Durock Medium Tactile vs. Durock T1
An in-depth look at the Durock Medium Tactile and the Durock T1 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Durock Medium Tactile and the Durock T1. The Medium Tactile stands out for its exceptional flavor of tactility, striking a perfect balance between a pronounced bump and smooth keystrokes. Additionally, it produces a unique jelly-like sound that adds a touch of character to your typing experience. On the other hand, the T1 prides itself on being incredibly comfortable to type on, featuring a medium bump that provides satisfying feedback during each key press. The sound of the T1 reminds users of the gentle pitter-patter of raindrops against a window. However, let's delve deeper into these switches to help you make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Durock Medium Tactile and the Durock T1 share similar housing materials in terms of their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar sound and visual effects when using both the Durock Medium Tactile and the Durock T1 switches.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Durock Medium Tactile and the Durock T1 differ, with the former utilizing a nylon bottom housing while the latter also uses polycarbonate. Nylon as a housing material creates a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Durock T1's polycarbonate bottom housing is likely to offer a more similar sound profile to its top housing.
In terms of user experience, the bottom housing of a switch plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. Therefore, users can expect different sensations when utilizing the Durock Medium Tactile and the Durock T1 switches due to the variation in their bottom housing materials. The Durock Medium Tactile's nylon bottom housing is likely to offer a softer and more absorbent typing experience, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound upon bottoming out. Meanwhile, the Durock T1's polycarbonate bottom housing may provide a sound and feel that is more in line with its sharper and crisper top housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch, it is important to note that the specific values for the actuation force are unavailable. However, in terms of the bottom out force, the Medium Tactile switch has a weight of 65 grams, while the T1 switch has a weight of 67 grams, both falling under the category of medium-heavy.
Weight plays a significant role in switch selection for a variety of reasons. Those who prefer a lighter switch often appreciate the ability to type for extended periods of time without experiencing fatigue. This characteristic is especially desirable for individuals who use their keyboards extensively at work or engage in extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience tend to prefer a switch with a heavier actuation force, as it provides a stronger push feel.
While the specific actuation forces are unknown for both the Durock Medium Tactile and the Durock T1 switches, it can be assumed that they are similar due to their shared classification as medium-heavy switches. Therefore, users can expect comparable results in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will largely depend on individual preference, with the Medium Tactile switch potentially offering a slightly lighter typing experience compared to the T1 switch.
Travel distance
The Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will feel the switch travel a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of the travel distance between these two switches. Both switches offer a consistent and comfortable travel distance, ensuring a satisfying typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Medium Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Medium Tactile for $4.25.
The Durock T1 has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the T1 for $4.90.
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 Medium Tactile switch is best described as having a jelly-like sound signature, although specific information about its sound profile is not provided. On the other hand, the Durock T1 switch is described as low-pitched, giving it a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Additionally, the T1 switch is also described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for most intents and purposes. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is described as having several qualities. These include being accented, which means it provides a significant amount of tactility that is not overwhelming nor subtle. The switch is also described as stepped, which means it has two stages of tactile feedback, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Additionally, the Medium Tactile switch is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Lastly, it is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Similarly, the Durock T1 switch also shares some of the same feel qualities as the Medium Tactile. It is described as stepped, providing a mild tactile feedback with pre-travel and/or post-travel. The T1 switch is also described as accented, which implies a prominent amount of tactility that is not overwhelming nor subtle. Lastly, the T1 switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Taking into account all the available information, it appears that both the Durock Medium Tactile and T1 switches offer desirable properties in terms of sound and feel. While the sound profiles are not explicitly compared, both switches offer a pleasant typing experience. Both switches share the stepped and accented qualities, providing a tactile feedback that is mild yet prominent. Additionally, both switches are described as polished, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction. As such, it can be inferred that users can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel when using either the Durock Medium Tactile or T1 switches.
Conclusion
To summarize, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is the ideal choice if you prefer a pronounced yet balanced tactility, accompanied by a jelly-like sound signature. These switches have a bottom out force of 65 grams, making them medium-heavy. On the other hand, the Durock T1 switch offers a super comfortable typing experience with a medium bump and a sound reminiscent of rain falling on a window. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, these switches also fall into the medium-heavy category. In terms of sound, the Medium Tactile has a yet-to-be-described sound profile, while the T1 is characterized as having a low-pitched and neutral sound. When it comes to feel, the Medium Tactile offers an accented, stepped, and polished typing experience, with its medium tactility not being overwhelming nor subtle. The T1, on the other hand, provides a stepped, accented, and polished feel, offering a more mild tactility. Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Medium Tactile and T1 switches will depend on your preference for tactility, sound, and typing experience.
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