Aflion Blush vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Blush and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) are two distinct mechanical keyboard switches that cater to different needs and preferences. The Blush, a linear switch, is best known for its smooth and snappy typing experience, thanks to its longer, two-stage spring. Additionally, its long pole contributes to a poppy sound signature. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is a tactile switch that is perfect for those who desire a quieter typing experience. It offers a medium bump and padded bottom-out feel, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. The audio feedback is also muted, further ensuring a subdued typing experience. While these general pointers provide a glimpse into the characteristics of each switch, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you the most.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Dual-stage stainless steel spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Aflion Blush and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) both utilize polycarbonate as the material for their top housing. This choice results in a similar sound profile for both switches. The polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate's translucency makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect comparable results in terms of sound quality and aesthetics when using either the Blush or the Silent T1 (Shrimp).
On the other hand, the bottom housing material differs between the two switches. The Blush incorporates nylon for its bottom housing, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) features the same material. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, users can expect a rounder and duller sound when using both the Blush and the Silent T1 (Shrimp), thanks to their nylon bottom housing.
When considering the overall impact of the housing materials, it is important to note that the bottom and top housing materials play different roles. The bottom housing material has a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down, whereas the top housing affects the sound when the key is released. Therefore, while the Blush and Silent T1 (Shrimp) share similar top housing materials, their differences in the bottom housing can influence the typing experience and resulting sound profile.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blush and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) provide similar sound profiles and aesthetic benefits through their polycarbonate top housing. However, their differing nylon bottom housing materials create variations in the deeper and fuller sound experienced while typing. It is ultimately a matter of personal preference as to which switch offers the desired typing experience and sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, several differences can be observed. Firstly, the actuation force of both switches is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare them. However, the Blush's bottom out force is 58 grams, which is categorized as medium, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) has a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorized as medium-heavy.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer a lighter switch, which enables them to type for extended periods without experiencing fatigue. This lighter option is ideal for keyboards used in work settings or during long gaming sessions. Conversely, others may prefer a more substantial typing experience and enjoy the sensation of a stronger push. These individuals would benefit from switches with heavier forces.
In this case, the Blush offers a medium bottom out force, making it slightly lighter than the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch, which has a medium-heavy bottom out force. Consequently, individuals looking for a slightly lighter typing experience might opt for the Blush switch, while those desiring a more substantial keystroke would lean towards the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch.
Despite the lack of information about the actuation force for both switches, it is noteworthy that the bottom out forces for the Blush and the Silent T1 (Shrimp) are reasonably similar. Therefore, individuals seeking comparable results in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke and the sensation of bottoming out can expect to achieve this with either switch, despite their slight variations in weight.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, it is clear that the Blush has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Silent T1 has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Blush falls into the category of shorter travel distances, which is often preferred by gamers who value faster response times. On the other hand, the Silent T1 provides a deeper and more substantial feel during key pressing, which may be favored by those who prefer a sense of depth in their typing experience. Both switches offer distinct advantages, with the Blush providing a quicker response and the Silent T1 offering a more satisfying key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the specific requirements of the user.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Blush has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blush for $4.07.
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 Aflion Blush linear switch is known for its low-pitched sound. This means that it produces a deeper and more mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch is described as muted. This means that it produces a softer and quieter sound, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Blush linear switch is described as creamy, silky, and buttery. This means that it offers a smooth and effortless typing experience, with a seamless and uniform sensation. The longer, two-stage spring of this switch contributes to its smoothness and snappy feel. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch is described as stepped, accented, and polished. This means that it provides a medium amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. It offers some pre-travel and/or post-travel stages in the keystroke, enhancing the overall typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Considering all the available information, the Aflion Blush linear switch excels in providing a smooth and snappy typing experience with a poppy sound signature. It offers a longer, two-stage spring for a full and impressive feel. Alternatively, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch is ideal for those who prioritize a tactile and silenced switch for noise-sensitive environments. It offers a medium bump, padded bottom-out feel, and subdued audio feedback. If you are looking for similar qualities, such as a smooth typing experience, you can achieve comparable results with both switches. Ultimately, the preference between linear and tactile switches, as well as the desired sound and feel, will determine the better choice for each individual.
Conclusion
In closing, if you prioritize a smooth and snappy typing experience with a poppy sound signature, the Aflion Blush linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. With a medium bottom out force of 58 grams, this switch offers impressive smoothness and a satisfyingly tactile feel. On the other hand, if you value a quieter typing experience and medium bump with padded bottom-out, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch is the perfect option for noise-sensitive environments. With a slightly higher bottom out force of 67 grams, this switch provides a subdued audio feedback and a more muted sound. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing environment.
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