Durock Daybreak vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Daybreak and the Gateron Weightlessness stand out for their distinct characteristics appealing to different typing preferences. The Daybreak, known for its linear design, features a solid 67g actuation force that delivers a heftier typing experience, ideal for those who appreciate a more substantial touch with quieter operation—making it particularly suitable for office environments or any situation where maintaining a low noise level is crucial. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness presents a tactile feel that strikes a balance between feedback and smoothness, allowing for a more engaging typing experience without overwhelming sound. This switch caters to users who prefer a little extra sensation with each press, enhancing the overall typing rhythm. Both switches have unique advantages: the Daybreak is great for uninterrupted focus in quiet spaces, while the Weightlessness invites a satisfying tactile response. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Durock Daybreak and Gateron Weightlessness switches utilize distinct materials for their top housings, which greatly influence their sound profiles. The Daybreak features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This quality provides a distinct clarity and resonance that are particularly noticeable during key releases, making it an aesthetically pleasing choice for RGB setups due to its translucence. In contrast, the Weightlessness employs nylon for its top housing, which is recognized for its softer composition, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This variance in materials directly affects the auditory experience of the switches, as the Daybreak is likely to offer a crisper, more echoing sound, whereas the Weightlessness tends to dampen sound for a richer, rounder tone.
When examining the bottom housings, both the Durock Daybreak and the Gateron Weightlessness share the same material: nylon. This similarity ensures that both switches will elicit a similar impact when it comes to the bottoming-out experience during activations. With both switches utilizing nylon for the bottom housing, users can expect a deeper sound profile, characterized by a muffled texture that mitigates sharp sounds. This consistency in material results in a common auditory experience at the moment of key actuation, promoting a fuller sensation that can be appreciated during extended typing sessions.
In essence, while the top housings of the Daybreak and Weightlessness differ in their compositions—polycarbonate versus nylon—their shared nylon bottom housing allows for a common auditory and tactile experience, especially when pressing down the key. This means that users will likely appreciate the deeper sound during key presses from both switches, but they will experience contrasting auditory responses when releasing the keys. The combination of distinct top housing materials with shared bottom housing elements leads to a unique yet balanced typing experience, where the clarity of the Daybreak's polycarbonate shines during releases and the Weightlessness's nylon provides a more subdued fullness during presses. Thus, those seeking a blend of sharpness and warmth in their switch sounds have compelling options in both the Durock Daybreak and Gateron Weightlessness switches.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, we see notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Daybreak has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is classified as medium-heavy, while its actuation force is currently unspecified. In contrast, the Weightlessness features an actuation force of 50 grams, making it the lighter option between the two. However, its bottom out force remains unknown. This difference in actuation force means that typists who prefer a lighter trigger would find the Weightlessness more appealing, suitable for long typing sessions without fatigue. Conversely, the Daybreak's heavier bottom out force may cater to those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke feel, despite its unspecified actuation force. Overall, if you're looking for a lighter typing experience, the Gateron Weightlessness is your best bet.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, we find a noticeable difference. The Durock Daybreak has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Gateron Weightlessness measures at 3.4 mm. This makes the Weightlessness the shorter option, catering to those who favor quicker responses, such as gamers who appreciate a more rapid actuation. On the other hand, the Daybreak, with its greater travel distance, provides a more substantial feel, appealing to users who prefer a deeper, more satisfying keystroke. Thus, while both switches cater to different preferences depending on the desired responsiveness and depth, the Daybreak offers a longer travel, providing a distinct experience compared to the shorter Weightlessness.
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 Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 switches are characterized by a muted and low-pitched profile, resulting in a softer and quieter typing experience. This makes them particularly suitable for environments where noise control is a priority, such as offices or shared spaces. The subdued sound minimizes the typical clacking noise associated with mechanical keyboards, allowing for focused work without disturbance. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness switches do not have a specific sound profile detailed, but their balanced sound characteristics suggest a potentially more versatile acoustic experience. While the Daybreak switches lean towards a quieter operation, it remains unclear how the Weightlessness switches would compare in terms of volume and tonal quality.
When considering the feel, the Daybreak switches shine with their polished texture, providing a smoothly refined typing experience. This smoothness is accentuated by the heavier actuation force of 67g, offering a satisfying, substantial feedback with every keystroke, which many typists appreciate for its tactile feedback and control. The Gateron Weightlessness switches, offering a subtle to moderate tactile feel, might provide a different typing sensation. However, without concrete information about their tactile characteristics, it's difficult to make a direct comparison in terms of how distinct or prominent the tactile feedback might be compared to the Daybreak's polished experience.
In conclusion, if you're seeking a switch that emphasizes a muted sound and polished feel, the Durock Daybreak is an excellent choice, particularly for noiseless environments and those who prefer a smoother typing interface with heavier actuation. Conversely, the Gateron Weightlessness, while still an appealing option with its tactile attributes, remains less defined in terms of sound and feel characteristics. Ultimately, your choice may depend on personal preference for sound and feedback, but you can expect a quieter operation with the Daybreak and a potentially balanced typing feel with the Weightlessness.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch will hinge on your personal typing preferences and the environments in which you typically find yourself. If you favor a heavier typing experience and appreciate a muted, low-pitched sound profile, the Durock Daybreak will undoubtedly cater to your needs, providing a polished feel that enhances the overall smoothness of your keystrokes. This makes them particularly suitable for work environments where noise is a consideration, allowing you to type comfortably without disturbing those around you. On the other hand, if you prefer a snainted tactile feedback in your typing while still enjoying a balanced sound, then the Gateron Weightlessness might be more your speed. While the specific bottom-out force is unspecified, these switches are designed to offer a subtle yet noticeable tactile experience that ensures each key press feels satisfying without being overly pronounced. Ultimately, aligning your switch choice with your typing style, workload, and sensory preferences will contribute greatly to your overall satisfaction with your mechanical keyboard.
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