Durock Blue Lotus vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Durock offers two exceptional mechanical keyboard switches: the Blue Lotus and the Silent T1 (Shrimp). The Blue Lotus switch is a tactile switch that stands out for its impressive blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. With a slightly reduced travel of 3.7mm, as opposed to the standard 4mm, these switches deliver a marked tactile feel and snappiness, making them perfect for those who enjoy a tactile experience. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches come with a detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination, adding captivating visual appeal to their performance. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch caters to those who desire both tactile feedback and a quieter typing experience. Perfect for noise-sensitive environments, this switch offers a medium bump, padded bottom-out feel, and subdued audio feedback. Categorized as "Stepped, Accented, Muted, Polished", the Silent T1 provides a satisfying typing experience while keeping noise levels to a minimum. However, let's delve deeper into these specifics so you can make the best decision on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
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
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Durock Blue Lotus and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) have contrasting housing materials that contribute to their unique characteristics. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, which creates a premium feel and offers a distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both materials offer their own benefits, the Blue Lotus's modified PC and UPE Blend housing provides a luxurious sensation, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent T1 (Shrimp) enhances sound clarity and resonation.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches employ nylon, a classic switch housing material. The nylon bottom housing in both the Blue Lotus and Silent T1 (Shrimp) contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. However, there is a slight difference as the nylon bottom housing of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This factor adds to the typing experience of both switches and offers a satisfying auditory feedback.
Although the top and bottom housings differ between the two switches, they share a similarity in their utilization of nylon for the bottom housing. This means that the typing experience and the resulting sound profile will exhibit similarities in terms of depth and fullness. However, it is important to note that the impact on sound when pressing down and releasing a key may vary due to the contrasting top housing materials. Overall, users can expect comparable results in terms of sound quality and typing experience, although the specific characteristics brought by the different housing materials may vary between the Durock Blue Lotus and the Silent T1 (Shrimp).
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, it is evident that both switches fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of force required. The actuation force of the Blue Lotus is 55 grams, while the Silent T1's actuation force remains unknown. However, both switches share a bottom out force of 67 grams, indicating that they will provide a similar typing experience in terms of force exertion.
Considering weight, some users may prefer a lighter switch like the Blue Lotus as it allows for longer typing periods, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for a switch with a heavier actuation force, targeting a more resistant push feel. Although the Silent T1's actuation force is unknown, its bottom out force is slightly heavier than the Blue Lotus, indicating that it may provide a slightly more forceful typing experience.
In summary, the Durock Blue Lotus and Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switches share a similar bottom out force, which will yield comparable results in terms of typing experience. However, the Blue Lotus has a known actuation force of 55 grams, while the Silent T1's actuation force remains undisclosed. Additionally, those seeking a lighter typing experience may find the Blue Lotus more suitable, while the Silent T1 may appeal to individuals desiring a heavier and more substantial push feel.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches have a relatively short travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0 mm. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Blue Lotus switch. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the longer travel distance of the Silent T1 switch. It ultimately depends on individual preferences and typing style. However, both switches offer a satisfying tactile experience, ensuring that users will get similar results regardless of their travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Blue Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Lotus for $4.57.
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 Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch offers a bassy sound profile. These switches have a deeper and richer tone, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch provides a muted sound experience. This means that the switch produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. Muted switches minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors, such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, both the Durock Blue Lotus and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches share similar characteristics. They both have an accented tactile feel, which means they provide a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. Additionally, both switches have a stepped feel, giving the keystroke a sense of pre-travel and/or post-travel. This adds to the overall typing experience and makes the switches more enjoyable to use. Furthermore, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch is described as polished, indicating that it has a smooth and refined finish. This results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Durock Blue Lotus and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switches have their own unique qualities. The Blue Lotus offers a snappy and vibrant tactile experience with a bassy sound profile, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a marked tactile feel. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) provides a medium bump, padded bottom-out feel, and a muted sound, which is ideal for noise-sensitive environments. Both switches share an accented and stepped tactile feel, enhancing the typing experience. If you are looking for similar results in terms of feel and sound, either of these switches can provide a satisfying experience based on your preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you value a marked tactile feel and swift responsiveness, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch is the ideal choice for you. With its slightly reduced travel and captivating RGB illumination, these switches deliver a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter environment and a medium bump with a padded bottom-out feel, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch is the perfect option. These switches offer a subtle tactile experience and minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Ultimately, the decision between the Blue Lotus and Silent T1 switches comes down to your preference for tactile intensity, visual appeal, and noise sensitivity.
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