Durock Daybreak vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, it becomes evident that each offers unique advantages to different types of users. The Daybreak switch is well-suited for those who prefer a heavier actuation force and a quieter typing experience, making it ideal for office environments or shared workspaces. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch provides a medium-high level of tactility with deep thocks when typing, catering to individuals who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Daybreak and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiff plastic, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. However, the Daybreak's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which maintains the sharp and clear sound profile associated with polycarbonate material.
Despite both switches utilizing polycarbonate for their top housings, the Durock Daybreak and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring differ in their choice of bottom housing material. The split qualities of the top and bottom housings impact the overall sound and feel of each switch. The Daybreak's nylon bottom housing contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the crisper sound of polycarbonate. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the sharp and resonant sound profile associated with this material, offering consistency throughout the key press.
Ultimately, the housing materials of the Durock Daybreak and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring play a significant role in shaping the sound profile of each switch. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, their differing choices of bottom housing material lead to variations in sound and feel. Whether you prefer the deeper sound of nylon or the sharpness of polycarbonate, each switch offers a unique typing experience based on the combination of materials used in their housing.
Weight
The Durock Daybreak linear switch has no specified actuation force, while the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch has an actuation force of 55 grams. The bottom out force of the Daybreak is 67 grams, making it slightly heavier than the 63 grams required to bottom out the Shadow switch. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Shadow switch would be the better option, as it has a lower actuation force. On the other hand, if a user prefers a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel, the Daybreak switch would be a better choice due to its higher bottom out force. Both switches provide a different typing experience, with the Daybreak offering a slightly heavier feel compared to the Shadow switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Durock Daybreak linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, slightly shorter than the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, the Daybreak offers a slightly shorter actuation distance for those seeking a quicker response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring provides a bit more depth and feedback due to its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the preference between the two switches will depend on individual typing or gaming styles, with the Daybreak offering a slightly shorter travel distance and the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring providing a slightly longer one.
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 Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring for $3.57.
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 offers a quieter and low-pitched typing experience, resulting in a more subdued and bass-heavy sound profile. This makes it ideal for users who prefer a more subtle typing noise. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound when pressed, delivering a crisp and bright tone with each keystroke. If you are particular about the sound produced by your keyboard switches, these differences may influence your preference.
Moving on to the tactile feel, the Durock Daybreak switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is known for its sharp and accented tactile bump, providing a distinct feedback intensity with each keypress. Additionally, it offers a snappy and bouncy sensation, making the keys feel responsive and lively. If you enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback, the Aflion Shadow switch may be more to your liking compared to the smoother feel of the Daybreak switch.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Daybreak provides a quieter and more subdued typing experience with a heavier actuation force, while the Shadow switch delivers a crisper sound and a more pronounced tactile feedback. Depending on your preference for typing noise and tactile sensation, you can choose between the two switches to achieve your desired typing experience. Ultimately, both switches guarantee a satisfying and high-quality typing experience based on their individual characteristics, providing users with a range of options to suit their specific preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you prefer a heavier touch and a quieter typing experience, the Daybreak switch with its 67g bottom out force and muted, low-pitched sound profile may be the way to go, especially for office settings. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-high level of tactility, sharp and clacky sound feedback, and a variety of tactile sensations like sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped feel, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch could be your perfect match. Ultimately, your choice should align with your personal typing style and the atmosphere in which you'll be using the keyboard.
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