Durock Daybreak vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Daybreak and the Huano Sakura present two distinct options tailored for different preferences in typing experience. The Durock Daybreak switches are characterized by a robust 67g actuation force, providing a weighty yet quiet feel that appeals to typists who favor a more substantial touch in their keystrokes—making them particularly well-suited for professional environments where noise control is a priority. In contrast, the Huano Sakura switches offer a feather-light touch, allowing for effortless typing with a medium acoustic feedback that can enhance long writing sessions without causing finger fatigue. While the Daybreak is appreciated for its polished, low-pitched sound that complements a focused work atmosphere, the Sakura's lighter action caters to those who thrive on speed and efficiency. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Daybreak and Huano Sakura switches, one of the most notable differences lies in the top housing composition. The Daybreak utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is particularly resonant due to the material's stiffness. This translucency also lends itself well to RGB lighting applications, enhancing the aesthetics of the switch. In contrast, the Sakura employs a POK top housing, known for its durability and smoothness. While it may not deliver the same bright resonance as polycarbonate, POK offers a distinctly smooth typing experience due to its low coefficient of friction, resulting in a softer yet still pronounced sound profile. Thus, while both materials bring unique acoustic characteristics to their respective switches, their fundamental differences in sound quality and tactile feel may lead to varied user experiences.
On the other hand, both switches utilize the classic nylon material for their bottom housings, which contributes to a richer, deeper sound profile when typing. Nylon’s softer plastic nature means it is better at sound absorption, creating a fuller, more muted audio dynamic compared to using harder plastics. Though the upper housings differ, the shared nylon in the bottom ensures that both the Daybreak and Sakura exhibit this underlying tonal quality. Consequently, despite the disparities in top housing materials, users can expect a similar acoustic foundation in both switches, as the bottom housing plays a significant role in shaping the overall sound feel upon bottoming out.
Overall, the combined effect of these varying materials creates a distinctive auditory and tactile experience for each switch. The Daybreak’s crisp, vibrant sound from the polycarbonate top contrasts with the smoother, more nuanced feedback provided by the POK top of the Sakura. However, the shared nylon bottom housing acts as a common ground that supports their overall sound profile, ensuring that while users may perceive different nuances from each switch, they will still experience a familiar depth in sound. When pressed, each switch showcases how the combination of their unique top components and a shared nylon base can yield different results while maintaining a core aspect of sound and feel consistent across both designs.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, there is a notable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Daybreak switch features a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is categorized as medium-heavy, while the actuation force is unspecified. In contrast, the Sakura switch has a defined actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it lighter overall. This significant difference in actuation forces suggests that users will find the Sakura switch much easier to press down, making it suitable for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Conversely, the Daybreak's heavier bottom out force may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing, enhancing feedback during key presses. Therefore, if one seeks a lighter switch, the Huano Sakura would be the ideal choice due to its lower actuation force and overall lighter characteristics compared to the Durock Daybreak.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, the Daybreak measures at 3.8 mm while the Sakura has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more responsive feel, the Sakura switch could be more suitable due to its reduced distance, appealing particularly to gamers who favor quicker actuation. Conversely, the Durock Daybreak provides a depthier experience with its longer travel distance, which might be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke. Therefore, if you lean towards a more tactile, hearty depth, the Daybreak would be the better choice, whereas for swift, crisp responsiveness, the Sakura would be ideal.
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 Huano Sakura comes in at $3.50 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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Daybreak linear switch stands out with its low-pitched acoustics, delivering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. This characteristic allows for a quiet typing experience that is ideal for office environments or shared spaces, where noise reduction is a priority. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura linear switch is known for its medium acoustics, though specifics about its sound profile are less defined. Consequently, while the Daybreak offers a distinctly low-pitched sound, the Sakura could present a more balanced audio experience, and whether it achieves a similar level of quietness remains unclear, depending on various external factors such as the keyboard build and keycap material.
In terms of feel, the Durock Daybreak excels with its polished design, indicating a smooth and refined typing experience. This smoothness can be attributed to high-quality materials and superior manufacturing processes, which reduce friction during key travel and enhance the gliding sensation of each keystroke. Conversely, the Huano Sakura lacks explicit descriptions of its feel, leaving its tactile experience somewhat ambiguous. Therefore, while the Daybreak guarantees a sleek and effortless typing action, the feel of the Sakura switch remains undetermined without further information.
In conclusion, while the Durock Daybreak linear switch offers a robust typing experience characterized by quiet, low-pitched sounds and a polished feel, the Huano Sakura linear switch presents an unknown sound and tactile experience, potentially complementing those who prefer a lighter touch. Ultimately, both switches cater to distinct user preferences, and selecting between them will depend on personal priorities concerning sound and feel. If you're leaning towards quieter typing with a heavy actuation force, the Daybreak is the way to go; if a ligher touch is desired, the Sakura may yield satisfying results, although its acoustic nature remains to be explored.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch should be guided by your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prefer a more substantial typing experience and enjoy the stability that comes from a medium-heavy actuation force, the Daybreak switches will be your best bet. They provide a smooth, polished feel while also minimizing noise, making them particularly suitable for quiet environments like offices or shared spaces. On the other hand, if you value a lightweight touch, which allows for quick typing and less finger fatigue during long sessions, the Sakura switches will cater to your needs. Their lower actuation force offers a more effortless keystroke, making them ideal for those who prioritize speed and comfort over resistance. Consider how each switch aligns with your specific typing style, as well as the environments in which you’ll be using them, to make the right choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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