Durock Daybreak vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Daybreak and Bsun Taichi mechanical switches, both linear options cater to distinct preferences in the typing experience. The Durock Daybreak switches are celebrated for their solid 67g actuation force, offering a substantial tactile feel that many users appreciate, particularly in environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. Their muted, low-pitched sound profile makes them an ideal choice for office settings or shared spaces. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi switches delight typists with their enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound. Designed with a long-pole stem and extended springs, they provide an exceptionally smooth and stable keystroke that appeals to those who enjoy a more tactile auditory feedback as they type. While both switches have their unique attributes—one prioritizing muted performance and the other favoring auditory elegance—they each present compelling reasons to choose them based on individual 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
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Durock Daybreak and Bsun Taichi switches share a commonality in their construction that heavily influences the sound profile and tactile experience during use. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate, being a relatively stiff plastic, fosters a clear and resonant acoustic when pressed. Additionally, the clear nature of polycarbonate makes it particularly advantageous for setups utilizing RGB lighting, as it allows illumination to pass through effectively. This consistency in material choice suggests that users of both the Daybreak and Taichi will experience similarly bright audio feedback when engaging these switches, accompanied by vibrant aesthetic effects.
While both switches feature polycarbonate on the top, the differences arise in their bottom housings. The Daybreak employs nylon for its bottom housing, a material renowned for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer texture, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. Consequently, this results in a duller and rounder sound when bottoming out keys. Similarly, the Taichi also adopts nylon for its bottom housing, mirroring this acoustic characteristic. As such, the overall aural experience of both switches remains balanced by their respective bottom housings, underscoring how the synergy between the different materials shapes the sound outcome—from a clear top-end to a rounder bottom-end.
Ultimately, the interaction between the polycarbonate top and nylon bottom of both switches underlines the concerted effort in design to achieve a desirable acoustic profile. With both the Daybreak and Taichi leveraging these materials, users can expect a complementary auditory experience, where the stiffer polycarbonate enhances high-frequency clarity during key release while the softer nylon enriches the depth of sound upon keypress. This architectural coherence means that even with the differences in the bottom housings, the resulting sound profile is a harmonious blend of crispness and warmth, making both switches appealing options for enthusiasts looking for quality in their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, we notice distinct differences in their actuation forces while the bottom out forces remain unspecified for one switch. The Daybreak switch has an actuation force listed as None grams, meaning it is not applicable or unknown, while the Taichi switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams. This suggests that the Taichi switch would be easier to press, making it more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Daybreak's bottom out force is documented at 67 grams, which indicates a more substantial feel when bottoming out, potentially appealing to users who prefer a heavier typing experience. The bottom out force for the Taichi switch is currently unavailable, which leaves a notable gap in comparison. Overall, the Taichi can be considered lighter due to its known actuation force, while the Daybreak offers a heavier bottom out experience, favoring those who enjoy a firmer push feel.
Travel distance
The Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch differ in their travel distances, with the Daybreak measuring 3.8 mm and the Taichi slightly shorter at 3.6 mm. This means that the Daybreak offers a longer keypress experience, providing a more substantial feel during typing or gaming, which some users may prefer for its depth. Conversely, the shorter travel distance of the Taichi could appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, as it allows for quicker actuation. For those who prioritize a more urgent and responsive action, the Taichi would be the better choice; however, for users who appreciate a more tactile journey, the Daybreak stands out with its greater travel distance. Overall, the distinction in travel distance highlights the different user preferences for typing feel and functionality, with the Daybreak being the longer option and the Taichi the shorter.
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 Bsun Taichi has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taichi for $2.25.
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
The Durock Daybreak linear switch is characterized by a muted and low-pitched sound profile, making it significantly quieter than many other mechanical switches. This muted quality reduces the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards, which is particularly beneficial in shared environments or offices where distraction must be minimized. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi linear switch is known for its enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound. The auditory experience provided by the Taichi's long-pole stem, extended springs, and walled construction contributes to a distinct acoustic signature that can be more pronounced and engaging, although the overall sound profile may depend heavily on additional factors such as the keyboard's construction and accompanying keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Daybreak switch excels in providing a polished and smooth typing experience. Its refined finish ensures reduced friction during key presses, which enhances overall key travel and contributes to a sleek sensation when typing. This makes the switch appealing for users who value comfort and a streamlined feel across longer typing sessions. On the other hand, the tactile characteristics of the Bsun Taichi linear switch remain unspecified, which leaves an open question regarding its overall tactile feedback and user experience.
In conclusion, the Durock Daybreak and Bsun Taichi linear switches cater to different user preferences, especially when it comes to sound. The Daybreak offers a quiet and muted experience, making it suitable for noise-sensitive environments, while the Taichi provides a high-pitched auditory engagement that could be more satisfying for those who enjoy a pronounced acoustic profile. In terms of feel, the Daybreak stands out with its polished finish, enhancing the typing experience with smoothness, whereas the tactile responsiveness of the Taichi is still unknown. Each switch embodies distinctive characteristics that could resonate differently with individual users, allowing for varied yet enjoyable mechanical keyboard experiences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Durock Daybreak and the Bsun Taichi linear switches, it greatly depends on your personal preferences and intended use case. If you appreciate a heftier typing experience and prefer a switch that balances tactile feedback with a quiet operation, the Daybreak is your best choice. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 67 grams, coupled with a polished feel, provides a smooth and stable typing experience, making it ideal for workspaces where noise reduction is a priority. On the other hand, if you seek a switch with a unique sound profile and an emphasis on smoothness, you may want to consider the Taichi. Although specific bottom-out force details are unavailable, the Taichi is known for its enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound and exceptionally stable feel, which can enhance the overall typing experience for those who value auditory feedback and fluidity. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you prioritize sound, typing weight, or a combination of both, as each switch caters to different aspects of the typing experience.