Durock Daybreak vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Daybreak and the KTT Purple Star both offer unique features to cater to different preferences. The Durock Daybreak is a linear switch that boasts a solid 67g actuation force, providing a heftier typing experience favored by those who prefer a more significant touch. Additionally, its quiet operation makes it suitable for workspaces where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star is also a linear switch, but with an all-POM construction that delivers a buttery smooth typing experience. With a light 45g bottom-out, this switch is perfect for light typists looking for ease and comfort. Both switches offer their own advantages and cater to different needs; 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
43g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Daybreak and KTT Purple Star switches offer distinct sound profiles and aesthetics due to their different composition. The Daybreak's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Purple Star's POM top housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound. This difference in sound quality can greatly impact the overall typing experience for users, with the Daybreak offering a more vibrant and clear sound while the Purple Star delivers a more subdued and bass-heavy sound.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, the Daybreak's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound profile compared to the POM bottom housing of the Purple Star, which also offers a deep and muted sound profile. Despite both switches having similar sound profiles for their bottom housing materials, the nuances in sound quality can still differentiate the typing experience between the two switches.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Daybreak and KTT Purple Star switches will ultimately come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel. While both switches offer unique characteristics in their housing materials, such as the polycarbonate top housing of the Daybreak and POM top housing of the Purple Star, users may prefer the sharper and crisper sound of the Daybreak or the deeper and more muted sound of the Purple Star. Regardless of the choice, both switches provide a high-quality typing experience with their distinct housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, it is clear that there are significant differences. The Daybreak has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch, while the actuation force is unknown. On the other hand, the Purple Star has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter switch overall. This means that the Daybreak would provide a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force, while the Purple Star would offer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preference for typing feel and weight preference.
Travel distance
The Durock Daybreak linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the KTT Purple Star linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches offer a shorter travel distance compared to the more traditional 4.0 mm distance. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Purple Star for faster response times, while those who prefer a more robust key press may opt for the Daybreak with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press 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 Purple Star comes in at $4.88 per 10 switches.
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 offers a muted and low-pitched typing experience, minimizing noise and providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star linear switch also presents a low-pitched sound profile, but with a buttery smooth typing experience due to its all-POM construction. The choice between the two would come down to personal preference for sound, whether one prefers the heavier, muted sound of the Daybreak or the smoother, neutral sound of the Purple Star.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Daybreak switch is known for its polished finish, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the KTT Purple Star switch provides a mild and easy-to-press typing experience, making it approachable to most users with its gentle resistance during key presses. For those who prefer a sleek and refined feel, the Daybreak would be the optimal choice, while the Purple Star would cater to individuals looking for a comfortable and effortless typing experience.
Overall, when considering the subjective qualities of the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, it is apparent that the Daybreak offers a heavier, more muted sound with a polished feel, whereas the Purple Star provides a buttery smooth typing experience with a light actuation force and easy-to-press keys. Both switches have their unique attributes, and the decision between the two would ultimately come down to personal preferences in sound and feel. However, it's worth noting that if one desires a quieter typing experience with a smoother feel, they can achieve similar results with either switch by configuring their keyboard setup accordingly.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between Durock Daybreak linear switches and KTT Purple Star linear switches, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you prefer a heavier typing experience with a muted and low-pitched sound, the Durock Daybreak switches with their 67g bottom-out force and polished feel may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing feel with easy-to-press keys and a low-pitched sound, the KTT Purple Star switches with their 50g bottom-out force and all-POM construction may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles, so it's essential to factor in your personal preferences when making a decision.
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