Durock Daybreak vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, choosing the right one can significantly impact your typing experience, and the contrast between the Durock Daybreak and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB highlights this diversity. The Durock Daybreak offers a linear feel with a heavy actuation force of 67g, delivering a substantial touch that many typists appreciate, particularly in quieter environments where sound dampening is crucial—its polished, muted, low-pitched characteristics make it an excellent option for office settings. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches provide a tactile experience with their defined bump, delivering a satisfying "thock" sound upon bottoming out while remaining discreet at the top. This combination results in a luxurious typing experience, appealing to users who desire feedback without sacrificing quietness. Ultimately, these switches cater to different preferences: those seeking smooth, unimpeded keystrokes may gravitate towards the Daybreak, while gamers and typists wanting tactile response might prefer the U4Tx RGB. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Durock Daybreak Linear

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$6.87

$5.41 per 10

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Durock Daybreak and Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches showcase interesting contrasts in their housing materials, particularly in their top housing. The Daybreak employs a polycarbonate top housing, a material known for its stiffness and translucency, which produces a higher-pitched, clearer sound profile. This property is advantageous, especially for users who prioritize RGB lighting, as the polycarbonate allows light to pass through more effectively, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of illuminated keyboards. On the other hand, the U4Tx RGB utilizes a proprietary blend of "boba plastic" for its top housing, which is designed to generate a richer, deeper sound profile. This softer plastic contributes to a less defined sound compared to polycarbonate, suggesting that while both switches can be visually appealing for RGB use, the auditory experience they provide can differ markedly.

When examining the bottom housing of these two switches, a commonality emerges as both the Daybreak and U4Tx RGB utilize softer plastics. The Daybreak features a nylon bottom housing, recognized for its ability to absorb sound and yield a fuller, deeper tone, leading to a rounded auditory experience. Conversely, the U4Tx RGB's bottom housing also employs the proprietary Gazzew blend, reinforcing its rich sound profile. The use of similarly soft materials in the bottom housing suggests that both switches will deliver a solid, satisfying keystroke feel that emphasizes warmth and depth. Even though the materials differ across the top housings, the auditory richness and depth from the bottom housings remain comparable due to their shared properties.

Ultimately, the combined effects of both the top and bottom housings in these switches offer distinct sound profiles. While the Daybreak's polycarbonate top produces sharper, clearer sounds that complement the softer nylon bottom, the U4Tx RGB achieves a more uniform auditory profile with its cohesive use of "boba plastic" across both housings. This interplay of materials highlights how varying properties can be effectively balanced in keyboard switches; while differences in sound can be pronounced when considering the top housing, the rich, deep sound experience is a hallmark feature of both due to their soft bottom constructions. Users seeking a deep sound profile may find either option appealing, depending on whether they prefer sharper clarity or a more enveloping warmth.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, we see similarities in their bottom out forces, which are 67 grams and 65 grams, respectively. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category, offering a tactile experience that may suit users who prefer a more substantial feel. However, the Daybreak has a slightly heavier bottom out force than the U4Tx RGB, which might be noticeable during extended typing or gaming sessions. Neither switch has a specified actuation force, which means that their actuation characteristics remain unknown, but their bottom out forces suggest that the Daybreak provides a marginally more forceful feel at the end of the keystroke. Overall, users looking for lighter switches suitable for long typing sessions may find the U4Tx RGB preferable, while those who favor a heavier touch might lean toward the Daybreak.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, the differences become quite apparent. The Daybreak switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the U4Tx RGB has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Daybreak switch the option for those who favor a more substantial tactile experience, providing a deeper feedback when pressed down. Conversely, the U4Tx RGB, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal more to gamers or those looking for quicker response times, as it allows for a rapid key press. In summary, if you prefer a more traditional and hearty depth in your switch, the Durock Daybreak would be the preferable choice. However, if responsiveness is your main concern, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB's shorter travel distance may be more suitable.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Durock Daybreak linear switch is characterized by its muted and low-pitched qualities, resulting in a softer and quieter typing experience that minimizes the typical clack associated with many mechanical switches. This makes it particularly well-suited for environments where noise management is crucial, such as offices. In contrast, while the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch has a distinct sound described as a deep "thock" when bottoming out, it also features a quiet topping out, which contributes to a refined auditory experience complemented by its tactile feedback. This indicates that the U4Tx may provide a bit more character in sound due to its tactile design, but both switches cater well to those who prefer a quieter typing atmosphere.

When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Durock Daybreak offers a polished typing experience, characterized by smooth key travel and reduced friction thanks to its refined finish and potentially factory lubing. This results in a sleek typing sensation, appealing to users who prioritize a seamless feel while typing. On the other hand, the full description of the tactile qualities of the Gazzew U4Tx RGB remains unknown, which leaves its precise feel open to interpretation. However, its sharp tactile bump implies that it may provide a more pronounced feedback with each keystroke, appealing to those who appreciate a tactile sensation.

In summary, both the Durock Daybreak and Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches cater to users seeking a quieter typing experience, albeit through different auditory profiles. The Daybreak offers a muted, low-pitched sound along with a polished feel, ideal for a smooth typing experience. Conversely, the U4Tx RGB combines a deep resonant sound with a tactile bump that enhances the overall typing experience, making it more engaging. Ultimately, while both switches present unique qualities, they can accommodate similar user preferences for sound and feel, depending on individual priorities in a mechanical keyboard setup.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you value a smooth, quiet typing experience that minimizes noise in shared environments, the Daybreak switch might be your best bet, especially with its polished feel and muted sound profile. This switch excels in quieter settings, making it ideal for office work or late-night typing sessions where distractions could be problematic. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more tactile experience combined with a unique sound profile, the U4Tx RGB switch offers a delightful "thock" when bottoming out while still maintaining stealthier acoustics during key presses. This makes it a fantastic choice for gamers or typists who enjoy the satisfaction of tactile feedback without overwhelming noise. Ultimately, consider your environment, the type of feedback you enjoy while typing, and whether you prioritize sound dampening or a tactile response to find the perfect switch for your mechanical keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Daybreak Linear

$6.87

$5.41 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more