TTC Brother vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch stand out for their unique characteristics. The TTC Brother is lauded for its lightweight actuation at just 37g, providing a breezy typing experience loved by many. With a satisfyingly crunchy sound signature and a perfectly balanced tactile bump, it is a favorite among clicky switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Silent T1 is the go-to choice for those seeking a tactile switch that prioritizes silence, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. With a medium bump and muted audio feedback, it offers a pleasant typing experience without the loud clickiness. Both switches have their own strengths and cater to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.20 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
17.5mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
Both the TTC Brother and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which creates a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. However, where they differ is in their bottom housings. The Brother utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) also features a nylon bottom housing, offering a similar typing experience to the Brother.
Despite the similarities in their top and bottom housing materials, the TTC Brother and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) may have slight variations in sound and feel due to the utilization of different materials in their bottom housings. While both switches offer a distinctive sound profile with their polycarbonate top housings, the tactile feedback and overall typing experience may vary slightly between the two due to the differences in their nylon bottom housings. The Brother's nylon bottom housing may provide a slightly softer landing when pressing down on the keys, resulting in a more cushioned typing experience, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) may offer a slightly firmer bottom-out sound.
Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Brother and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel. Both switches offer unique characteristics with their housing materials, with polycarbonate providing a sharp and clear sound in the top housing, and nylon offering a deeper and fuller sound in the bottom housing. Whether you prefer a sharper or rounder sound profile, both switches are sure to deliver a satisfying typing experience with their combination of housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, it is clear that they offer different experiences for users. The TTC Brother clicky switch has an actuation force of 37 grams, making it a lighter option compared to the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp), which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) is the heavier option with 67 grams, in contrast to the TTC Brother which has an unknown bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the TTC Brother switch may be more suitable, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force, appealing to users who enjoy a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Brother switch. The 3.5 mm travel distance of the Brother switch may provide a quicker response time, making it a preferred choice for gamers who prioritize speed. On the other hand, the 4 mm travel distance of the Silent T1 (Shrimp) may offer a more substantial keypress feel for those who prefer a deeper actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preference for travel distance and keypress feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
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 Brother clicky switch offers a crunchy and satisfying click that resonates with each keystroke, providing a tactile experience full of crisp precision. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch produces a muted sound that minimizes noise, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments. Depending on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard, users can choose between the crunchy satisfaction of the Brother switch or the quieter operation of the Silent T1.
In terms of feel, the Brother clicky switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force for actuation, making typing effortless and comfortable. The tactile bump is described as stepped, providing a subtle yet noticeable feedback during keystrokes. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch offers a stepped tactile feel with accented tactility, providing a medium amount of feedback that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, the switch is polished for a smooth and refined typing experience, reducing friction and enhancing key travel.
In conclusion, the TTC Brother clicky switch excels in providing a crunchy sound and easy-to-press feel with a balanced tactile bump, making it a top choice for clicky switch enthusiasts. Conversely, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch caters to those seeking a quieter typing experience with a muted sound and stepped tactile feel with accented tactility. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and the specific requirements of the user's environment. Both switches offer quality performance, ensuring a satisfying typing experience tailored to individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, consider your priorities. If you value a lightweight actuation force, a satisfyingly crunchy sound, and a tactile bump that strikes the perfect balance, the Brother switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium bump, padded bottom-out feel, and subdued audio feedback for noise-sensitive environments, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) would be the better choice. Ultimately, your decision should align with your preference for either a clicky switch with a light touch or a tactile switch with a silent operation.
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