HMX Cheese vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Cheese, a linear switch, with the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp), a tactile switch, it's evident that both offer unique features catered to different preferences. The HMX Cheese is renowned for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, along with a satisfying clacky sound profile that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is ideal for those seeking a tactile switch with silenced properties, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments. While the Cheese excels in providing a light and smooth typing experience, the Silent T1 offers a medium bump and padded bottom-out feel. 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
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
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
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp), we see that the Cheese features a nylon top housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) boasts a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile as a result of its stiffer plastic makeup. Despite these differences, both materials play a significant role in shaping the sound produced by the switches, with nylon providing a duller and rounder sound compared to the clear and resonant nature of polycarbonate.
Moving on to the bottom housing, we find that both the Cheese and the Silent T1 (Shrimp) utilize nylon for this component. Nylon is revered for its ability to create a deep and full sound profile due to its soft and sound-absorbing properties. In this aspect, both switches will likely offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound quality and tactile feedback. However, the slight variations in the overall sound profile may still be detectable based on the top housing material used, as it has a significant impact on the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, the choice of housing material for a switch can greatly influence the overall typing experience, with each material contributing unique sound and tactile characteristics. While the HMX Cheese and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) differ in their top housing composition - nylon for the Cheese and polycarbonate for the Silent T1 - they both share a nylon bottom housing. This ensures a similar level of sound deepness and fullness when typing on both switches. Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in a switch plays a crucial role in determining the overall sound and feel, making it important for enthusiasts to consider these factors when customizing their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The HMX Cheese linear switch has a lighter actuation and bottom out force compared to the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch. The Cheese has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, while the Silent T1 has an actuation force of None grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams. This means that the Cheese is lighter in terms of the force needed to trigger a keystroke and when pressing all the way down. For those who prefer a lighter typing feel, the Cheese would be a better option for longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the heavier bottom out force of the Silent T1 provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and force preference.
Travel distance
The HMX Cheese linear 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 has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Cheese switch. The Cheese switch offers a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers looking for a quick response time. On the other hand, the Silent T1 switch provides a deeper key press experience, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $3.79.
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 HMX Cheese linear switch is best known for its satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, making it a unique and enjoyable switch to type on. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch offers a muted sound profile, perfect for those looking for a quieter typing experience, especially in noise-sensitive environments. The choice between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound, with the Cheese providing a more pronounced auditory feedback while the Silent T1 offers a more subdued and muffled sound.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cheese switch is known for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, offering a light and seamless keystroke. In comparison, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch provides a medium bump and a padded bottom-out feel, giving users a tactile typing experience without the loud noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Additionally, the Silent T1 switch is described as stepped, accented, and polished, adding an extra layer of tactile feedback without being too overwhelming or scratchy.
Overall, both the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch have their unique strengths and qualities. The Cheese excels in providing a crisp and clacky sound with a smooth typing experience, while the Silent T1 offers a quieter typing experience with a medium bump tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences in sound, feel, and typing experience. If a user enjoys a lighter and more audible typing experience, the HMX Cheese switch may be the better option, while those seeking a quieter and tactile typing experience may prefer the Durock Silent T1 switch. Regardless of the choice, both switches are designed to provide a satisfying and engaging typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you prefer a light and smooth typing experience with a satisfying clacky sound, the HMX Cheese switch is a great choice. On the other hand, if you want a medium bump tactile switch with a padded bottom-out feel and subdued audio feedback for a noise-sensitive setting, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch would be the better option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel, sound profile, and noise level. Choose the switch that best suits your typing style and needs.
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