Durock Daybreak vs. Gazzew U4T
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the Gazzew U4T switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch are two popular options to choose from. The Daybreak is a linear switch known for its solid 67g weight, providing a robust typing experience perfect for those who prefer a heavier touch. Featuring a quiet operation, it is ideal for workspaces or environments where minimal noise is desired. On the other hand, the U4T tactile switch offers a combination of thockiness and sharp tactility, producing a bassy thock sound profile and assertive tactile feedback with every keystroke. While the Daybreak is categorized as polished, muted, and low-pitched, the U4T is categorized as bassy, thocky, and sharp. Each switch has its unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, but to truly determine the best switch for you, it is essential to delve deeper into their specifics.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel 17.5mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Daybreak and Gazzew U4T switches offer different sound profiles due to their composition. The Daybreak utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and crisper sound profile compared to the U4T's Gazzew blend top housing, known for delivering a rich and deep sound due to its softness. While the Daybreak's polycarbonate top housing is stiffer and more resonant, the U4T's Gazzew blend top housing provides a softer and more mellow sound experience. Both materials have their unique characteristics, catering to different preferences in sound.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Daybreak features a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound due to its softer nature. Similarly, the U4T's Gazzew blend bottom housing also delivers a rich and deep sound profile, emphasizing the softness of the material. Both bottom housing materials contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches, allowing for a more immersive typing experience with a rounder and duller sound compared to harder plastics. Despite the differences in materials used for the bottom housing, both switches offer a similar sound profile that is rich and deep.
Overall, the housing materials of the Durock Daybreak and Gazzew U4T switches play a crucial role in shaping the sound profile of the switches. While the top housing materials differ between polycarbonate and the Gazzew blend, both offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences in sound. Similarly, the bottom housing materials of nylon and the Gazzew blend contribute to a deep and rich sound profile, offering a more immersive typing experience. Whether it's the sharper and crisper sound of the Daybreak or the rich and deep sound of the U4T, both switches provide high-quality housing materials that enhance the overall typing experience.
Weight
The Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch have similar actuation forces, both being listed as None grams. However, the Daybreak has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 67 grams compared to the U4T's 65 grams. This means that while the actuation force required to trigger a keystroke is the same for both switches, the Daybreak will provide a slightly heavier typing experience when bottoming out. When it comes to weight preference, some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the U4T for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may appreciate the slightly heavier feel of the Daybreak for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal typing preferences.
Travel distance
The Durock Daybreak linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Gazzew U4T tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Daybreak has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the U4T. The Daybreak's 3.8 mm travel distance may provide a quicker response time, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for faster feedback. On the other hand, the slightly longer 4 mm travel distance of the U4T may offer a more satisfying key press with a bit more depth. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular nowadays for their speed and agility. Ultimately, choosing between the Daybreak and U4T will depend on personal preference for either a quicker, shorter travel distance or a slightly more deliberate, longer press.
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 Gazzew U4T comes in at $6.50 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 offers a muted and low-pitched typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a quieter workspace. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch boasts a bassy and thocky sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke. Both switches deliver unique sound qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring an enjoyable typing experience regardless of your choice.
Moving on to feel, the Daybreak switch is praised for its polished and smooth key travel, offering a refined typing experience with reduced friction. In contrast, the U4T switch stands out for its sharp tactile bump, providing high feedback intensity and a distinct tactile feel with every keypress. Whether you prefer a smoother typing experience or a more pronounced tactile feedback, both switches offer distinct qualities to enhance your typing comfort and accuracy.
In conclusion, the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch each bring a unique set of qualities to the table. While the Daybreak excels in providing a quieter and refined typing experience with its muted sound and polished feel, the U4T shines in delivering a deep and satisfying sound profile with its bassy tone and sharp tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience, but rest assured that both switches offer top-notch quality for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a heavier actuation force and a quieter typing experience, the Durock Daybreak may be the better choice for you. However, if you prefer a more tactile feedback with a bassy thocky sound profile, the Gazzew U4T may be the switch that provides the satisfying auditory and tactile experience you are looking for. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you will be using the keyboard. Choose wisely to enhance your typing experience.
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