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Gateron Melodic vs. Durock T1

An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the Durock T1 switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

The Gateron Melodic clicky switch offers a unique combination of classic clicky sound and tactile feedback with modern advancements like factory lubing and dual-railed stems, resulting in a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock T1 tactile switch provides a comfortable typing experience with a medium bump and a pleasant sound reminiscent of rain falling on a window. While the Melodic switch is described as "buttery", "resonant", "invigorating", and "crunchy", the T1 switch is characterized as "stepped", "low-pitched", "neutral", "accented", and "polished". Each switch has its own strengths and qualities that make it a compelling choice for different preferences and typing styles. 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

N/A

Bottom-out force

60g

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

Stainless steel

Spring

Gold-plated

Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Melodic and the Durock T1, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches intended for use with RGB lighting, making both the Melodic and T1 suitable choices for those looking to enhance their keyboard's visual appeal.

On the other hand, while the Melodic features a nylon bottom housing, the T1 also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of the material, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound, contrasting slightly with the sharper sound profile produced by the polycarbonate top housing. Despite this difference, both the Melodic and T1 offer a satisfying typing experience with their nylon bottom housings contributing to the overall sound and feel of the switches.

Overall, the split housing materials of the Melodic and T1 showcase how the qualities of each material impact different aspects of the typing experience. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Despite this division, both switches offer a unique combination of materials that contribute to a well-rounded sound profile and tactile feedback. Whether opting for the Melodic's polycarbonate top housing or the T1's nylon bottom housing, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either choice.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch, we see that the actuation force is None grams for both switches. This means that both switches will provide a similar experience when it comes to triggering a keystroke. However, the bottom out force differs between the two switches. The Melodic has a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight switch, while the T1 has a bottom out force of 67 grams, leaning towards the medium-heavy side. This variation in bottom out force may result in a slightly different typing feel between the two switches. Some users may prefer the lighter bottom out force of the Melodic for longer typing sessions, while others may appreciate the heavier bottom out force of the T1 for 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

Both the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will get similar results in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. As a result, neither switch is shorter or longer than the other in terms of travel distance. This makes them both equally capable options for those who value a consistent typing experience.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.

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 Gateron Melodic clicky switch offers a resonant and crunchy typing experience, with a higher-pitched sound profile and a crisp, clean auditory feedback reminiscent of stepping on crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Durock T1 tactile switch provides a low-pitched and neutral sound, with a bass-heavy and mellow tone perfect for a variety of users and settings. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Melodic providing a more immersive and sharp sound, while the T1 offers a balanced and versatile tone suitable for various typing environments.

Moving on to feel, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch provides a buttery and invigorating typing sensation, with a smooth, fluid keystroke experience and pronounced tactile feedback that offers a seamless and reactive typing feel. Conversely, the Durock T1 tactile switch is described as stepped, accented, and polished, offering a tactile keystroke with two stages of feedback, a medium amount of tactility that is not overwhelming nor subtle, and a smooth, refined finish that enhances the overall typing experience. Both switches offer unique tactile sensations that cater to different preferences, with the Melodic providing a more pronounced and invigorating feel, while the T1 offers a balanced and polished typing experience.

Overall, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. While the Melodic provides a resonant and crunchy sound with a buttery and invigorating feel, the T1 offers a low-pitched and neutral sound with a stepped, accented, and polished tactile sensation. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the two switches to enhance their typing experience. Both switches guarantee a high-quality typing experience, ensuring satisfaction for newcomers and experienced mechanical keyboard enthusiasts alike.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch, consider your preference for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and enjoy a resonant or crunchy sound with a buttery or invigorating feel, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a low-pitched sound with a neutral, stepped, accented, or polished feel, the Durock T1 tactile switch may be more suitable for your typing preferences. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what typing experience you find most enjoyable.

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