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Huano Acacia vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)

An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, personal preference plays a significant role in determining the ideal choice, and two notable options are the Huano Acacia and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp). The Huano Acacia, a linear switch, is celebrated for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, offering an exceptional typing experience right out of the box. This makes it a great choice for gamers and typists seeking a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke without tactile resistance. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) presents a compelling alternative for those who prefer a tactile switch, boasting a medium bump and a padded bottom-out feel that ensures a satisfying typing experience with reduced noise—perfect for busy offices or quiet homes. While both switches cater to distinct typing preferences—smoothness versus tactile feedback—they serve different needs within the mechanical keyboard community. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

45g

Actuation force

N/A

Bottom-out force

55g

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

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

22mm single-staged spring

Spring

Gold-plated

Housing materials

When comparing the Huano Acacia and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp), it becomes clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, leading to remarkably similar sound profiles and aesthetic qualities. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This resonance enhances the auditory feedback a user receives while typing, fostering a more engaging experience. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for optimal diffusion of RGB lighting, providing both switches with a visually appealing glow that captivates users who appreciate aesthetics in their mechanical keyboard setups.

On the contrary, the bottom housings of the two switches both utilize nylon, creating a distinct contrast with the top housing materials. Nylon is revered in the switch community for its ability to deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its softer nature helps absorb sound rather than amplify it, resulting in a more muted and rounder acoustic character. The combination of a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom results in a unique sound signature for both switches, where the crispness of the top housing complements the depth of the bottom. This distinctive pairing allows for a balanced auditory experience, combining the clarity from the polycarbonate with the warmth from the nylon.

Overall, while the Huano Acacia and Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) share similarities in their top housing material, their construction provides a layered auditory experience. The polycarbonate top housing ensures a bright and clear sound when keys are released, while the nylon bottom housing dampens and enriches the sound during key presses. This thoughtful combination means that even though the two switches might use different materials at the bottom, users can expect a harmonious blend of sound qualities resulting from the unique characteristics of both materials. Thus, those seeking a satisfying auditory and tactile experience can find common ground in both offerings despite their material differences.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, there are notable differences that cater to varying user preferences. The Huano Acacia has an actuation force of 45 grams, indicating a lighter touch that could benefit users looking for an easier keystroke during extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Silent T1 does not have a specified actuation force, which makes it less straightforward to compare in that regard; however, it has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams compared to the Acacia's 55 grams. This means that while the Acacia is lighter overall, the Silent T1 may provide a more substantial feel when fully pressed down, appealing to those who prefer a stronger tactile feedback. Hence, for typists or gamers who appreciate a lighter keypress, the Huano Acacia might be the ideal choice, while those who favor a more robust and dense typing experience may lean towards the Durock Silent T1.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, the Acacia measures 3.5 mm, while the Silent T1 offers a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Acacia provides a shorter travel experience, which may be more appealing to gamers seeking quicker responsiveness in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Silent T1's 4 mm travel distance can provide a more substantial and satisfying feel for those who prefer a deeper keypress. Therefore, if you favor swift actions and a snappier typing experience, the Acacia would be the better choice; however, if you appreciate a more pronounced tactile feedback, the Silent T1 may be preferable. Overall, the Acacia is the shorter switch, while the Silent T1 is the longer option.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

The Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent T1 (Shrimp) for $5.57.

The Huano Acacia comes in at $3.39 per 10 switches.

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 Huano Acacia linear switch offers a smooth and unobtrusive auditory experience, which is typical for linear switches that lack any tactile bump or click. This means that users will experience a seamless press without the accompanying noise often found in tactile or clicky switches. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) is engineered for environments where noise reduction is crucial. Its muted sound profile minimizes the typical clack associated with mechanical keyboards, making it ideal for workplaces or shared spaces. Both switches offer quieter operation compared to clicky varieties, yet the Silent T1 edges out in terms of being specifically designed to suppress sound even further.

When it comes to feel, the Acacia is characterized by its medium-light weight and minimal stem wobble, providing a smooth and consistent typing experience that feels effortless. Factory lubrication contributes to a refined keystroke, ensuring a pleasing tactile satisfaction that is enjoyable for long typing sessions. In contrast, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) features a stepped tactile feel, delivering a noticeable bump during actuation that engages the user without being overwhelming. This switch's medium bump, along with an accented quality, offers a tactile response that feels pronounced but not harsh. Additionally, its polished construction ensures a smooth key travel, creating a comfortable and satisfying experience with each press.

In conclusion, both the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch provide unique qualities suited for different preferences. The Acacia is perfect for those who appreciate a smooth, quiet typing experience without tactile feedback, while the Silent T1 caters to users who desire a tactile sensation along with a noise-sensitive design. If noise level is a priority, the Silent T1 will offer more advantages. For users who prefer a linear switch with a smooth and effortless feel, the Acacia is a superb choice. Ultimately, both switches excel in their respective categories, and the user's personal preference will determine which is the better fit.

Conclusion

To wrap up, your choice between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard. If you prefer a light and smooth typing experience with minimal tactile feedback, the Acacia switch is an excellent option. Its medium-light actuation force and generous factory lubrication provide a buttery feel that’s ideal for long typing sessions or gaming, where speed may be more critical than feedback. On the other hand, if you're working in a noise-sensitive area or simply prefer a bit of tactile bump while keeping things quiet, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) would be more suitable. With its medium-heavy force and a polished feel, this switch offers a satisfyingly subdued tactile experience that allows you to enjoy the benefits of tactile feedback without the noise that typically accompanies mechanical keyboards. In summary, consider the nature of your tasks and your personal preferences to choose the switch that will enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.

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