TTC Brother vs. Durock Daybreak
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Durock Daybreak switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Durock Daybreak linear switch offer distinct experiences for users. The TTC Brother is praised for its lightweight nature, breezy actuation, and satisfyingly crunchy sound signature, making it a top favorite among clicky switches. On the other hand, the Durock Daybreak switches provide a heftier typing experience with a solid 67g actuation force and quiet operation, making them ideal for settings where noise reduction is crucial. While the Brother is known for its easy-to-press feel and stepped tactile bump, the Daybreak stands out with its polished, muted, and low-pitched characteristics. Both switches have their strengths and appeal to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference in choosing the best switch for your needs. 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
37g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17.5mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The TTC Brother and the Durock Daybreak both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic material. This results in a more clear and resonant sound when typing. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through the housing. The similarity in the top housing material of these switches ensures that users can expect a consistent sound and feel when typing on either of these keyboards.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Brother and the Daybreak utilize nylon, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is known for being softer and absorbing more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This material choice impacts the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, providing a comfortable typing experience with a satisfying sound. Despite the differences in the top housing material, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel between these two keyboards.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the TTC Brother and the Durock Daybreak contributes to the unique sound profiles and typing experiences offered by each keyboard. While both keyboards feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and clear sound, their use of nylon bottom housings provides a deeper and fuller sound when typing. The split between the top and bottom housing materials allows for a balanced typing experience, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a greater effect on the key release sound. These differences in housing materials give each keyboard its own distinct character, catering to the preferences of different users.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Durock Daybreak linear switch, it is evident that there is a significant difference in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Brother switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, while the Daybreak switch's actuation force is unknown. In terms of bottom out force, the Brother switch has none specified, whereas the Daybreak switch has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Brother switch may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, while the heavier bottom out force of the Daybreak switch may be more suitable for users seeking a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Durock Daybreak linear switch, it can be seen that the Brother has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm while the Daybreak has a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Brother's 3.5 mm travel distance is suitable for those looking for a quicker response time, especially gamers who prioritize fast reactions. On the other hand, the Daybreak's 3.8 mm travel distance offers a bit more depth and feedback, which may be preferred by those who like a more substantial feel when pressing down on the keys. Both switches provide different tactile experiences, with the Brother being quicker and the Daybreak offering more resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the specific feel each user is looking for in their mechanical keyboard.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
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.
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 TTC Brother clicky switch offers a satisfyingly crunchy experience, reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves, which is sure to please enthusiasts of clicky switches. In contrast, the Durock Daybreak linear switch produces a muted, low-pitched sound that minimizes noise, making it a great choice for quieter environments. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Brother being more vibrant and the Daybreak being more subtle.
In terms of feel, the Brother switch provides an easy-to-press experience with a light actuation force of 37g, offering a gentle resistance that enhances typing comfort and reduces fatigue during long typing sessions. Additionally, the stepped tactile bump adds a unique feel to each keystroke, providing a satisfying tactile feedback without being overwhelming. On the other hand, the Durock Daybreak switch boasts a polished finish that results in a smooth and refined typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. While the Brother emphasizes a light and responsive feel, the Daybreak focuses on a polished and sleek typing experience.
Overall, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Durock Daybreak linear switch offer distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences. While the Brother excels in delivering a crunchy sound signature and an easy-to-press typing experience with a stepped tactile bump, the Daybreak impresses with its muted, low-pitched sound and polished, smooth feel. Regardless of preference, both switches provide quality performance and can elevate your typing experience to new heights. Whether you prefer a vibrant clicky experience or a subdued linear feel, you can expect satisfying results with either the TTC Brother or the Durock Daybreak switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Durock Daybreak linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a lightweight switch with a crisp and satisfying click, the Brother switch is an excellent choice. Its easy actuation and clear tactile feedback make typing a joy, especially for those who prefer a clicky sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier keypress with a more subdued sound, the Daybreak switch with its 67g actuation force and quiet operation may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal typing preferences and workspace requirements.
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