Durock Daybreak vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Durock Daybreak and the Gateron Smoothie are both linear mechanical keyboard switches, but each offers a unique typing experience. The Daybreak is known for its solid 67g weight, providing a hefty touch favored by those who prefer a more substantial feel while typing. With its quiet operation and low-pitched sound profile, it is an excellent option for noise-sensitive environments such as offices. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie stands out for its all-POM construction, delivering a thocky sound signature and exceptional smoothness. With a lighter touch compared to the Daybreak, it offers a buttery and creamy typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
40g
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
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Daybreak and the Gateron Smoothie are quite different, with the Daybreak utilizing a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the Smoothie features a POM top and bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Daybreak creates a sharp, high-pitched sound profile, perfect for those who enjoy a more resonant typing experience. In contrast, the POM top housing of the Smoothie produces a deeper and more muted sound, catering to those who prefer a quieter typing experience. Despite their differences, both switches offer unique sound profiles that can cater to different preferences.
In terms of aesthetics, the Durock Daybreak's clear polycarbonate top housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switch. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie's POM housing may not offer the same level of light diffusion, but its opaque nature can provide a sleek and understated look. Both switches offer distinct visual characteristics that can complement different setups and preferences. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing of the Daybreak contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the POM bottom housing of the Smoothie provides a similarly deep and muted sound experience.
While the housing materials of the Durock Daybreak and the Gateron Smoothie offer unique sound profiles and aesthetics, they both excel in providing a pleasing typing experience. Whether you prefer the sharper and resonant sound of the Daybreak with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, or the deeper and more muted sound of the Smoothie with its POM top and bottom housings, both switches offer quality construction and design. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch reveals some notable differences. The Durock Daybreak has a bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie boasts a lighter actuation force of 40 grams. While the actuation force of the Daybreak is unspecified, it is clear that the Smoothie requires less force to trigger a keystroke. Individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Gateron Smoothie more to their liking, as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Durock Daybreak for its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing force and feel.
Travel distance
The Durock Daybreak linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those looking for quick response times, such as gamers. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may be noticeable to some users, with the Daybreak having a slightly longer travel distance than the Smoothie. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of how much travel depth is desired for the typing or gaming 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 Gateron Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie for $2.60.
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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Daybreak linear switch is known for its muted and low-pitched sound profile, minimizing noise and offering a more bass-heavy tone. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch provides a thocky, low-pitched sound with a subdued quality, delivering a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. Both switches cater to individuals seeking a quieter typing experience, with the Daybreak leaning towards a softer sound and the Smoothie offering a richer tone.
In terms of feel, the Durock Daybreak switch is praised for its polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Conversely, the Gateron Smoothie switch is described as buttery, creamy, and silky, offering a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation with enhanced overall smoothness and minimized resistance. Both switches provide a premium feel while typing, but the Smoothie leans towards a more luxurious and fluid key actuation compared to the polished feel of the Daybreak.
Overall, both the Durock Daybreak and Gateron Smoothie linear switches offer excellent qualities in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences. Individuals opting for the Daybreak can expect a heavier touch and a quieter typing experience with a polished feel, while those choosing the Smoothie will enjoy a thocky sound, lightweight touch, and a buttery, creamy, and silky typing feel. Whether you go for the Daybreak or the Smoothie, you can expect top-notch performance and a satisfying typing experience based on your preference for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a quiet operation, the Durock Daybreak switch would be a great choice for you. It provides a heftier typing experience while keeping noise to a minimum, making it ideal for workspaces or any settings where noise is a concern. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a lightweight touch and a thocky sound signature, the Gateron Smoothie switch would be a perfect match. It offers remarkable smoothness and a unique sound profile that many enthusiasts appreciate. Ultimately, your decision between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel.
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