Durock Daybreak vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Daybreak and the TTC Yunhai both stand out as excellent linear options, each catering to distinct preferences in typing style and experience. The Durock Daybreak switches weigh in at a substantial 67 grams, offering a more forceful actuation that appeals to those who enjoy a heftier touch while typing. Their quiet operation, combined with a polished and muted sound profile, makes them an ideal choice for office environments or shared spaces where noise is a concern. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai switches are renowned for their incredibly light actuation force, delivering a softer, more effortless typing experience that creates a deep, rounded sound profile. This feature positions the Yunhai as a superb option for typists seeking a smooth and gentle keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on whether you prioritize a sturdy tactile feel or a light, airy touch in your typing experience. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Daybreak and the TTC Yunhai switches present a fascinating study in contrasts when it comes to their housing materials, particularly in how these materials influence sound profiles and user experience. The Daybreak features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its resonant properties that produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This is largely due to polycarbonate's stiffness, allowing it to create a brighter audio profile, especially when RGB lighting shines through its translucence. In comparison, the Yunhai opts for a nylon top housing, which inherently offers a different auditory experience. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller acoustic signature. The difference in materials emphasizes a clear divergence in sound characteristics, with the Daybreak's design geared towards a more vibrant and articulate clarity, while the Yunhai provides a more subdued and rounded auditory experience.
While the top housing of the two switches starkly contrasts in material composition, both the Durock Daybreak and the TTC Yunhai share the same nylon bottom housing. This commonality allows them to produce similar auditory outcomes in certain aspects, especially with regard to the lower end of the sound spectrum. Specifically, typing on both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to nylon's sound-absorbing qualities, which effectively dampen sharper sounds and create a more rounded bottom-out feel. This functional similarity in the bottom housing showcases how designers can balance a switch's overall soundscape by leveraging different materials strategically across its construction.
Ultimately, the disparate characteristics of the Daybreak's polycarbonate top and Yunhai's nylon top, combined with their shared nylon bottom housing, reflect a broader approach to design within the realm of mechanical switches. Each switch offers distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences by manipulating housing materials, leading to varied user interactions. While one provides a crisper and brighter response, the other offers a muted and fuller typing experience. Thus, users looking for a specific sound and feel can choose based on their preference for high-pitched clarity or deep resonance, knowing that the bottom housing in both switches will deliver a common foundation of roundness to their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Daybreak linear switch to the TTC Yunhai linear switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Daybreak features an unknown actuation force, but it has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which categorizes it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Yunhai has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Yunhai requires less force to actuate a keystroke, making it a better choice for users who prefer lighter switches for extended periods of typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Daybreak's heavier bottom out force may appeal to users seeking a more substantial feel when pressing keys. Overall, the Yunhai is the lighter option, while the Daybreak offers a heavier tactile experience, allowing users to choose based on their preference for responsiveness versus resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, the Daybreak measures at 3.8 mm, while the Yunhai has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference of 0.2 mm highlights the Daybreak as the longer option, catering to those who prefer a more substantial keypress feel. On the other hand, the Yunhai, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal more to gamers seeking quicker response times in their typing and gaming experiences. As a result, individuals looking for a more responsive feel should consider the Yunhai, whereas those who value a more pronounced depth in their key presses may find the Daybreak to be the better choice.
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 Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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 switches present a muted and low-pitched auditory profile. This means that they produce a softer and quieter sound compared to more traditional clacking switches, effectively minimizing the noise that mechanical keyboards are often known for. This characteristic makes the Daybreak switches particularly suitable for environments where silence is paramount, like offices or shared spaces. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai switches do not have a described sound profile, leaving their auditory qualities open to interpretation and perhaps dependent on specific implementations, such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Daybreak switches are noted for their polished finish, which results in a smooth, refined typing experience. This polished tactile sensation is achieved through quality materials and likely factory lubrication, contributing to reduced friction and a sleek key travel that many typists appreciate. On the other hand, there is no specific description of the feel associated with the Yunhai switches, creating uncertainty around how they might compare in terms of tactile feedback.
In conclusion, while the Durock Daybreak linear switches excel in both sound and feel, providing a muted auditory experience paired with a polished tactile sensation, the TTC Yunhai switches remain somewhat ambiguous. If noise levels and a smooth typing experience are your priorities, the Daybreak is an excellent choice. However, without further information on the Yunhai, one might consider that trying both would provide clarity on their unique selling points and help determine which switch aligns better with personal preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, consider your personal preferences and the typing experiences you seek. If you gravitate towards a more substantial feel and a muted sound profile, the Daybreak might be your ideal choice. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 67 grams provides a satisfying resistance that's perfect for users who enjoy a more deliberate typing experience, particularly in quieter environments like offices. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter, effortless typing experience, the Yunhai switch is your go-to option. With a bottom-out force of just 50 grams, it allows for a quick and smooth typing motion, which can be especially appealing for those who type extensively or enjoy a more agile feel. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you prioritize a heftier and quieter feel with the Daybreak or a gentler and more fluid actuation with the Yunhai. Each switch offers a unique experience, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and environment.
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