Durock Daybreak vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Daybreak and the TTC Venus mechanical keyboard switches, we can see they each offer unique features catering to different preferences. The Daybreak is a linear switch that boasts a solid 67g actuation force, providing a weightier typing feel that is complemented by its quiet operation, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the Venus also a linear switch stands out for its intricate internal design that offers a smooth, frictionless glide with a unique "Q-texture" sensation, resulting in a rapid and engaging typing experience. While the Daybreak is characterized by a polished and muted feel, the Venus offers a buttery, gummy, and thocky typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your preference for actuation force, texture, and sound profile. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Daybreak and the TTC Venus, we can see that both switches have polycarbonate used in one of their housing components. The Daybreak features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Venus utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, resulting in a similar crisp and resonant sound. However, where the Daybreak's polycarbonate top housing is more aesthetically appealing for RGB lighting due to its translucency, the Venus's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes more to the overall sound profile of the switch.
On the other hand, the Daybreak's nylon bottom housing and the Venus's POM top housing bring about distinct differences in sound profiles. The nylon bottom housing of the Daybreak offers a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder tone. In contrast, the POM top housing of the Venus produces a unique sound profile on the deeper side with a more muted tone. These differences in housing materials contribute to the overall typing experience and sound feedback of each switch.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches like the Durock Daybreak and the TTC Venus plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and typing feel of the switches. While both switches incorporate polycarbonate in their design, the split between top and bottom housings in each switch highlights the impact of different materials on sound production and typing feedback. Whether one prefers the sharper, crisper sound of polycarbonate or the deeper, fuller tones of nylon and POM, each housing material brings its own unique characteristics to the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, there are notable differences between the two. The Daybreak switch has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy, while its actuation force is not specified. On the other hand, the Venus switch has a lower actuation force of 45 grams, making it medium-light, and a bottom out force of 52 grams. The Venus switch is lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Daybreak switch and slightly lighter in terms of bottom out force as well. This makes the Venus switch a better option for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Daybreak switch provides a stronger push feel, suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding the desired weight and feel of the keystrokes.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, it is evident that both switches have the same travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom, users can expect similar results when using either switch. Both switches offer a consistent and comfortable typing experience with their identical travel distances. Whether using the Durock Daybreak or the TTC Venus linear switch, users can enjoy a smooth keystroke without any significant differences in travel distance.
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 TTC Venus has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Venus for $5.09.
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, both the Durock Daybreak and TTC Venus switches are described as having a low-pitched and muted sound profile, making them suitable for environments where noise control is important. The Daybreak offers a quieter operation, while the Venus provides a more subdued sound signature. These characteristics ensure that both switches deliver a pleasant auditory experience, with the Daybreak leaning towards a softer tone and the Venus offering a more engaging and unique sound texture.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Daybreak switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and a sleek key travel. On the other hand, the TTC Venus switch is known for its buttery and frictionless feel, offering a seamless, effortless, and uniform keystroke sensation. With added descriptions such as gummy and mild, the Venus switch presents a variety of tactile qualities that appeal to different preferences, making typing on it both enjoyable and engaging.
Overall, while both switches offer a low-pitched and muted sound profile, the Durock Daybreak focuses on providing a heavier typing experience with a polished feel, whereas the TTC Venus emphasizes a lighter actuation force and a buttery, frictionless feel. Depending on individual preferences for typing experience and sound profile, either switch can deliver a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience. Ultimately, choosing between the Durock Daybreak and TTC Venus switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and sound characteristics, ensuring that both options offer reliable performance and quality.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the Durock Daybreak and the TTC Venus linear switches, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a heavier touch and a quieter operation, the Daybreak with its medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force and a unique "matte" sensation with smooth and engaging keystrokes, the Venus with its medium-light bottom out force of 52 grams could be the perfect fit. Both switches offer muted sound profiles, but the Daybreak leans towards a more low-pitched sound, while the Venus provides a mixture of low-pitched, neutral, subdued, and thocky characteristics. In terms of feel, the Daybreak offers a polished typing experience, while the Venus provides a buttery, gummy, frictionless, mild, and also polished feel. Ultimately, your choice between the Daybreak and Venus switches will come down to your personal preferences in typing experience and sound profile.
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