Durock Daybreak vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Daybreak and Jerrzi Salt Ice mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique features catering to different preferences. The Durock Daybreak switch is a linear option known for its 67g actuation force, providing a weightier typing experience that appeals to individuals who prefer a more significant touch. Its quiet operation and muted sound profile make it ideal for office environments or places where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch stands out for its bright and clacky characteristics, offering a lively and responsive typing experience with a lighter touch. Those who enjoy vibrant feedback and effortless actuation might find the Salt Ice switch to be the perfect fit. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Daybreak and the Jerrzi Salt Ice, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that will be used with RGB lighting. However, the Daybreak features a nylon bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound overall.
While the top housing of both switches share the same material, their bottom housings provide a point of differentiation. The Daybreak's nylon bottom housing offers a distinct typing experience with its deeper and fuller sound profile. Conversely, the Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing complements the sharp and crisp sound created by its top housing. The split between housing materials impacts the overall sound and feel of each switch, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both the Durock Daybreak and the Jerrzi Salt Ice results in similar sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profiles, ideal for RGB lighting setups. The choice of nylon for the Daybreak's bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller typing experience, contrasting with the Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing. Ultimately, the combination of different housing materials in each switch contributes to a unique sound and feel, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, it is evident that they offer different experiences. The Daybreak switch has a bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing feel, while its actuation force is unknown. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes, but its bottom out force is also unknown. If both switches had the same actuation force, users would likely get similar results in terms of typing experience. The choice between a lighter or heavier switch ultimately depends on personal preference, with lighter switches being ideal for prolonged typing sessions and heavier switches offering a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer it.
Travel distance
The Durock Daybreak linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Daybreak switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Salt Ice switch. While both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, the Daybreak offers a bit more depth when pressing down on a key. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter 3.4 mm travel distance of the Salt Ice switch, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the 3.8 mm travel distance of the Daybreak switch. Ultimately, both switches provide a relatively short travel distance, so users can expect similar results in terms of keypress feel despite the slight difference in distance.
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 Jerrzi Salt Ice has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Salt Ice for $2.30.
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
The Durock Daybreak linear switch stands out for its muted and low-pitched sound profile, providing a quieter and more soothing typing experience compared to other switches. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is known for its bright and clacky characteristics, offering a more energetic and lively sound feedback during typing. When it comes to feel, the Daybreak switch is praised for its polished finish, resulting in smooth key travel and reduced friction. Unfortunately, information on the feel of the Salt Ice switch is not available.
Overall, if you prefer a quieter and heavier typing experience, the Durock Daybreak linear switch would be the ideal choice. Alternatively, if you enjoy a more vibrant and responsive typing feel, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch would be the preferable option. Remember that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard structure and keycaps used. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for users.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, consider your typing preferences and work environment. If you prefer a heavier actuation force and a quieter typing experience, the Daybreak may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a light touch with vibrant feedback and a more energetic typing experience, the Salt Ice could be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what feels most comfortable and satisfying to you as you use your mechanical keyboard. Choose wisely and enjoy your typing experience!
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