Durock Daybreak vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the Durock Daybreak, a linear switch, and the Gateron Quinn, a tactile switch. The Daybreak is known for its solid 67g weight, providing a hefty typing experience while remaining quiet, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the Quinn switches offer a unique tactile experience with a crisp and light switch-like tactility, accompanied by a deep and resonant sound profile that adds character to each keystroke. While the Daybreak is categorized as polished, muted, and low-pitched, the Quinn is known for being snappy, bassy, polished, bouncy, clacky, accented, buttery, creamy, low-pitched, and resonant. Ultimately, choosing between the 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
59g
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
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Daybreak and the Gateron Quinn differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Daybreak features a polycarbonate top housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate. This material is ideal for switches with RGB lighting as its translucency allows for light to shine through. In contrast, the Quinn utilizes a nylon top housing which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound and creating a rounder tone.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Daybreak and the Quinn utilize nylon. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound than harder plastics. While the Daybreak's nylon bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound, the Quinn's provides a similar effect, ensuring a consistent typing experience. The qualities of the bottom housing will have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, while the housing materials of the Durock Daybreak and the Gateron Quinn vary between their top housings, the use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches results in a similar typing experience. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Daybreak offers a crisper sound profile, ideal for RGB lighting, while the softer nylon top housing of the Quinn produces a deeper and fuller sound. Despite these differences, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with unique sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, we can see some differences. The Daybreak has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is medium-heavy, while its actuation force is unknown. On the other hand, the Quinn has an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, also falling into the medium-heavy category. In terms of weight, the Quinn is lighter with a lower actuation force compared to the Daybreak, which could make it more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. However, both switches share the same bottom out force, so users can expect a similar typing experience in that regard. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on individual preference for actuation force and typing feel.
Travel distance
The Durock Daybreak linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Gateron Quinn tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Quinn switch has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Daybreak switch. Shorter travel distances are often favored by gamers for quicker response times, while longer travel distances can provide a more satisfying and tactile typing experience for some individuals. So, if you prefer a shorter travel distance for speed and agility, the Quinn switch would be the way to go. However, if you enjoy a bit more depth and feedback with each press, the Daybreak switch may be more suitable for your typing preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer slightly different typing experiences due to their varying travel distances.
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 Gateron Quinn has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Quinn for $5.50.
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, perfect for those who prefer a quieter keyboard. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch produces a bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant sound that adds character to each keystroke. Depending on your preference for sound profile, the Daybreak will give you a softer and quieter typing experience, while the Quinn will provide a deeper and richer sound with a touch of crispness.
Regarding feel, the Daybreak switch is described as polished, delivering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In comparison, the Quinn switch offers a snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy feel, providing a responsive typing experience with a mix of tactile feedback and smoothness. Whether you prefer a more refined and sleek feel or a lively, elastic sensation, both switches offer unique tactile experiences to cater to different preferences.
Overall, if you opt for the Durock Daybreak linear switch, you can expect a heavier actuation force with a quiet and low-pitched sound profile along with a polished and smooth typing feel. On the other hand, choosing the Gateron Quinn tactile switch will give you a mix of bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant sound profiles, paired with a snappy, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy typing feel. Ultimately, both switches provide distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel, catering to varying preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Durock Daybreak linear switch or the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, think about your typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy a heftier typing experience with a quiet operation suitable for workspaces, the Daybreak may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a unique combination of crisp tactility and deep, resonant sound profile for a more immersive typing experience, the Quinn switch could be the better option. Consider factors such as bottom out force, sound profile, and tactile feel to determine which switch aligns best with your typing style and preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the Daybreak and Quinn switches will depend on your personal preferences and the type of typing experience you are looking for.
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