Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Everglide Aqua King and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp). The Aqua King is a linear switch, known for its frictionless feel that resembles gliding on freshly resurfaced ice. It offers a typing experience that can only be described as magical. On the other hand, the Silent T1 is a tactile switch that combines both tactility and silence, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. It provides a medium bump and a padded bottom-out feel, all while delivering subdued audio feedback. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences, but let's dive a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) share many similarities in their housing materials. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, both the Aqua King and Silent T1 (Shrimp) can deliver similar results when it comes to sound and aesthetics.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the two switches differ in their material choices. The Aqua King utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) features a nylon bottom housing. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch is more influenced by the bottom housing. Therefore, users of the Silent T1 (Shrimp) may experience a different tactile sensation compared to the Aqua King due to the nylon bottom housing.
In summary, the Everglide Aqua King and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) showcase similarities in their polycarbonate top housing, providing a sharp and crisp sound profile. However, their differences lie in the bottom housing materials, with the Aqua King featuring a polycarbonate bottom housing and the Silent T1 (Shrimp) incorporating a nylon bottom housing. These variations in housing materials can result in different sound profiles and tactile sensations, emphasizing the importance of considering both the top and bottom housing materials when choosing a switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, some notable differences can be observed. The Aqua King has an actuation force of 46 grams, while information is unavailable for the actuation force of the Silent T1 (Shrimp). Both switches exhibit a medium bottom out force, with the Aqua King requiring 62 grams and the Silent T1 (Shrimp) requiring 67 grams.
Considering weight is beneficial for different reasons. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, such as extended periods of typing or longer gaming sessions, the Aqua King with its lighter actuation and bottom out forces may be appealing. This allows for smooth and effortless keystrokes. On the contrary, individuals who favor a stronger push feel for a more solid typing experience might lean towards the Silent T1 (Shrimp), which has a slightly heavier bottom out force. This provides a more substantial and tactile sensation while typing.
Since the actuation force of the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is unspecified, it is difficult to make a direct comparison to the Aqua King in this aspect. However, assuming that the actuation force is similar, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) would still offer a slightly heavier bottom out force, resulting in a more substantial typing experience than the Aqua King.
Ultimately, the choice between the Aqua King and Silent T1 (Shrimp) will depend on individual preferences. Those seeking a lighter and smoother typing experience may opt for the Aqua King, while those desiring a slightly heavier and more tactile feel may prefer the Silent T1 (Shrimp).
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will feel the key travel a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of the travel distance of these switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) has an MSRP of $7.18 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aqua King (V3) for $5.44.
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
In terms of sound, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch produces a subdued sound when pressed. While it is not completely silent, it offers a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch is described as muted, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. The muted nature of the Silent T1 makes it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Aqua King linear switch is often described as creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished. These subjective qualities indicate that the typing experience on Aqua King switches is exceptionally smooth and effortless. The switch offers a fluid travel, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. It feels like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease, as they effortlessly melt into each keystroke. This smoothness can be attributed to factors such as factory lubrication or specific materials used in the switch.
On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch is described as stepped, accented, and polished. Stepped switches provide a two-stage tactile experience, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel sensations. The tactile feedback of the Silent T1 is more mild compared to hypertactile switches, offering a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Similar to the Aqua King, the Silent T1 also benefits from a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience.
In conclusion, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aqua King provides a subdued sound with a frictionless and creamy typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent T1 offers a muted sound with a stepped and accented tactile feel. Both switches have a polished finish that contributes to smooth key travel. If you are looking for a smooth and effortless typing experience, either switch can provide similar results, but the Aqua King leans more towards linear preferences while the Silent T1 caters to those who prefer a tactile switch with a quieter sound profile.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering the Everglide Aqua King linear switch, it is best suited for those who prioritize a frictionless and smooth typing experience. The Aqua Kings offer a creamy, frictionless, and silky feel, reminiscent of skating on a freshly resurfaced ice rink. Additionally, the Aqua King has a medium bottom out force of 62 grams and produces a subdued sound when pressed, making it a quieter switch compared to most.
On the other hand, if you are seeking a switch that combines tactility and quietness, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch is the way to go. The Silent T1 provides a medium bump and a padded bottom-out feel while still offering a subdued audio feedback. It also has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams.
In terms of sound, the Aqua King switch produces a dampened and more subtle sound signature, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch offers a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches.
When it comes to feel, the Aqua King switch is known for its creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished typing experience, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch is characterized by its stepped, accented, and polished tactile feel.
In conclusion, if you prioritize a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a subdued sound, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch is the better choice. However, if you desire a tactile switch that provides a medium bump and a quieter typing experience, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) is the ideal option. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preferences and requirements for your mechanical keyboard.
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