Gateron CJ vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the Gateron CJ and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron CJ and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp). The Gateron CJ is a linear switch that stands out for its unique and enjoyable presentation. Typing on this switch provides a smooth push feel and produces higher-pitched clacks. It is categorized as 'Chirpy', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Low-pitched', and 'Thocky'. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) is a tactile switch that offers a blend of tactile feedback and silence, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments. This switch provides a medium bump, padded bottom-out feel, and subdued audio feedback. It falls under the categories of 'Stepped', 'Accented', 'Muted', and 'Polished'. While these general pointers can help you decide which switch might suit your preferences, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can make the best choice for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Gateron CJ and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) differ in terms of their housing materials. The CJ features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. This creates a satisfying thin and clacky sound. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This makes the Silent T1 (Shrimp) provide a more clear and resonant sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting.
In terms of the bottom housing, the CJ incorporates a POM material. POM housings create a unique sound profile that is deeper and relatively more muted. On the flip side, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) utilizes a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon bottom housing of the Silent T1 (Shrimp) creates a duller and rounder sound compared to the CJ's POM housing.
It is worth noting that the qualities brought by different housing materials are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when the key is released. Although the CJ and the Silent T1 (Shrimp) have different housing materials, they both offer unique and distinct sound profiles due to their respective top and bottom housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, there are a few key differences to note. The Gateron CJ has an actuation force of 50 grams, providing a fairly light and responsive keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the Silent T1 is unknown, making it difficult to directly compare. However, the bottom out force of the CJ is 60 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Silent T1's bottom out force of 67 grams, indicating that the Shrimp switch requires a slightly firmer push.
For those who prefer a lighter switch, the Gateron CJ may be the better option as its actuation force allows for longer typing periods without causing fatigue. This makes it ideal for those who rely on their keyboard for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, for users seeking a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the heavier bottom out force of the Durock Silent T1 may be preferable. This added weight provides a satisfying tactile feedback and may be favored by those who prefer a more robust typing sensation.
In terms of weight, the Gateron CJ is lighter overall due to its lower actuation and bottom out forces, while the Silent T1 is slightly heavier. However, it is important to note that without information on the actuation force for the Silent T1, it is difficult to make a direct comparison in terms of how the two switches perform in terms of weight. Nonetheless, both switches offer a medium to medium-heavy force, resulting in similar results in terms of actuation and bottoming out.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CJ has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CJ for $5.35.
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 Gateron CJ linear switch offers a unique and enjoyable experience. These switches have a higher-pitched clack sound that sets them apart from the rest. They deliver a chirpy acoustic signature that adds some character to your typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch is designed to be silent and perfect for noise-sensitive environments. It produces a much softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical switches. This muted sound profile helps minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron CJ linear switch provides an incredibly smooth push feel. Typing on these switches offers an impossibly smooth experience that many find enjoyable. They fall into the category of mild switches, which means they offer a more gentle typing experience without any pronounced characteristics. This makes them approachable to most users, as their qualities fall within a safe middle-ground zone. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch offers a different feel. These switches are described as stepped, meaning they have two stages of tactile feedback. This gives you the sensation of some pre-travel and/or post-travel. The tactile feedback provided by the Silent T1 switches is accented, offering a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, these switches are polished, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The CJ switches provide a higher-pitched clack sound with an impossibly smooth push feel. On the other hand, the Silent T1 switches offer a muted sound profile, ideal for noise-sensitive environments, and a stepped feel with accented tactile feedback and polished smoothness. Both switches cater to different preferences and purposes. If you are looking for a comparable sound, the Silent T1 switches will offer a similar muted experience, although the tactile feedback and smoothness may differ. Overall, it is important to consider your personal preferences and specific requirements when choosing between these switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a unique and enjoyable linear switch that offers a smooth push feel and higher-pitched clacks, the Gateron CJ would be the ideal choice for you. It has a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, if you desire a tactile and silenced switch that is perfect for noise-sensitive environments, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) would be the better option. It has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, offering a padded bottom-out feel and subdued audio feedback. In terms of sound, the CJ offers a chirpy, neutral, low-pitched, or thocky experience, while the Silent T1 provides a muted sound profile. When it comes to feel, the CJ offers a mild typing experience, while the Silent T1 provides a stepped, accented, or polished feel. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches should depend on your preference for linear or tactile switches and the level of noise you are comfortable with.
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