Even after I have written extensively about the differences between the Ncase T1 2.5 and the FormD T1 2.1, I have not yet grown tired of this PC case. Thus, it only took a few hours after the Ncase T1 was available for purchase in the new ‘Gunmetal Gradient’ color variant on 12.04.2024, before I added it to my virtual shopping cart and proceeded to checkout.
At 215,90€, Ncase is calling for a hefty price. A whole €26 more than for the black variant, which already requires a lay out of 189,90€.
After 11 days, the handy package found its way from China to my home and I took a close look at the T1. It’s important to mention that according to Ncase, Midnight is a limited color that will not be available forever.
Unboxing Experience - What’s in the Box?
The unboxing experience is the same as with the other T1 cases. The individual parts are well packed and nicely sorted.
However, there was a special "feature" with this specimen. The bottom of the package was slightly dented, which resulted in both side panels also being slightly bent inward. They were easy to reshape, but a sturdier packaging would certainly not harm the case.
Which parts of the case are ‘Midnight’?
Let’s take a look at which parts actually come in the new color.
Part of the Case | Color |
|---|---|
Front Panel | Midnight |
Bottom Panel | Midnight |
Top Panel | Midnight |
Side Panels | Black |
Top Strut | Black |
Side Struts | Black |
Rear Plate | Black |
Fan Brackets | Black |
It’s only the outer shell that is Midnight-colored. All parts that form the “skeleton” of the case remain black.
So, if you want to see your case predominantly from the back, you won’t get to enjoy the color change. The side panels are also both in the familiar black painted aluminum.
Surface Texture - Looks grainy, feels smooth
Let’s first look at the T1 ‘Midnight’ in daylight. For this, I placed it on my terrace during the day and took some photos from different angles.
From a slightly frontal perspective, the T1 initially looks inconspicuous and is hardly distinguishable from the black variant. Only the slightly more shimmering front reveals that it probably isn’t the matte black finish.
If we now choose a sharper viewing angle and look against the light, a very interesting finish emerges.
The now almost blue-looking surface is somewhat lightened. A slight color gradient can be seen depending on the angle. Thus, the front plate close to the camera (top right) looks significantly brighter than the areas that are further away.
Note: The fingerprints and dust lint are so clearly visible because the photos were taken in bright daylight. In a normally lit room, impurities on the surface are not so visible, and I would say the finish even camouflages them to a certain extent.
If we look at the two front edges in the ISO view, the “glitter” look of the Midnight variant becomes even more noticeable. That looks pretty chic!
One aspect that I find less positive is the color difference between the front and top panel of the Ncase T1 Midnight. To illustrate this, I have also taken some detailed comparison shots here.
One could certainly argue that this color difference is due to manufacturing, and that might even be correct. Personally, it bothers me a bit. Perhaps you feel differently and find it visually more appealing? Fortunately, tastes vary.
For the sake of completeness, here are the two top panels in full view again to better see the color difference between Midnight and Black.
In the Right Light - The Ncase T1 2.5 Midnight Color in Detail
Let’s now take a look at the individual panels in detail, starting with the front panel of the Ncase T1.
With a natural light source from the side, a clear difference can be seen. The ‘Midnight’ colored panel appears significantly brighter for the first time and with a bluish shimmer.
How does it look under artificial light? Let’s look at the difference.
Under artificial light, the Midnight-colored panel now reflects very strongly and interestingly shows a darker coloring directly around the reflection than at the edges. Further out, it becomes bluish again. The black panel, as advertised by Ncase, is rather matte and is therefore evenly illuminated.
I find the comparison in the following photo particularly interesting.
From a viewing angle photographed with the light source behind, it is not clear which of the two front panels is which. If I hadn’t written it down, I couldn’t say with absolute certainty that the front panel closer to the camera is the new one. It’s interesting how much the Midnight panel changes its color depending on the incidence of light.
Let’s go back to the world of the known and certainty and take a look at a few more angles.
The first picture is the counter approach to the photo described above. This time I photographed against the light source and the exact opposite effect is already apparent. The black T1 front panel is clearly recognizable and the Midnight-colored one looks more like the “Gunmetal” version here.
In the middle, I really exaggerated it with the artificial light and massively overexposed both panels. This is what it would look like if, for example, a desk lamp is directed right at the case.
On the far right, the respective top panels of the cases are angled on the front plates to show the color difference there as well.
Let’s continue immediately with the aforementioned top- and bottom-panels. In the following three photos, the light always comes from the right.
Picture 1 shows Black on the left and Midnight on the right. In Picture 2, this arrangement is reversed. Midnight is clearly visible on the left and Black on the right. In this detailed shot, the slightly shimmering surface of the Midnight color option can be particularly well seen. Picture 3 shows the same variant on top and Black on the bottom.
The Big Picture - Ncase T1 2.5 Midnight in Total
After we have now delved very much into the detail comparison, let’s first look at the Black case in the overall picture.
A view from a similar angle on the Midnight-colored variant reveals again, photographed with the light, the two look very similar. Only the color difference between the front and top panel is a bit more striking here.
Conclusion - Ncase T1 2.5 Midnight
All in all, Ncase has released an interesting option with the new color variant. Especially in artificial light or against a natural light source, the midnight-colored case looks really chic.
Personally, I find the black color variant a bit nicer. Surely a matter of taste. It’s also a bit cheaper and therefore remains the case in which my computer is currently housed.
What do you think of the new Ncase T1 in ‘Midnight’?
Feel free to leave me a comment!
Great article and pictures, very disappointing that the midnight finish isn't applied to all the panels. For the price this is what I would expect.
Where’s the toilet paper test