Durock Daybreak vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Daybreak and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Durock Daybreak is a linear switch known for its solid 67g weight, providing a substantial typing experience favored by those who prefer a heavier touch. With a quiet operation, it is an ideal choice for workspaces or settings where noise reduction is crucial. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear stands out for its innovative design, featuring a whisper-quiet topping-out sound and a clacky bottom-out sound. Its silky smooth typing feel and a variety of characteristics such as being subdued, neutral, mild, snappy, buttery, and polished make it a versatile option. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Durock Daybreak and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. On the other hand, the differences may lie in the bottom housings of these switches.
The Durock Daybreak's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing material may result in a slightly different typing experience between the two switches. The combination of the polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in the Daybreak may provide a unique sound profile that differs from the Semi-Silent Linear.
In terms of functionality, the top and bottom housings of a switch play different roles in determining the sound and feel of typing. The Durock Daybreak and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear showcase how different housing materials can impact the overall typing experience. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and crisp sound profile, the distinction lies in the nylon bottom housing of the Daybreak, offering a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Semi-Silent Linear's polycarbonate bottom housing. Ultimately, the choice of housing materials can greatly influence the sound and feel of a switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, it is clear that both switches have a similar actuation force of None grams. However, the Daybreak has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Semi-Silent Linear with a bottom out force of 62 grams. This means that the Daybreak will provide a more substantial typing experience compared to the Semi-Silent Linear. The Daybreak's heavier bottom out force may appeal to those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Semi-Silent Linear's lighter bottom out force may be more suitable for those looking for a switch that allows them to type for longer periods of time without fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Durock Daybreak linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, slightly longer than the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch which has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. While the Daybreak offers a slightly longer distance for those who prefer a deeper keypress, the Semi-Silent Linear provides a slightly shorter travel distance for faster response times, making it a popular choice among gamers. Both switches offer a travel distance that is within the range of what is considered traditional, with 4.0 mm being the most common. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for keypress depth and responsiveness.
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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 is best characterized as producing a muted and low-pitched sound, offering a softer and quieter typing experience with a bass-heavy and mellow tone. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch is described as creating a subdued and neutral sound, providing a dampened sound when pressed and a moderate sound profile suitable for various environments. Both switches aim to reduce noise output, with the Daybreak having a heavier actuation force contributing to its quieter operation while the Semi-Silent Linear maintains a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while still offering a clacky bottom-out noise.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Daybreak linear switch is known for its polished typing experience, featuring a smooth and refined finish that results in reduced friction and sleek key travel. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch offers a mild, snappy, buttery, and polished feel, providing a gentle typing experience with super responsive and fluid keystrokes. Both switches aim to offer a pleasant typing sensation, with the Daybreak focusing on a polished finish for smooth key travel and the Semi-Silent Linear hitting a middle ground that is approachable to most users.
Overall, while the Durock Daybreak and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switches have their distinct sound and feel characteristics, they both excel in providing a quieter and smoother typing experience compared to traditional mechanical switches. Whether you prefer the heavier touch and muted sound of the Daybreak or the semi-silent operation and gentle feel of the Semi-Silent Linear, both switches offer reliable performance and can cater to different preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on personal preference for sound profile, actuation force, and typing feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, consider the bottom out force and sound profile that best suits your typing preferences. If you prefer a heavier touch with a muted and low-pitched sound, the Durock Daybreak switch with its 67g bottom out force would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother keystroke with a semi-silent and subdued sound, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch with its 62g bottom out force may be more appealing to you. Both switches offer unique characteristics tailored to different typing preferences, so it ultimately comes down to your personal preference in terms of feel and sound.
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