Durock Daybreak vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the SP-Star Duck switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to explore are the Durock Daybreak and the SP-Star Duck. The Durock Daybreak is a linear switch known for its solid 67g weight, offering a heftier typing experience that some users prefer. Not only does it provide a heavier actuation force, but it also operates quietly, making it ideal for environments where noise reduction is a priority. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck is a tactile switch that excels in delivering a subtle tactile typing experience. With a gentle tactility and a clean, crispy sound profile, these switches offer a different typing feel compared to the Daybreak. While the Daybreak is characterized as 'Polished', 'Muted', 'Low-pitched', the Duck is labeled as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Buttery', and 'Polished'. Ultimately, choosing between the Daybreak and the Duck depends on personal preferences and specific needs. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision about 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
58g
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
Yes
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
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Daybreak and the Duck both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances resonance and clarity. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. However, while both keyboards share this top housing material, they differ in their bottom housing choices. The Daybreak features a nylon bottom housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Duck opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a sharp, high-pitched sound profile similar to its top housing.
The contrasting bottom housing materials of the Daybreak and the Duck impact the overall sound and feel of typing on these keyboards. The Daybreak's nylon bottom housing produces a rounded and dull sound, while also affecting the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. In comparison, the Duck's polycarbonate bottom housing, like its top housing, contributes to a sharper and more resonant sound profile, influencing the typing experience in a different way. Despite this difference, both keyboards prioritize creating a clear and distinct sound profile with their choice of housing materials, enhancing the overall typing experience for users.
Overall, the combination of housing materials in a keyboard plays a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of typing. While the Daybreak and the Duck share a polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and crisp sound profile, the choice of bottom housing material sets them apart. The Daybreak's nylon bottom housing delivers a deeper and fuller sound, while the Duck's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a sharp and high-pitched profile. Whether it's the impact on bottom-out sound or the sound upon releasing a key, understanding the qualities that each housing material brings to a keyboard is essential for enthusiasts looking to customize their typing experience.
Weight
The Durock Daybreak linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Durock Daybreak has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the SP-Star Duck has a bottom out force of 58 grams, which is considered medium. Both switches have an actuation force of None grams, meaning that there is no specific information available on the exact force required to trigger a keystroke. In terms of weight, the Duck tactile switch is lighter in terms of bottom out force compared to the Daybreak linear switch. Some users may prefer the lighter weight of the Duck for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may prefer the heavier weight of the Daybreak for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Daybreak linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the SP-Star Duck tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Duck switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Daybreak. The 3.8 mm travel distance of the Daybreak is slightly shorter than the traditional 4.0 mm, making it a popular choice for gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the 4 mm travel distance of the Duck switch offers a bit more depth and feedback, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and feedback.
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 SP-Star Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck for $5.40.
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 muted and low-pitched typing experience, which is ideal for those who prefer a quieter and more bass-heavy sound profile. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch provides a neutral sound that is suitable for a wide range of users, whether they are beginners or advanced typists. Both switches offer different sound profiles that cater to individual preferences, with the Daybreak focusing on a quieter typing experience and the Duck providing a more versatile sound suitable for various environments.
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. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch is described as mild, buttery, and polished, providing a gentle and approachable typing experience with a seamless and effortless keystroke sensation. Both switches offer a comfortable and smooth feel while typing, with the Daybreak emphasizing a polished finish and the Duck offering a buttery and mild typing experience that appeals to a wide range of users.
Overall, the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences. While the Daybreak focuses on providing a heavier touch with a muted and low-pitched sound, the Duck offers a gentle tactility with a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. However, both switches provide high-quality performance and can result in a satisfying typing experience for users.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Daybreak linear switches and the SP-Star Duck tactile switches, you should consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a heavier touch and a quieter sound profile, the Durock Daybreak switches with their 67g bottom out force would be a great choice for you, especially in settings where noise reduction is important. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle tactile typing experience with a lower bottom out force of 58g, the SP-Star Duck switches would be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile.
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