Durock T1 vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the Durock T1 and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Are you in search of the perfect mechanical keyboard switch that suits your typing preferences? Look no further, as today we will compare and contrast two highly regarded options: the Durock T1, a tactile switch, and the KTT Wine Red, a linear switch. The T1 is known for its exceptional comfort during typing, featuring a medium bump and a soothing rain-like sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Wine Red offers a pillowy light typing experience and a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile. If you appreciate a stepped, low-pitched, neutral, accented, and polished switch, the T1 might be the perfect fit for you. However, if you prefer a switch with a bassy and low-pitched character, the Wine Red might be more to your liking. While these general pointers provide a glimpse into the characteristics of each switch, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
44g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
Comparing the housing materials of the Durock T1 and the KTT Wine Red, both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing. This material choice contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the effective use of RGB lighting in the switches. Therefore, users can expect similar sound characteristics and visual appeal from both the T1 and the Wine Red due to their shared use of polycarbonate in the top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the T1 employs nylon while the Wine Red utilizes polycarbonate. The T1's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, thanks to its relatively softer plastic composition. On the other hand, the Wine Red's polycarbonate bottom housing aligns with the sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile associated with this stiffer plastic. These differences in bottom housing materials will impact the sound and feel experienced when pressing down on the respective switches. Therefore, users can expect a distinct variation in the bottom-out sound and feel between the T1 and the Wine Red.
Overall, the T1 and the Wine Red share similarities in the sound profile created by their polycarbonate top housings. Due to the translucent nature of polycarbonate, both switches benefit from the use of RGB lighting. However, their bottom housings differ significantly, with the T1's nylon offering a deeper and fuller sound experience, while the Wine Red's polycarbonate contributes to a sharper and clearer sound. Therefore, users can expect a noticeable contrast in the sound and feel when using these switches, particularly during the release of a key, which is influenced more by the top housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock T1 tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, there are notable differences. The T1 has an actuation force of an unknown number of grams, while the Wine Red requires 44 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. This indicates that the Wine Red requires a lighter touch for activation.
In terms of bottom out force, the T1 requires 67 grams, which falls into the medium-heavy category. On the other hand, the Wine Red has a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. Therefore, the T1 has a heavier bottom out force compared to the Wine Red.
Considering weight, the lighter actuation force of the Wine Red makes it suitable for prolonged typing or extended gaming sessions. This switch allows for a lighter touch, reducing fatigue for longer periods of use. However, some individuals prefer a more substantial typing experience, and for them, the heavier actuation force of the T1 would be advantageous.
While the actuation forces and bottom out forces of these switches differ, it is important to note that both options offer medium levels of resistance. Therefore, individuals seeking similar results in terms of force required can find satisfaction in both the T1 and Wine Red switches.
Travel distance
The Durock T1 tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a similar tactile experience, providing a satisfying feel when typing or gaming. Whether you choose the T1 or the Wine Red, you can expect consistent and comfortable key presses with a travel distance of 4 mm.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The KTT Wine Red comes in at $2.71 per 10 switches.
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 T1 is best known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile. The low-pitched switches of the T1 offer a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, resembling the sound of rain falling on a window. This creates a soothing and calming auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red switches are described as bassy and low-pitched as well. The deeper and richer sound profile of the Wine Red switches provides a satisfyingly deep and resonant sound during key presses. While the T1 and Wine Red switches share similar low-pitched characteristics, the Wine Red switches may have a slightly more pronounced bass tone. However, the sound of both switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Durock T1 switches offer a stepped, accented, and polished experience. The stepped tactile switches of the T1 provide a two-stage sensation, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel, resulting in a more mild tactile feedback compared to hypertactile switches. The accented characteristic of the T1 means that it is a medium tactile switch that offers a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. Additionally, the polished finish of the T1 switches ensures a smooth and refined typing experience, reducing friction and allowing for smooth key travel. Unfortunately, information about the feel of the KTT Wine Red switches is unknown, as no descriptors or descriptions were provided.
In conclusion, the Durock T1 tactile switches and KTT Wine Red linear switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The T1 switches are known for their low-pitched sound profile resembling rain falling on a window, while the Wine Red switches provide a deeper and richer sound with a bass-heavy tone. In terms of feel, the T1 switches offer a stepped, accented, and polished experience, ensuring a mild tactile feedback with smooth key travel. On the other hand, information about the feel of the Wine Red switches is unknown. Both switches can provide satisfying typing experiences, but it's important to consider personal preferences and individual factors such as keyboard board and keycap choices to achieve the desired results.
Conclusion
To summarize, if you're looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a comfortable typing experience, the Durock T1 switch would be a great choice for you. It provides a medium bump while pressing down and has a sound profile reminiscent of rain falling on a window. The T1 has a low-pitched sound, which gives it a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Additionally, the T1 offers a stepped feel, meaning it has two stages of tactility and a polished finish, resulting in smooth and refined key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a pillowy light typing feel, the KTT Wine Red switch would be perfect for you. It has a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile, thanks to its low frequency range and bassey characteristic. While the specific feel descriptors for the Wine Red switch are not provided, it's safe to assume that it offers a smooth and refined typing experience, similar to the T1.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock T1 and the KTT Wine Red switches depends on your personal preferences. If you prefer a tactile switch with a heavier bottom out force and a stepped feel, go for the T1. If you prefer a linear switch with a lighter bottom out force and a pillowy light typing feel, go for the Wine Red. Both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so choose the one that aligns with your preferences for an optimal typing experience.
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