Durock Daybreak vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Daybreak and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring stand out as popular options for different reasons. The Daybreak is a linear switch with a solid 67g actuation force, providing a more substantial typing experience that is both quiet and satisfying. Ideal for workspaces where noise must be kept to a minimum, this switch is categorized as polished, muted, low-pitched. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is a tactile switch that offers a medium level of tactility with a lower actuation and bottom-out force. Known for its approachable tactility and deep thocky sound profile, this switch is categorized as bouncy. Both switches have unique features that cater to different preferences and typing styles. However, let's delve 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
48g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
55g
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Daybreak and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring, both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. However, the Daybreak's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, while the Shadow's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the sharp and clear sound profile consistent with its top housing material. This difference in bottom housing material may lead to a slightly different typing experience between the two switches.
While the Daybreak features a nylon bottom housing, which absorbs more sound and creates a rounder sound profile, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring maintains its polycarbonate consistency in both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a consistently sharp and resonant sound profile throughout the switch. The combination of different housing materials in the Daybreak offers a more varied typing experience, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and the top housing influencing the sound when releasing a key. In contrast, the Shadow's uniform polycarbonate housing provides a more consistent sound profile, potentially appealing to users seeking a more predictable typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Daybreak and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring may come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience. While both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and clear sound, the Daybreak's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Shadow's consistent polycarbonate housing results in a more uniform and predictable typing experience. Whether one prefers a varied sound profile or a consistent typing feel, both switches offer high-quality housing materials that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, it is evident that the Daybreak is the heavier option with a bottom out force of 67 grams, while the Shadow (Ink) has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams. The actuation force of the Daybreak is not listed, whereas the Shadow (Ink) requires 48 grams to trigger a keystroke. Both switches provide a different typing experience due to their varying force requirements. Some users may prefer the Daybreak for its medium-heavy feel, providing a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) offers a lighter actuation and bottom out force, allowing for extended typing sessions without fatigue setting in. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference, with some users opting for the lighter Shadow (Ink) for longer typing sessions and others selecting the heavier Daybreak for a more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, it can be seen that the Daybreak has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Daybreak has a shorter travel distance compared to the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring. The Daybreak's 3.8 mm provides a slightly shallower press compared to the 4 mm travel distance of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring. However, both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Daybreak leaning towards a slightly shorter feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for a shallower or deeper key press experience.
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) Single 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) Single 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 is known for its muted and low-pitched sound profile, offering a softer and quieter typing experience compared to clacky switches. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch features a deep and thocky sound, which can add a satisfying auditory element to your typing. Both switches have unique sound characteristics that can enhance your overall typing experience, with the Daybreak focusing on a quieter operation and the Shadow (Ink) providing a more pronounced sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Daybreak linear switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. This polished feel can contribute to a premium typing feel that emphasizes comfort and ease of use. In contrast, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch is characterized as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation that adds a lively and responsive feel to your keystrokes. The bouncy nature of these switches can enhance the tactile feedback and make typing a more engaging experience.
Overall, both the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch offer distinctive qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Daybreak excels in providing a quiet and heftier typing experience with its heavier actuation force, while the Shadow (Ink) delivers a medium level of tactility and a deep, thocky sound profile. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. If these features are of equal importance to you, opting for either switch will likely yield similar results in terms of overall satisfaction.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you prefer a heavier typing experience with a quieter operation, the Durock Daybreak linear switch with its 67g bottom out force would be the optimal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a more approachable tactility and a lower actuation force, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch with its 55g bottom out force would be the better option. Consider your preference for touch and sound when selecting between these two switches to ensure that you find the perfect fit for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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