TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) vs. Durock T1
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) and the Durock T1 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Silent Bluish White and the Durock T1 are two popular options to consider. The Silent Bluish White is a tactile switch offering a satisfying level of resistance and a precise typing experience. What sets it apart is its quiet nature, making it an ideal choice for those working in an office or shared living space. On the other hand, the T1 also provides a tactile feel, but with a medium bump and a sound reminiscent of rain falling on a window. Both switches have their own unique qualities, but let's delve deeper into their characteristics to help you determine which switch is best suited for your individual preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The TTC Silent Bluish White and the Durock T1 have similar housing materials, with both switches utilizing polycarbonate for their top housings. This material choice leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both switches. The stiffness of polycarbonate also contributes to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an excellent choice for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics when using either the Silent Bluish White or the T1 switches.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Silent Bluish White features a nylon material, while the Durock T1 also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that enhances the typing experience by eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel from both the Silent Bluish White and the T1 due to the use of nylon in their bottom housings.
It is important to note that the qualities brought by the housing materials of the Silent Bluish White and the T1 will have different impacts on the overall sound and feel of the switch. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing, which is made of nylon in both cases, will be more noticeable. The bottom housing significantly contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing, which is made of polycarbonate in both switches, will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. This distinction highlights the importance of both the top and bottom housing materials in determining the overall typing experience for each switch.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Bluish White has an actuation force of 42 grams, providing a light and effortless trigger for keystrokes. In contrast, the actuation force for the T1 switch is unavailable, which makes it difficult to directly compare. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Silent Bluish White requires 50 grams to press all the way down, indicating a relatively lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the T1 switch offers a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial and solid feel during typing. Therefore, for individuals who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming, the Silent Bluish White switch would be a suitable choice. In contrast, those who enjoy a more substantial and heavier push for a satisfying typing experience should consider the T1 switch.
Travel distance
The TTC Silent Bluish White and the Durock T1 tactile switches have different travel distances. The Silent Bluish White has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the T1 has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. 4.0 mm is considered the most traditional travel distance, offering a balance between depth and responsiveness, while 3.5 mm is slightly shorter, and 3.0 mm is the most shallow. The preference for travel distance can vary depending on individual preference and usage. Gamers, for instance, often prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the TTC Silent Bluish White with its shorter travel distance may be a better choice. However, some individuals feel that shorter travel distances can feel too abrupt. If you prefer a more substantial depth when pressing down on a key, the Durock T1 and its longer travel distance may suit your needs better. Overall, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Bluish White (V2) for $4.63.
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
The TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch have distinctive characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Silent Bluish White switch is best known for its medium tactile feel, offering a satisfying level of resistance while typing. These switches are designed to be as quiet as possible, making them ideal for office or shared living space use. The sound produced by the Silent Bluish White switch is described as muted, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. On the other hand, the Durock T1 switch provides a medium bump when pressed and has a low-pitched sound, reminiscent of rain falling on a window. The T1 switch is also described as neutral, meaning it has a moderate sound profile suitable for most purposes.
In terms of feel, the Silent Bluish White switch provides a buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished typing experience. This implies a smooth and fluid keystroke, making typing effortless and uniform. The switch has a gentle resistance and a gentle typing feel, suitable for shared spaces. It is polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Durock T1 switch also has a stepped, accented, and polished feel. It provides a mild tactile experience with noticeable pre-travel and post-travel stages. The switch is not scratchy and offers a medium level of tactility.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the Silent Bluish White switch is preferred for those who prioritize a quieter typing experience and a smooth, polished feel. It offers a medium tactile feel and a muted sound, making it suitable for office or shared environments. On the other hand, the Durock T1 switch provides a similar medium tactile feel but with a low-pitched sound and a slightly more pronounced tactile bump. The T1 switch would be a good option for those who enjoy a bit more tactile feedback while typing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference and the specifics of the user's typing environment.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a light switch with a precise and comfortable typing experience that is also quiet, the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch would be a great choice for you. With a bottom out force of 50 grams and a medium tactile feel, these switches offer a satisfying level of resistance without being loud. They are designed to be as quiet as possible, making them perfect for office or shared living space use. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a comfortable typing experience that resembles the sound of rain falling on the window, the Durock T1 tactile switch might be the better option for you. With a bottom out force of 67 grams and a medium bump, these switches provide a super comfortable typing experience. Additionally, they have a low-pitched and mellow sound profile, making them suitable for various environments. Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Silent Bluish White and the Durock T1 depends on your preference for switch weight, typing experience, and sound profile. Consider your needs and preferences to determine which switch will best suit you.
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