Keygeek Briny vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Keygeek Briny and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) present two distinct options tailored to different typing preferences and environments. The Briny, with its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, is celebrated for delivering a balanced sound profile and smooth linear action, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who appreciate uninterrupted keystrokes and a clean auditory experience. In contrast, the Silent T1 is designed for those who crave a tactile sensation while minimizing noise; its medium bump and padded bottom-out feel cater to noise-sensitive settings, offering a harmonious blend of feedback and discretion. While the Briny excels in smoothness and sound balance, the Silent T1 stands out for tactile feedback and stealth. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your 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
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
UPE
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
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Keygeek Briny and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp), it is notable that there is a key difference in the top housing. The Briny features a nylon top housing which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softness. This softness allows the nylon to absorb more sound, creating a more muted auditory experience that can be perceived as rounder and less sharp. In contrast, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate translates into a more resonant and clear audio profile, enhancing the distinctness of each keystroke. Furthermore, the polycarbonate's translucency not only impacts sound but also makes it a favored choice for RGB lighting applications, allowing for vibrant illumination effects.
Both switches, however, feature nylon as their bottom housing material, which results in similar auditory characteristics for both. The nylon bottom housing is responsible for the overall feel and bottom-out sound when a key is pressed down. Despite the differing top housings, both the Briny and the Silent T1 (Shrimp) produce a deeper and more rounded sound profile in terms of the keystroke's bottoming out. This commonality in bottom housing means that, although the qualities of the top housings diverge significantly, the impact they have on the feel and auditory feedback during key press remains somewhat unified.
The combination of different materials for the top and bottom housings means that each switch provides a unique typing experience shaped by its specific components. The Briny with its nylon top and bottom will always emphasize the softer, duller sounds characteristic of nylon, appealing to those who prefer a muted auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) offers a more versatile duality; while it produces a clearer and sharper sound from the polycarbonate top, the nylon bottom ensures a rich, rounded bottom-out noise. Ultimately, while sound profiles diverge in their nuances due to the distinct top housing materials, the shared nylon bottom allows a consistent foundation in tactile feedback and bottom-out acoustics for both switches.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Briny linear switch to the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, their actuation and bottom out forces present distinct characteristics that may appeal to different typing preferences. The Briny features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium option ideal for users who favor a balanced feel. In contrast, the Silent T1 lacks a specified actuation force but has a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This denotes a heavier overall resistance, which some users might find more satisfying for a substantial typing experience. Ultimately, while the Briny is the lighter option due to its lower actuation force, users opting for the Silent T1 will experience a firmer push, which could be preferred for sustained typing or gaming sessions where tactile feedback is desired. Thus, for those who enjoy a lighter touch, the Briny is preferable, while the Silent T1 caters to those who appreciate a more substantial key press.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Briny linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Briny the shorter option, appealing to those who value responsiveness in their key presses, which can enhance gaming performance. In contrast, the Silent T1’s longer travel distance may cater more to users who prefer a deeper, more substantial feel when typing. For individuals seeking a balance between speed and a tactile experience, the 3.6 mm travel of the Briny provides a compromise, while the Silent T1’s 4 mm distance offers a traditional depth that can feel more reassuring. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on personal preference regarding responsiveness versus depth in keypress feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Briny has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Briny for $3.29.
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
The Keygeek Briny linear switch is known for its balanced sound profile, characterized by a smooth and consistent tone that is neither overly loud nor aggressive. This makes it suitable for a versatile typing experience. In contrast, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch offers a muted sound that minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. This switch is particularly appealing to individuals in noise-sensitive environments, as its subdued audio feedback contributes to a more peaceful workspace. While the Briny produces a more traditional sound for a linear switch, the Silent T1’s design focuses on providing a quieter typing experience, highlighting the importance of considering your environment when choosing a switch.
When it comes to feel, the Briny linear switch offers a smooth keystroke without the tactile feedback typical of tactile switches. This makes it ideal for users who prefer a more fluid typing experience without interruptions in the motion. On the other hand, the Silent T1 features a medium bump that gives it a distinct tactile quality without being overly pronounced. This stepped feel allows for a subtle but noticeable feedback during typing, making it ideal for those who appreciate a tactile indication of actuation without the sharpness that can accompany more aggressive tactile switches. As a result, the Briny provides a more consistent linear feel, whereas the Silent T1 offers a refined tactile experience balanced by its quiet operation.
In summary, the Keygeek Briny linear switch excels in providing a smooth and balanced auditory experience, making it suitable for general use, while the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch stands out for its muted sound and tactile feedback, catering well to those in quieter settings. The choice between these two switches ultimately depends on personal preferences regarding sound and feel; users can expect a smooth typing experience from both but will appreciate different aspects based on their typing style and typing environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch will largely depend on your typing preferences and your typical environment. If you prefer a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile feedback, the Briny may be the way to go, especially for activities like gaming or extensive typing where a balanced sound profile is appreciated. The medium bottom-out force of 60 grams provides just the right amount of resistance for a comfortable experience without being too heavy. Conversely, if you find yourself in a noise-sensitive space or if you enjoy that tactile bump in your typing experience, the Silent T1 is the better option. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 67 grams, combined with its muted sound signature, means you can enjoy the tactile feedback you crave without disturbing those around you. The stepped feel of the Silent T1 gives it a unique character, allowing for a satisfying typing experience that’s both quiet and precise. In summary, your decision should reflect your personal typing style and the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard—whether you value silence and tactility or smoothness and balance.
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