Durock Daybreak vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Daybreak and KTT Strawberry mechanical keyboard switches, a notable difference arises in their actuation force and feel. The Daybreak, a linear switch, offers a solid 67g actuation force, providing a hefty typing experience favored by those who prefer a more substantial touch. Its quiet operation and 'Polished', 'Muted', 'Low-pitched' attributes make it ideal for noise-sensitive environments like workspaces. On the other hand, the Strawberry, also a linear switch, boasts a smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance with its 'Low-pitched', 'Frictionless', 'Silky', 'Buttery', 'Polished' characteristics. These delectable Strawberries, featuring pink and clear housings, appeal to users seeking a satisfying typing experience. Both switches have their unique perks, making them suitable for different preferences; 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
43g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Daybreak and the KTT Strawberry, one can see that they both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. Additionally, polycarbonate is known for its translucency, making it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. However, the Daybreak features a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Strawberry. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a rounder tone.
Despite the differences in bottom housing materials between the Daybreak and the Strawberry, both switches showcase the qualities of polycarbonate in their top housing. This consistency means that users can expect a similar sharp and resonant sound profile when typing on either switch, with the top housing impacting the sound upon key release. However, the contrasting bottom housing materials will affect the overall typing experience, with the Daybreak offering a softer and duller bottom-out sound compared to the Strawberry's crisper and more resonant bottom-out feel.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Daybreak and the KTT Strawberry will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel. The Daybreak's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing provides a unique typing experience with a mix of sharp and deep tones. On the other hand, the Strawberry's uniform use of polycarbonate throughout the housing results in a more consistent sound profile. Both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences, making them suitable options for those looking for specific sound and feel characteristics in their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, it is clear that they differ in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Daybreak has an actuation force of None grams, making it unknown, while the Strawberry has an actuation force of 43 grams, which is on the lighter side. In terms of bottom out force, the Daybreak requires 67 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the Strawberry requires 62 grams, which is slightly lighter. The difference in actuation force may result in a lighter typing experience with the Strawberry switch, while the Daybreak switch may provide a more substantial typing feel due to its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Daybreak linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it slightly shorter than the KTT Strawberry linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Daybreak switch will require slightly less distance to be pressed down fully compared to the Strawberry switch. While both of these switches fall within the shorter end of the spectrum for travel distance, the slight variation may still be noticeable to some users. Gamers who prioritize fast response times may prefer the Daybreak switch for its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial feeling when typing may lean towards the KTT Strawberry switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of desired key feel 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 KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91 per 10 switches.
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 characteristics, providing a softer and quieter typing experience with a more bass-heavy tone. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is also low-pitched, offering a mellower tone during typing. This means that both switches will produce a pleasant and non-intrusive sound profile, making them suitable for quieter environments. The sound produced by these switches will also be influenced by the keyboard board and keycaps used in conjunction.
In terms of feel, the Durock Daybreak linear switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is noted for its frictionless, silky, and buttery feel, providing an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience with a seamless and uniform sensation. Both switches prioritize smoothness in typing, making them comfortable options for extended typing sessions.
Considering all the available information, the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch showcase different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Daybreak offers a heftier typing experience with muted, low-pitched sound and a polished feel, the Strawberry provides a smooth and comfortable typing experience with a low-pitched, buttery sound and a frictionless, silky feel. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference regarding weight, sound profile, and typing feel, but both switches are likely to deliver satisfying results for those seeking a quiet and smooth typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Daybreak and KTT Strawberry linear switches, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a heavier touch and quieter operation, the Durock Daybreak with its 67g bottom out force may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a smooth and frictionless typing feel, the KTT Strawberry with its 62g bottom out force and silky, buttery, and polished descriptors may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference in terms of actuation force and typing experience when choosing between these two popular linear switches.
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