Durock Daybreak vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Daybreak and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Daybreak is known for its solid 67g weight, providing a hefty typing experience ideal for those who prefer a more significant touch. Additionally, its quiet operation makes it perfect for workspaces where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue stands out for its deep and thocky sound profile, offering a satisfying typing experience with its lengthened single-stage spring that provides a bouncy feel. Despite both switches being linear, the Daybreak is categorized as 'Polished', 'Muted', and 'Low-pitched', while the Tourmaline Blue is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', and 'Neutral'. 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
59g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Daybreak and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. However, the Daybreak also features a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue features a polycarbonate bottom housing as well, emphasizing a sharp and clear sound profile similar to its top housing.
The difference in the bottom housing material between the Daybreak and the Tourmaline Blue results in a variation in sound and feel. The nylon bottom housing of the Daybreak contributes to a duller and rounder sound when pressing down on the switch, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Tourmaline Blue maintains a sharper and crisper sound profile. This difference in bottom housing materials highlights the impact that the material composition can have on the overall typing experience. However, both switches share the qualities of their polycarbonate top housing, ensuring a consistent and resonant sound profile when releasing a key, regardless of the bottom housing material.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Daybreak and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue would depend on personal preferences for sound and feel. The Daybreak offers a mix of softer and sharper sound profiles with its nylon and polycarbonate housing, while the Tourmaline Blue provides a consistent sharp and clear sound profile with its all-polycarbonate housing. Both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in determining the acoustics and typing experience of a mechanical keyboard switch, making them worthy options for keyboard enthusiasts seeking a specific sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, we find some similarities and differences. The actuation force of the Daybreak is None grams, while the Tourmaline Blue requires 59 grams to actuate a keystroke. Both switches have a bottom out force of 67 grams, making them equally medium-heavy in terms of pressure required for full depression. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Tourmaline Blue would be the better option due to its lower actuation force. On the other hand, the Daybreak would appeal to individuals looking for a more substantial typing feel with its higher actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding actuation force and typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Daybreak linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Tourmaline Blue switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Daybreak switch. The Daybreak switch may offer a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for more responsiveness. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch, with its slightly longer travel distance, may provide a more solid and deliberate keystroke for those who prefer a deeper feel. Both switches offer a different feel due to their travel distances, so the choice between the two would depend on personal preference and typing style. Ultimately, while the two switches differ in their travel distances, they both offer quality performance in their respective ways.
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 Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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
Overall, the Durock Daybreak linear switch is favored for its heavier actuation force and muted, low-pitched sound profile, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience without sacrificing the satisfying feel of a mechanical switch. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch is known for its deep and thocky sound profile, along with a bouncy and easy-to-press feel, making it a popular option for users looking for a smoother and more effortless typing experience. Both switches offer their unique qualities, catering to different preferences in sound and feel. If you enjoy a heavier touch and quieter sound, the Daybreak is the way to go. For those seeking a smoother, easier keystroke with a deeper sound, the Tourmaline Blue is the ideal choice. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preferences in sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy a heavier typing experience with a quieter sound profile, the Daybreak may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy and satisfying typing experience with a balanced spring weight and a thocky sound profile, the Tourmaline Blue might be more suited to your liking. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns with your personal typing style and workspace requirements.
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