TTC Bluish White vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
We are pleased to introduce two mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Bluish White and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp), both offering a tactile typing experience. The TTC Bluish Whites are ideal for those seeking a satisfyingly poppy typing experience, with a snappy sound profile. Categorized as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Stepped', 'Subtle', 'Polished', and 'Low-pitched', these switches provide a unique combination of smoothness and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) is perfect for individuals who desire both a tactile feel and noise reduction. These switches offer a medium bump, padded bottom-out feel, and subdued audio feedback, making them suitable for noise-sensitive environments. Classified as 'Stepped', 'Accented', 'Muted', and 'Polished', the Silent T1 provides a refined and quiet typing experience. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The TTC Bluish White and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) both feature polycarbonate top housings, which contributes to a similar sound profile in both switches. Polycarbonate is a stiff plastic that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when typing. This makes it an excellent choice for those looking for a switch with a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for users who plan to incorporate RGB lighting into their setup. Therefore, both switches offer similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics due to their polycarbonate top housings.
In terms of the bottom housing, the TTC Bluish White utilizes a nylon material, while the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) shares the same classic nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches. It absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a dulled and rounder sound. Therefore, both switches offer a similar typing experience due to the use of nylon as the bottom housing material.
When it comes to the overall impact on the typing experience, the differences in housing materials become apparent. Pressing down on either switch will primarily showcase the qualities of the bottom housing. The bottom-out sound and feel, which are influenced by the bottom housing, will be more prominent. On the other hand, the top housing of both switches will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. This means that while there may be slight variations in sound and feel, particularly when releasing a key, both switches will offer a comparable overall experience.
In conclusion, the TTC Bluish White and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) share a similarity in their polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharp and clear sound profile. Both switches provide similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics due to this common feature. Additionally, their use of nylon as the bottom housing material ensures a deeper and fuller typing experience. While there may be slight differences in sound and feel, particularly when releasing a key, both switches offer comparable overall experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Bluish White has a relatively light actuation force of 42 grams, meaning it requires a lighter touch to trigger a keystroke. In comparison, the actuation force of the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is unknown, but it can be assumed to be heavier than 42 grams as it has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is considered medium-heavy.
The bottom out force of a switch measures the force required to fully depress the key. In this regard, the Bluish White has a bottom out force of 50 grams, which is slightly heavier than its actuation force. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) has a significantly higher bottom out force of 67 grams, implying a more substantial typing experience.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer lighter switches as it allows them to type for longer periods, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. Conversely, some users prefer a stronger actuation force for a more satisfying and substantial typing experience. In this case, those individuals would lean towards the Silent T1 (Shrimp) due to its heavier forces.
In summary, the TTC Bluish White has lighter actuation and bottom out forces, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. The Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp), on the other hand, offers a medium-heavy bottom out force, providing a more robust typing sensation.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, it is clear that the Silent T1 has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bluish White has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Silent T1 falls within the more traditional range of travel distances, while the Bluish White leans towards the shorter side. Gamers, who value faster response times, often prefer switches with shorter travel distances, making the Bluish White a potentially appealing option for them. However, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may find the longer travel distance of the Silent T1 more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preferences for either a swift and responsive feel or a deeper, more pronounced keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Bluish White has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bluish White for $4.63.
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 TTC Bluish White tactile switch offers a low-pitched profile. This means that the sound produced by these switches is more bass-heavy and mellow compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch provides a muted sound. This means that it produces a softer and quieter sound, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps. Overall, if you're looking for a more bass-heavy and mellow sound, the TTC Bluish White would be a good option. If you prefer a softer and quieter typing experience, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) would be more suitable.
In terms of feel, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch offers a range of qualities. It is described as buttery, which implies a smooth and fluid typing experience. It provides a seamless, effortless, and uniform sensation when typing. Additionally, it is also described as mild, meaning it offers a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most people. The Bluish White switch is also a stepped switch, meaning that it has two stages of tactile feedback, allowing users to feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Furthermore, it is described as subtle, providing a gentle resistance and a light typing feel. The switch's sound signature is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces. Lastly, the Bluish White switch is polished, resulting in a smooth and refined finish that offers reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch shares some similarities with the Bluish White in terms of feel. It is also a stepped switch, providing two stages of tactile feedback. It is described as accented, which means it offers a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. Similar to the Bluish White, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) is also polished, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Considering all the available information, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch is best known for its poppy sound profile and buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished feel. It provides a satisfyingly poppy typing experience with a smooth and fluid keystroke. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch is ideal for those who want both tactile feedback and a silenced typing experience. It offers a medium bump, padded bottom-out feel, and subdued audio feedback. While the two switches have different sound profiles, their feel is similar in terms of being stepped and polished. Therefore, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a quieter typing experience, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) would be a suitable choice, while the TTC Bluish White would be a good option if you prioritize a poppy typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a light and snappy typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished feel, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and want both a tactile and silenced switch for a noise-sensitive environment, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch would be the ideal option. These switches have a muted sound profile, offering a stepped, accented, and polished feel, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and sensitivity to noise.
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