Akko Botany vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko Botany and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) present two distinct options tailored to different user preferences. The Akko Botany, a linear switch, is celebrated for its crisp and lively clacky sound that engages typists and gamers alike, making every keystroke feel dynamic and responsive. In contrast, the Durock Silent T1 is a tactile switch that strikes a balance between a gentle tactile bump and a significant reduction in noise, making it an excellent choice for those who work in noise-sensitive environments yet still desire a tactile feel. While the Botany’s auditory feedback can enhance your typing experience by providing a satisfying acoustic response, the Silent T1’s muted design caters to users who prefer a quieter operation without sacrificing the tactile sensation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Nylon Pro
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Botany and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches, a clear distinction emerges between their respective top housings. The Botany features a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer composition. This characteristic allows for sound absorption, resulting in a rounder and more muted auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Silent T1 is equipped with a polycarbonate top housing, which offers a sharper and crisper sound profile owing to polycarbonate's stiffer properties. Consequently, the two switches will provide markedly differing auditory experiences when pressed, with the Botany producing a more subdued tone and the Silent T1 delivering a more resonant and clear sound due to its materials.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Akko Botany and Durock Silent T1 utilize nylon, leading to similarities in their auditory experience in this aspect. The nylon bottom housing in both switches helps elicit that deeper and fuller sound profile, meaning the typing experience feels cohesive when bottoming out on either switch type. The shared material in the bottom housing implies that their bottom-out sound and feel will be comparable, contributing to a consistent user experience when engaged in typing. This commonality emphasizes that despite differences in top housing, the alignment in bottom housing aids in achieving a blended auditory signature.
Overall, the contrasting materials of the top housings of the Botany and Silent T1 provide distinct sound profiles, while their identical nylon bottom housings help unify the overall acoustic experience of both switches. This means that users can expect a unique yet partially harmonious typing sensation from these switches. Each switch's individual touches can cater to different preferences, depending on whether a person favors softer, more subdued sounds or prefers sharper and more vibrant auditory feedback, while still enjoying a consistent foundation provided by the nylon in the bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch to the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, significant differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Botany switch has a notably lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a suitable choice for users seeking a more effortless typing experience during long work sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Silent T1 switch has an actuation force that is unspecified, compounded by a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams. This indicates that while the actuation force for the Silent T1 switch is unknown, it clearly requires a stronger push to reach the bottom, offering a more substantial typing feel that some users may prefer. Overall, the Akko Botany is the lighter option, enhancing comfort for extended use, while the Durock Silent T1 leans towards a medium-heavy experience, catering to those who appreciate a firmer touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Botany linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, there's a distinct difference between the two. The Botany switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent T1 has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. For those seeking a quicker response time, the shorter travel distance of the Botany switch may be more appealing, as it allows for faster actuation, which is particularly favored by gamers. On the other hand, the Silent T1's longer travel distance provides a more substantial and satisfying feel for those who appreciate a deeper keystroke. Thus, individuals must choose based on their preference for speed versus depth, with the Botany offering the shorter travel distance and the Silent T1 providing the longer option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko Botany has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Botany for $3.11.
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 Akko Botany linear switch stands out with a crisp and lively clacky sound, providing an engaging auditory experience right from the moment you begin typing. This characteristic makes it an excellent choice for users who enjoy the traditional mechanical keyboard acoustics that evoke a tactile and vibrant typing environment. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch delivers a more subdued auditory profile, designed to be muted and ideal for noise-sensitive environments. By minimizing the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards, the Silent T1 ensures that you can enjoy your typing experience without the distraction or disturbance of louder keystrokes, making it more suitable for shared spaces or quiet settings.
When it comes to feel, the Akko Botany switch offers a smooth and fluid typing experience, allowing for effortless keystrokes typical of linear switches. The lack of tactile feedback may make it less suitable for those who prefer a sense of engagement during key presses. In contrast, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) features a stepped tactile feel, providing a medium bump that offers a mild but satisfying tactile feedback. The presence of pre-travel and post-travel sensations can enhance the typing experience for users who appreciate a clear indication of actuation without an overwhelming tactile response.
Overall, the choice between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch largely depends on your individual preferences regarding sound and feel. If you favor an audible and dynamic typing experience, the Botany is your go-to option, while the Silent T1 caters to those who seek a quieter operation paired with a tactile bump. Ultimately, both switches present unique qualities that can align with different user environments and typing styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a lighter touch with a lively and crisp clacky sound, the Botany switch is an excellent fit, particularly for typing and gaming experiences that benefit from a responsive feel. Its lower bottom-out force of 45 grams means less effort is required for each keystroke, making it a great option for long typing sessions or enthusiastic gaming where you want quick, fluid movements. On the other hand, if you find yourself in a noise-sensitive environment or simply desire a more subdued audio feedback, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) is the way to go. With its medium-heavy 67 gram actuation and a stepped tactile feel, it strikes a balance between satisfying tactile feedback and quiet operation, making it suitable for office settings or shared spaces where minimizing noise is essential. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing style, sound preference, and the environments in which you’ll be using your keyboard.
Mentioned in this article
