Durock Daybreak vs. TKC Tangerine
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the TKC Tangerine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Daybreak and the TKC Tangerine both offer superb options for different preferences. The Durock Daybreak is a linear switch known for its solid 67g weight, providing a hefty typing experience ideal for those who prefer a more significant touch. Its quiet operation and low-pitched sound make it perfect for workspaces where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine is a linear switch that boasts an incredibly smooth feel, thanks in part to its UHWMPE housings, a rarity in the custom switch world. While the Tangerines offer a high-pitched clack when typing, they provide a buttery and frictionless typing experience that many enthusiasts love. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The Durock Daybreak and TKC Tangerine switches both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Daybreak's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharp, high-pitched sound that resonates clearly, while the Tangerine's UHWMPE top housing creates a bright sound signature with resonant clacks. Both materials offer distinct auditory experiences, with the polycarbonate providing a crisp sound and the UHWMPE offering a vibrant sound when typing.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Daybreak features a nylon material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. On the other hand, the Tangerine's UHWMPE bottom housing offers a bright sound signature with resonant clacks. While both materials contribute to the overall sound of the switch, the nylon may lend a more muffled and round sound compared to the brighter and crisper sound produced by the UHWMPE material.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Daybreak and TKC Tangerine switches may come down to personal preference in sound. The use of polycarbonate and nylon in the Daybreak switch provides a combination of sharp and deep tones, while the UHWMPE material in the Tangerine switch offers a bright and resonant sound profile. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences based on their housing materials, allowing users to choose based on their desired sound profile for typing or gaming.
Weight
The Durock Daybreak linear switch has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the TKC Tangerine linear switch has a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it medium. Both switches have an actuation force of None grams, meaning the force required to trigger a keystroke is not specified. Considering weight, the Tangerine switch is lighter than the Daybreak switch, which may appeal to those who prefer typing for extended periods or engaging in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Daybreak switch is slightly heavier, offering a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Daybreak linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the TKC Tangerine linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both of these switches fall within the shorter end of the spectrum in terms of travel distance. The Daybreak is slightly shorter, offering a quicker response time for gamers looking for speed and efficiency in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Tangerine provides a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial keypress with a bit more depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing 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 TKC Tangerine comes in at $6.30 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 typing experience, making them ideal for quiet work environments where noise is a concern. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine linear switch produces a high-pitched clack with each keystroke, providing a more sharp and crisp sound profile. Depending on personal preference, users may prefer the softer and bass-heavy tones of the Daybreak or the sharper sound of the Tangerine.
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 sleek key travel. In contrast, the TKC Tangerine linear switch is characterized as frictionless and buttery, providing an extremely smooth and effortless typing sensation with fluid key travel. Both switches aim to offer a premium typing experience, but the Daybreak focuses on a polished finish while the Tangerine prioritizes a buttery and frictionless feel.
Overall, the Durock Daybreak linear switch provides a heavier and quieter typing experience with a polished feel, while the TKC Tangerine linear switch offers a smoother and high-pitched typing experience with a buttery and frictionless feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the two switches to enhance their typing experience. Whether opting for the Daybreak's quiet operation and heavy touch or the Tangerine's smooth keystrokes and high-pitched sound, users can expect a premium mechanical keyboard switch experience with either choice.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, consider the level of tactile feedback and sound you prefer in a switch. If you enjoy a heavier typing experience with a more muted and low-pitched sound, the Daybreak may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer an incredibly smooth and almost frictionless typing experience with a high-pitched sound, the Tangerine switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and sound profile. So, choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences and typing style for an optimal mechanical keyboard experience.
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