Durock T1 vs. Aflion Thunder Shadow
An in-depth look at the Durock T1 and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering the Durock T1 and the Aflion Thunder Shadow mechanical keyboard switches, both offer a tactile typing experience that many enthusiasts prefer. The T1 is praised for its medium bump and soothing rain-like sound, providing a comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow stands out with its pronounced tactile bump and medium weight feel, showcasing Aflion's commitment to innovation. While the T1 is characterized as 'stepped', 'low-pitched', 'neutral', 'accented', and 'polished', the Thunder Shadow is labeled as 'invigorating' and 'neutral'. Each switch has its unique qualities, making them suitable for different preferences. 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
67g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Durock T1 and the Aflion Thunder Shadow utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its translucency, making it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. However, despite their similarities in the top housing material, the T1 and Thunder Shadow differ in their bottom housing material. The T1 utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. Conversely, the Thunder Shadow also uses nylon for its bottom housing, offering a similar typing experience as the T1 with a duller and rounder sound profile.
While both switches share the use of polycarbonate in their top housing to achieve a clear and resonant sound, the variation in their bottom housing materials showcases how different plastics can affect the overall typing experience. The T1's nylon bottom housing provides a distinct deep and full sound when typing, while the Thunder Shadow's nylon bottom housing offers a similar typing experience with a duller and rounder sound profile. Despite these differences, both switches aim to provide a quality typing experience with a focus on sound clarity and aesthetics, thanks to their utilization of polycarbonate in their top housing.
In conclusion, the Durock T1 and the Aflion Thunder Shadow demonstrate how different housing materials can impact the sound profile and typing experience of a switch. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housing for a sharper sound profile, the use of nylon in their bottom housing sets them apart in terms of sound depth and resonance. Whether you prefer a crisper and higher-pitched sound or a deeper and fuller one, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock T1 tactile switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have a similar actuation force of None grams. However, the T1 has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Thunder Shadow, which has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. Both switches fall into the category of medium-heavy in terms of bottom out force. The difference in bottom out force may result in a slightly lighter typing experience for the Thunder Shadow compared to the T1. Some users may prefer the lighter bottom out force of the Thunder Shadow for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may enjoy the more substantial feel provided by the heavier bottom out force of the T1. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force feedback.
Travel distance
The Durock T1 tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Thunder Shadow has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the T1. The difference may not be significant, but it could be noticeable to some users. A 0.5 mm variance in travel distance may impact the overall feel of typing or gaming on these switches. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the T1 being slightly on the longer end and the Thunder Shadow on the shorter end. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for keypress feel and responsiveness.
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 Aflion Thunder Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Thunder Shadow for $3.91.
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, both the Durock T1 and Aflion Thunder Shadow switches are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that they produce a moderate sound that is suitable for most purposes, whether for beginners or advanced users, and can be used in various settings such as at home or in the office. The T1 is noted for its low-pitched sound, which gives it a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, reminiscent of rain falling on a window. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow's neutral sound signature complements its pronounced tactile bump and balanced overall feel.
In terms of feel, the Durock T1 switch is described as having a stepped, accented, and polished feel. This means that it provides a mild tactile bump with noticeable pre-travel and post-travel, offers a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming, and provides a smooth and refined typing experience. In contrast, the Aflion Thunder Shadow switch is highlighted for its invigorating feel, offering pronounced feedback, a moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive sensation that creates an immersive typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Durock T1 and Aflion Thunder Shadow switches differ slightly in their sound and feel characteristics, they both offer a comfortable and tactile typing experience. Whether you prefer a low-pitched sound with a polished feel or an invigorating tactile sensation with a neutral sound profile, both switches are sure to provide a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the Durock T1 tactile switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, consider your preferences for bottom-out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 67 grams and enjoy a rain-like sound with a medium bump, the T1 may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter bottom-out force of 63.5 grams and appreciate a neutral sound signature with a pronounced tactile bump, the Thunder Shadow might be more suited to your typing style. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to test them out yourself to determine which one feels the most comfortable and satisfying to use.
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