Bsun Akashi vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Bsun Akashi, a linear switch, and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp), a tactile switch. The Akashi is renowned for its smooth UPE stem and unique housing combo, providing a bright and crisp bottom-out sound with each keystroke. Categorized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Polished', 'Silky', 'Snappy', and 'Easy-to-press', the Akashi offers a resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is perfect for those seeking a tactile and silenced switch, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. With a medium bump, padded bottom-out feel, and subdued audio feedback, this switch is categorized as 'Stepped', 'Accented', 'Muted', and 'Polished'. Both switches offer unique advantages, but diving deeper into their specific characteristics will help you make an informed decision on which one is best suited for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
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-stage extended spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Akashi and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) both offer unique sound profiles and characteristics. The Akashi's POM top housing provides a deeper and more muted sound, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp)'s polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffness. In terms of aesthetics, the clear polycarbonate top housing of the Silent T1 is ideal for RGB lighting, making it a visually appealing choice. On the other hand, both switches feature nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound.
While the Akashi and Silent T1 (Shrimp) both utilize nylon bottom housings to create a deeper and fuller sound profile, they differ in their top housings. The Akashi's POM top housing offers a more muted sound, while the Silent T1's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound. This contrast in sound profiles can significantly impact the overall typing experience on each switch. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate in the Silent T1's top housing not only affects sound but also allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visual element to the switch.
In terms of how the housing materials impact the typing experience, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. This means that the qualities of nylon in the bottom housing of both the Akashi and Silent T1 will contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the differences in their top housings will result in distinct sound profiles when typing. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique and satisfying typing experiences due to the careful selection of housing materials.
Weight
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, which has a higher bottom out force of 67 grams. The Akashi is ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, making it suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Silent T1 offers a more substantial typing experience due to its medium-heavy bottom out force, appealing to users who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches have their advantages depending on personal preference, with the Akashi providing a lighter touch and the Silent T1 offering a more robust keystroke experience.
Travel distance
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Akashi offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Silent T1. While the 0.3 mm may not seem like much, it can make a difference in the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. Gamers who prioritize fast response times may prefer the Akashi for its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who enjoy a deeper key press and more tactile feedback may lean towards the Silent T1 with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Akashi has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Akashi for $3.70.
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.
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, the Bsun Akashi linear switch is known for its clacky and percussive noise, providing a bright and crisp bottom-out sound due to its unique stem and housing design. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch offers a more muted sound profile, perfect for noise-sensitive environments with its softer and quieter feedback. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, catering to different preferences in typing noise levels.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Akashi linear switch is praised for its creamy, frictionless, and polished typing experience, offering a smooth and refined feel with minimal resistance during key presses. In contrast, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch is described as stepped and accented, providing a medium bump and prominent tactility without being overwhelming. Both switches offer different tactile sensations, appealing to users who prefer either a silky and easy-to-press feel or a stepped and accented tactility during typing.
Overall, the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch present contrasting qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Akashi excels in providing a resonant and clacky sound with a creamy and frictionless typing feel, while the Silent T1 offers a more muted noise and a stepped, accented tactility for a silenced and tactile typing experience. Depending on your preference for typing noise level and tactile feedback, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different user preferences in the realm of mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you value a light, smooth, and resonant typing experience, the Bsun Akashi linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. The Akashi's unique design with a UPE stem, POM top, and nylon bottom creates a distinct sound profile and a creamy, frictionless feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy tactile switch that offers a padded bottom-out feel and subdued sound for noise-sensitive environments, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch is the way to go. The Silent T1 provides a medium bump and muted sound, making it a great option for those looking for both tactility and silence in their keyboard switches. Ultimately, your decision between the Akashi and the Silent T1 will depend on your preference for linear versus tactile switches, as well as your desired typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
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