Durock Daybreak vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Daybreak and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie both offer unique experiences that cater to different preferences among typists and gamers alike. The Daybreak, with its heavier 67g actuation force, provides a substantial tactile feel that many users appreciate, particularly those who prefer a more deliberate typing experience. Its quiet operation makes it an excellent choice for environments where noise levels are a concern, making it ideal for office settings. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, known for its medium weight and all-POM construction, combines smoothness with a satisfying thocky sound profile, appealing to users who favor a more spirited and auditory feedback during their typing sessions. While both switches are linear and provide a clean keystroke without the tactile bumps associated with clicky or tactile switches, they each bring their own distinct qualities to the table. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your needs.

By the numbers

Durock Daybreak Linear

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

$6.87

$5.41 per 10

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the Durock Daybreak and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie in terms of their housing materials, it becomes clear that both switches diverge significantly in the composition of their top housings. The Daybreak utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, a material celebrated for its rigidity and translucency, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. This property not only enhances the clarity of the audio feedback produced during typing but also complements RGB lighting effectively due to its clear design. Conversely, the Sea Salt Smoothie features a POM top housing, which results in a sound profile that is deeper and more muted. Unlike the punchy acoustics of polycarbonate, the POM contributes to a softer auditory experience, making it ideal for users who prefer a more subdued sound when typing.

In examining the bottom housings, both the Daybreak and Sea Salt Smoothie employ materials that promote rich sound profiles but cater to different auditory preferences. The Daybreak's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper, fuller sound owing to its softer nature, which absorbs sound and creates a rounder auditory feedback. This characteristic allows users to experience a more mellow bottom-out sound when pressing the keys. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie's bottom housing is also POM, which similarly enhances the depth of sound but maintains the muted quality seen in the top housing. Consequently, while both switches promise a pleasing auditory experience, the Daybreak leans towards a sharper, resonant profile, while the Sea Salt Smoothie’s dual POM configuration offers a more subdued yet equally enjoyable sound.

Ultimately, the differences in material composition between the Durock Daybreak and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie influence how each switch sounds and feels during use. For the Daybreak, the stiff polycarbonate top combined with a softer nylon bottom creates a distinct layering of auditory feedback that balances sharpness with depth. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie’s dual POM design results in a cohesive sound that is consistently deep and muted across both housings. However, if one desires a switch that captures elements of both designs, synchronizing the attributes of the Daybreak’s crisper top with the subtlety of the Sea Salt Smoothie could yield unique results. By tailoring the switch selection based on personal typing preference, users can achieve a variety of sound profiles, whether through isolation of each housing's qualities or amalgamating features that resonate most with their tactile desires.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Daybreak has an unknown actuation force, but a bottom out force of 67 grams, indicating a medium-heavy resistance when fully pressed down. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie has a specified actuation force of 48 grams, which is on the lighter side, offering a gentler typing experience. However, its bottom out force remains unknown. Typing on the Sea Salt Smoothie may feel less tiring during long sessions, appealing to those who need a lighter touch, whereas the Daybreak's bottom out force suggests a more substantial feedback, which may attract users who prefer a heavier switch feel. Overall, the Sea Salt Smoothie is the lighter option compared to the Daybreak, which is considered heavier. If the actuation force of the Daybreak were known and comparable to that of the Sea Salt Smoothie, users could expect similar results in their typing experience, depending on their preference for either lighter or heavier switches.

Travel distance

The travel distances of the Durock Daybreak and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches contrast slightly, with the Daybreak featuring a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Sea Salt Smoothie has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. This positions the Sea Salt Smoothie as the shorter option, catering to users who may prefer a quicker response time, which is particularly advantageous for gamers. In contrast, the Daybreak, with its longer travel distance, may offer a more substantial feel for those who enjoy a deeper keypress. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference—gamers might lean toward the Sea Salt Smoothie for its snappier response, while those favoring a more tactile depth might opt for the Daybreak.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Durock Daybreak switches are characterized by a muted and low-pitched tone, making them perfect for environments where quiet operation is a priority. Their sound profile minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical switches, providing a more subtle auditory experience. The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, while lacking specific sound descriptors, is known for its thocky sound profile, which often entails a deeper and more satisfying auditory feedback upon key press. However, the extent of this sound will also depend on the combination of keyboard construction and keycap choice.

In terms of feel, the Durock Daybreak switches excel with their polished finish, yielding a smooth and refined typing experience. This is largely due to the materials used and potentially factory lubing, ensuring that there is reduced friction and a sleek key travel. Though the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie lacks specific descriptors about its tactile feedback, its reputation for exceptional smoothness suggests that it may offer a pleasant typing experience comparable to that of the Daybreak.

Overall, while the Durock Daybreak linear switch emphasizes a quiet, polished feel with a muted sound profile, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offers a thocky sound that has its own appeal, especially if a more resonant auditory feedback is desired. Both switches cater to different preferences, but if you prefer a more tactile experience, you might favor the Daybreak, whereas the Sea Salt Smoothie could be your choice for a smooth, yet richer auditory experience. Regardless of your choice, both switches can deliver a satisfying experience if the right supporting elements—such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps—are chosen.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you prefer a heavier typing experience that gives a substantial tactile feedback, the Durock Daybreak, with its 67g actuation force, is a great fit. Its muted and low-pitched sound profile makes it particularly suitable for quiet office settings or shared spaces where noise is a consideration. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that promises a lighter feel and a thocky sound profile while being exceptionally smooth, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is likely the better option for you. It’s designed for those who appreciate a responsive keystroke without the weightiness of the Daybreak, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or casual gaming. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize a more robust, tactile experience with the Daybreak or the smooth and enjoyable typing feel of the Sea Salt Smoothie.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Daybreak Linear

$6.87

$5.41 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

Learn more