Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Comparing the Gateron Baby Raccoon, a linear switch, and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp), a tactile switch, reveals two distinct options for mechanical keyboard users. The Baby Raccoon is renowned for its bright sound signature and crisp typing experience, achieved through its longer switch stems. With words like "marbley," "resonant," and "bouncy" to describe this linear switch, it promises a refreshing and invigorating typing sensation. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) caters to those seeking both a tactile switch and a noiseless environment, making it perfect for noise-sensitive settings. It offers a medium bump, a padded bottom-out feel, and subdued audio feedback, characterized by terms like "stepped," "accented," and "muted." Both switches possess their unique advantages, ensuring an enjoyable typing experience for users. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best switch selection tailored to your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
20mm long spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) share a common feature in their polycarbonate top housing. This material choice results in both switches having a similar sound profile, characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The translucency of polycarbonate enhances the switches' compatibility with RGB lighting, making them ideal for users who want to add a touch of personalization to their setup.
Where these switches differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Baby Raccoon utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound overall. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) also adopts a nylon bottom housing, offering a comparable typing experience in terms of sound profile.
Considering the distribution of housing materials within a switch, it is worth noting that the bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. Meanwhile, the top housing plays a greater role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Thus, while the Baby Raccoon and the Silent T1 (Shrimp) have slightly different bottom housing materials, their top housings contribute similarly to the overall sound characteristics.
In summary, the Gateron Baby Raccoon and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) exhibit similarities due to their polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and more resonant sound. Both switches also feature nylon bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. The nuanced differences lie in the specific feel and sound distribution throughout the switch, with the bottom housing having more impact on the bottom-out sound, and the top housing influencing the sound upon key release. However, users can expect similar results in terms of the overall sound experience provided by these switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, it becomes clear that there are some differences between the two. The Baby Raccoon requires an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Silent T1's actuation force is unknown. However, both switches have a medium level of actuation force. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Baby Raccoon has a bottom out force of 63 grams, which is again in the medium range. On the other hand, the Silent T1 has a higher bottom out force of 67 grams, tipping the scale towards medium-heavy.
Consideration of weight is important when choosing the right switch for your needs. Some individuals may prefer a lighter actuation and bottom out force, as it allows them to type for longer periods without fatigue. This can be especially advantageous for those who use their keyboards extensively for work or gaming. On the contrary, those seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for switches with heavier forces, as they provide a stronger push feel.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Raccoon offers a medium actuation force and medium bottom out force, providing a balanced and versatile typing experience. Meanwhile, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) offers a medium actuation force (though the exact value is unknown) but has a slightly heavier bottom out force, making it more suitable for individuals seeking a tactile switch with a tad more resistance. Regardless of the slight differences, both switches offer comparable results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switch to the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, it is evident that the Baby Raccoon has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent T1 has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Silent T1 being more towards the average of 4.0 mm. However, it is worth noting that shorter travel distances have become more popular, especially among gamers who seek faster response times. In this case, the Baby Raccoon may be preferred for its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances too abrupt and prefer a deeper feel. For those who enjoy a more robust key press, the Silent T1 with its longer travel distance might be a better choice. Overall, the decision between these two switches would depend on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness or key press depth.
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 Gateron Baby Raccoon (V2) comes in at $5.50 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Baby Raccoon switches are characterized by a resonant, marbly, and high-pitched sound profile. Typing on these switches offers a clean and sharp auditory experience that can be likened to tapping on a solid piece of marble or the sound of billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches are described as muted, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches. They are specifically designed to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Baby Raccoon switches offer a creamy and bouncy typing experience. These switches provide a smooth and buttery sensation, as if gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. Additionally, they have a spring-like feedback that gives a lively feel and a sense of rebound when pressed. Moreover, the Baby Raccoon switches are invigorating and polished, offering pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, snappy and reactive feel, as well as reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches have a stepped and accented feel. Stepped switches provide a tactile experience with distinct pre-travel and/or post-travel, while accented switches offer a medium amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. Additionally, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches have a polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction.
In conclusion, the Gateron Baby Raccoon linear switches are known for their resonant, marbly, and high-pitched sound, as well as their creamy, bouncy, invigorating, and polished feel. They offer a bright sound signature and a refreshing crispness in typing. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switches provide a muted sound profile, ideal for noise-sensitive environments, and a stepped, accented, and polished feel. While these switches offer different qualities, both can provide satisfying results depending on personal preferences. The Baby Raccoon switches will deliver immersive auditory feedback and a silky typing sensation, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches will provide a quieter experience with distinct tactile feedback and smooth key travel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force, a bright sound signature, and a crisp typing feel, the Gateron Baby Raccoon is the ideal choice for you. With its lengthened switch stems and marbly sound profile, typing on these switches will provide an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and are in need of a switch that is both tactile and silenced, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) is the way to go. It offers a padded bottom-out feel, subdued audio feedback, and is perfect for environments where noise reduction is a priority. Overall, choose the Gateron Baby Raccoon for a resonant and marbly typing experience, while the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) is best suited for those who desire a tactile and quiet switch.
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