Durock Daybreak vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Daybreak and the Everglide Sunset Yellow mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Daybreak's 67g actuation force provides a heavier typing experience while maintaining a quiet operation, making it ideal for settings where noise reduction is crucial. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switches offer a rich and bassy sound profile that enhances the typing experience, coupled with a medium-weight feel suitable for a wide range of users. 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
51g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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
Single-staged lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Daybreak and the Everglide Sunset Yellow, one major difference lies in the top housing material. The Daybreak features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow boasts a POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. This contrast in sound profiles can greatly impact the typing experience for users, with the Daybreak offering a clearer and more resonant sound, while the Sunset Yellow provides a more subdued and softer sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, both switches showcase different characteristics. The Daybreak utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic material. In comparison, the Sunset Yellow incorporates a POM bottom housing, offering a similar deep and muted sound profile. Despite the similarities in sound quality between the bottom housings of the two switches, the softer nylon material of the Daybreak may provide a slightly different typing experience compared to the POM material of the Sunset Yellow.
Overall, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in a switch can greatly impact the sound and feel of typing. While the Durock Daybreak offers a split between the sharper and clearer sound produced by its polycarbonate top housing and the fuller sound produced by its nylon bottom housing, the Everglide Sunset Yellow provides a consistent deep and muted sound profile with its POM top and bottom housings. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences, whether you prefer a sharper sound profile or a more subdued sound for typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, it is clear that the Daybreak is the heavier option with a bottom out force of 67 grams, while the Sunset Yellow is the lighter option with a bottom out force of 51 grams. The Daybreak has unknown actuation force, while the Sunset Yellow's actuation force is 43 grams. These differences in force contribute to the overall typing experience that each switch provides. Some users may prefer the Daybreak for its medium-heavy bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing experience, while others may opt for the Sunset Yellow for its lighter bottom out force, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Durock Daybreak linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, slightly longer than the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch with a travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by many gamers for faster response times. The Daybreak's slightly longer travel distance may provide a bit more depth and cushion compared to the Sunset Yellow, which could feel more abrupt to some users. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience. In this case, the Daybreak offers a slightly longer travel distance for those who prefer a bit more depth and cushion, while the Sunset Yellow provides a shorter travel distance for those seeking a quicker response.
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 Everglide Sunset Yellow comes in at $3.09 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
In terms of sound, the Durock Daybreak linear switch offers a muted and low-pitched sound profile, providing a softer and quieter typing experience compared to regular switches. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch has a bassy and thocky sound, offering a deeper and richer tone reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences, with the Daybreak focusing on a quieter operation and the Sunset Yellow providing a more indulgent and satisfying sound.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Durock Daybreak is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Everglide Sunset Yellow is characterized as creamy and frictionless, offering a buttery and effortless typing sensation with fluid key travel. Both switches aim to enhance the tactile feedback and overall typing feel for users, with the Daybreak focusing on a polished finish and the Sunset Yellow emphasizing a creamy and frictionless experience.
Taking into consideration both sound and feel, it is evident that the Durock Daybreak and Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switches offer distinct qualities to cater to different preferences. The Daybreak provides a quieter and polished typing experience with a heavier actuation force, while the Sunset Yellow delivers a richer and indulgent sound with a creamy and frictionless feel. Depending on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a combination of both, each switch offers a unique option to enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, whichever switch you choose, you can expect a high-quality typing experience tailored to your preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you prefer a heavier touch and quieter operation, the Daybreak with its bottom out force of 67 grams may be the ideal choice for you, especially for workspaces where noise reduction is essential. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-light touch with a rich, bassy sound profile and a smooth, buttery typing experience, the Sunset Yellow with its bottom out force of 51 grams might be more appealing. Consider your typing style, preference for sound, and desired feel to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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