to the Polaris Purple, which could result in a lighter typing experience for users. Some users may prefer the Daybreak for longer typing or gaming sessions due to this lighter actuation force. On the other hand, others may prefer the Polaris Purple for its higher bottom out force, providing a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Durock Daybreak linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch has a 4 mm travel distance. The Daybreak has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Polaris Purple. The difference of 0.2 mm may not seem significant, but it can impact the overall typing experience. With a shorter travel distance, the Daybreak may provide a quicker response time, making it preferred by gamers who need fast reflexes. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Polaris Purple may offer a more satisfying key press for those who enjoy a deeper feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference in terms of 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 Purple 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 Purple 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 provides a muted and low-pitched typing experience, which is ideal for those looking for a quieter and more subtle auditory feedback. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile, suitable for a wide range of users and settings. Both switches can deliver pleasant sound profiles, but the Daybreak may be preferred for those who specifically seek a quieter typing environment.
In terms of feel, the Daybreak switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple tactile switch is described as mild and polished, providing a gentle and approachable typing feel that falls within a comfortable middle ground. Both switches prioritize a smooth typing experience, making them suitable for users who value comfort and ease of use in their mechanical keyboards.
Overall, the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch both offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Daybreak excels in providing a heavier actuation force and a quieter typing experience, the Polaris Purple stands out for its exhilarating tactile bump and neutral sound profile. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience each user is seeking, but both switches are sure to provide a satisfying and enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, you should consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a heavier touch and a quieter typing experience, the Daybreak with its 67g actuation force is a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile bump and a snappier sound profile, the Polaris Purple with its exhilarating tactile feedback may be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile.
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