Kailh Box Jade vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a wide variety of options available to cater to different preferences. Among these options are the Kailh Box Jade, a clicky switch, and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp), a tactile switch. Both switches offer unique features that make them desirable in their own ways. The Box Jades provide a medium-heavy typing experience with a satisfying clicky sound profile and noticeable tactility. The crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps add a certain invigorating quality to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is perfect for those who value both tactility and silence. It offers a medium bump and a padded bottom-out feel, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. The audio feedback of the Silent T1 is subdued, resulting in a more polished typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can make the best decision based on your specific preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
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
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Jade and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) share the same polycarbonate top housing material. This material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate makes it particularly suitable for switches that make use of RGB lighting. Therefore, both switches will provide a similar sound experience and aesthetic appeal when it comes to their top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Box Jade utilizes a nylon material while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) also uses nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and generates a deeper and fuller sound profile. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. In this aspect, both switches will produce a similar typing experience and sound due to their shared use of nylon for the bottom housing.
It's important to note that the qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom housing of a switch. When pressing down on either the Kailh Box Jade or the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp), the bottom housing will have a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing will have a more significant impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the overall sound may have similarities, the specific characteristics of the top and bottom housing will differentiate the typing experience to some extent between these two switches.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, it is important to consider their actuation force and bottom out force. The actuation force of the Box Jade is 50 grams, while the Silent T1's actuation force is unavailable. However, both switches have a medium actuation force, meaning they require a moderate amount of force to trigger a keystroke.
In terms of bottom out force, the Box Jade has a slightly heavier force of 60 grams, whereas the Silent T1 has a bottom out force of 67 grams, putting it in the medium-heavy category. This means that the Silent T1 requires slightly more force to fully press down compared to the Box Jade.
When it comes to weight, some individuals prefer lighter switches to allow for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. In this case, the lighter option would be the Box Jade with its 50 gram actuation force. On the other hand, some users prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. For these individuals, the Silent T1 with its higher bottom out force of 67 grams would be a suitable choice.
Overall, while the actuation force of the Box Jade and the Silent T1 may be similar, the difference lies in the bottom out force with the Silent T1 being slightly heavier. Depending on individual preferences, one may opt for the lighter actuation force of the Box Jade or the heavier bottom out force of the Silent T1 for a more satisfying typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, it becomes evident that the Silent T1 has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Box Jade has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. In the context of traditional travel distances, the Silent T1 falls within the more common range of 4 mm, while the Box Jade deviates slightly with its 3.6 mm travel distance. However, it is important to note that shorter travel distances have gained popularity, particularly among gamers who prioritize faster response times. In this regard, the Box Jade switch would be preferred due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who appreciate a deeper keystroke may opt for the Silent T1 switch with its longer travel distance. While both switches offer unique experiences, it is important to consider personal preferences and typing style when choosing between them.
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 Kailh Box Jade 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
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch is known for its high-pitched sound and crunchy tactile feedback. When pressed, the Box Jade produces a sharp and crisp sound, which is perfect for those who prefer a more clicky sound profile. The crunchy sound is reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves, adding an enjoyable auditory element to typing. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch offers a muted sound experience. This switch produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. The Silent T1 minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards, ensuring a more pleasant typing experience in shared spaces.
In terms of feel, the Box Jade offers an accented tactile experience that falls in the medium range. It provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. This means that you can feel the tactile bumps with every keystroke, enhancing your typing precision. Additionally, the Box Jade switch offers invigorating feedback, giving you a snappy and reactive feel while typing. On the other hand, the Silent T1 switch features a stepped tactile feel. It has a mild bump where you can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel, providing a different tactile experience compared to the Box Jade. The Silent T1 is also described as having a polished finish, resulting in smooth and refined key travel. This switch's smoothness is attributed to the materials used and/or factory lubing, ensuring reduced friction and improved typing fluidity.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Jade provides a high-pitched clicky sound with crunchy tactile feedback, creating an invigorating typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent T1 offers a muted sound profile and a stepped tactile feel with a polished finish, resulting in a refined and smooth typing sensation. Depending on your preference for sound and tactile feedback, both switches can provide enjoyable typing experiences. While they differ in certain aspects, these switches offer similar feedback levels, making either option suitable for those seeking a medium tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on your specific preferences and typing environment.
Conclusion
In closing, if you're looking for a medium-heavy typing experience with a satisfying clicky sound and prominent tactility, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch is the perfect choice for you. Its crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps will enhance your typing experience. On the other hand, if you desire a tactile switch with a padded bottom-out feel and subdued audio feedback, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch is an excellent option. It provides a nice medium bump and is ideal for noise-sensitive environments. Additionally, the Silent T1 offers a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features to cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns with your desired typing experience.
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