TTC Silent Red vs. Durock T1
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Red and the Durock T1 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the TTC Silent Red and the Durock T1. The TTC Silent Red is an excellent choice for those who prioritize a smooth and seamless typing experience without the noisy distractions. With its muted sound profile, it is ideal for office or shared living space use. This linear switch offers a consistent feel throughout, with a padded bottom-out feel that adds to its overall comfort. On the other hand, the Durock T1 is a tactile switch that provides a different typing experience. It offers a medium bump when pressed down, making it incredibly comfortable to type on. The sound produced by the T1 is reminiscent of the gentle pitter-patter of rain falling on a window. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Silent Red and the Durock T1, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics from both switches.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Silent Red and T1 switches incorporate nylon. This classic switch housing material provides a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when compared to harder plastics. Therefore, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound from both switches.
It is important to note that when a switch has different housing materials for the top and bottom, the distinctive properties of each material will be divided. When pressing down on either the Silent Red or T1 switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will create an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. While these differences exist, users can still expect comparable experiences in terms of overall sound and feel from both switches.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch, there are some key differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Silent Red switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the T1's actuation force remains unavailable. However, both switches have a similar medium-heavy bottom out force, with the Silent Red measuring at 63.5 grams and the T1 at 67 grams.
Weight is an important factor to consider when selecting a switch, as it can greatly impact the typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter keystroke may opt for switches with a lower actuation force, as this allows for longer typing periods without causing fatigue. The Silent Red switch, with its 45-gram actuation force, would cater to this preference.
Conversely, individuals who seek a more pronounced and substantial typing feel may prefer switches with a heavier actuation force. While the actuation force of the T1 remains unknown, its 67-gram bottom out force suggests it may provide a more forceful keystroke compared to the Silent Red.
Overall, the comparison between the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch reveals a difference in their actuation forces, with the Silent Red being lighter than the T1. However, both switches share a medium-heavy bottom out force, providing a slightly similar experience when it comes to pressing down the keys fully. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Silent Red has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, which is shorter than the traditional 4.0 mm. On the other hand, the T1 has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. If you are a gamer seeking faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the Silent Red may be more appealing. It provides a quicker feedback when pressing down on a key. However, if you prefer a more substantial feel when typing, the longer travel distance of the T1 may be preferable. The 4 mm distance allows for a deeper and more satisfying keystroke. Both switches have their advantages, but it ultimately depends on personal preference and desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 TTC Silent Red switch is best known for its muted sound profile. Muted switches produce a softer and quieter sound, which is ideal for office or shared living spaces. On the other hand, the Durock T1 switch is described as having a low-pitched sound. This means that it has a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Both switches offer a quieter typing experience, but the Silent Red provides a more muted sound, while the T1 has a low-pitched sound resembling rain falling on the window. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the TTC Silent Red switch is described as buttery, mild, and polished. A buttery switch offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The mild characteristic indicates a gentle typing experience that most users will find approachable. Additionally, the polished finish of the switch contributes to a sleek and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Durock T1 switch is described as stepped, accented, and polished. Stepped switches provide a tactile experience with two stages, allowing users to feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Accented switches offer a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Like the Silent Red, the T1 switch also has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Based on the available information, it is clear that the TTC Silent Red and the Durock T1 switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Silent Red provides a smooth and seamless typing experience with a muted sound profile, making it suitable for office or shared living space use. On the other hand, the T1 offers a tactile typing experience with a low-pitched sound reminiscent of rain falling on the window. Both switches have polished finishes, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. It's important to consider personal preferences, typing environment, and other factors such as keyboard board and keycap choices when selecting between these two switches. However, it's worth noting that if a quiet and smooth typing experience is the primary requirement, both switches can deliver similar results.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a keyboard switch that delivers a smooth and seamless typing experience without all the noise, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is the perfect choice for you. With a muted sound profile, these switches are perfect for office or shared living space use. The Silent Red switch has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing enough resistance for comfortable and accurate typing. It offers a buttery feel with a mild and polished finish, resulting in a sleek and refined typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium bump and a sound that reminds you of rain falling on the window, the Durock T1 tactile switch is the way to go. With a slightly higher bottom out force of 67 grams, the T1 offers a comfortable and satisfying typing experience. It has a low-pitched sound profile, giving it a bass-heavy and mellow tone. The T1 switch has a stepped and accented feel, providing a noticeable but not overwhelming amount of tactility. Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Silent Red and Durock T1 switches depends on your preference for linear or tactile switches, as well as your desired sound and feel for your keyboard.
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