Bsun Cliff vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Cliff and Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) present two compelling options for tactile switch enthusiasts. The Cliff is celebrated for its invigorating feel, providing a medium tactile bump along with a crisp sound signature that enhances the typing experience, making it ideal for users who appreciate audible feedback. In contrast, the Silent T1 is designed for those who prefer a more muted typing experience, offering a medium bump with a padded bottom-out feel, perfect for noise-sensitive environments. Its subdued audio feedback allows users to enjoy tactile feedback without disturbing others nearby. Each switch serves its audience well, appealing to different preferences in both sound and 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
37g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Cliff and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp), it is notable that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This commonality results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate contributes to the clarity and resonance of the sound produced when the keys are pressed and released. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it aesthetically advantageous for setups featuring RGB lighting, as it allows for the illumination to shine through in a visually appealing manner. Thus, regardless of other differences between the switches, the polycarbonate top housing ensures that users will experience a vibrant and well-defined auditory output.
In contrast, the bottom housing of both switches is made from nylon, a material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to stiffer plastics. The softer nature of nylon effectively absorbs sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience that complements the sharper qualities of the polycarbonate top. This interplay between the two materials enhances the overall keystroke experience: while the top housing delivers clarity when keys are released, the nylon bottom housing contributes to the richness and depth of sound when a key is pressed down. Consequently, the synergy of these opposing sound qualities yields a well-rounded auditory experience.
Overall, while both the Bsun Cliff and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) share similarities in their top housing material, which fosters a crisp sound, they differentiate themselves through their bottom housing composition. The combination of both polycarbonate and nylon leads to a nuanced sound profile that balances sharpness with depth. The usable characteristics of each housing material impact the typing experience in distinct yet complementary ways, ensuring that users can enjoy both clarity in their key releases and richness in their key presses, regardless of which switch they choose.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, notable differences emerge. The Bsun Cliff features a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, ideal for long typing sessions or extended gaming. In contrast, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) has an unspecified actuation force, but its bottom out force of 67 grams suggests a medium-heavy feel, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Consequently, the Silent T1 is the heavier option, while the Cliff offers a lighter typing experience. For users seeking a similar actuation feel to the Cliff switch but with a firmer bottom out, the Durock's characteristics may not seamlessly match those of the Cliff, particularly due to the unknown actuation force of the Silent T1.
Travel distance
When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, a notable difference in travel distance can be observed. The Bsun Cliff features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, whereas the Durock Silent T1 has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This makes the Cliff the shorter option, appealing to those who prefer a more responsive feel, ideal for fast-paced gaming and quick key presses. On the other hand, the Silent T1’s longer distance may cater to users seeking a more pronounced tactile depth, providing a satisfying experience for typing and other uses where a clear feedback is appreciated. Ultimately, your preference between the two will depend on whether you favor quicker responses or a more substantial key actuation feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Cliff has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cliff for $2.19.
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 Bsun Cliff tactile switch delivers a crisp auditory experience that enhances the overall typing experience. In comparison, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) provides a muted sound profile, ideal for environments where noise is a concern. It produces softer audio feedback due to its design, focusing on a quieter operation while still maintaining some tactile sensations. This stark contrast means that while the Cliff may offer an engaging auditory feedback that can be satisfying for typing, the Silent T1 caters to users who prioritize discretion and reduced noise, showing that sound can significantly influence a switch’s overall appeal depending on the user’s setting.
In terms of feel, the Cliff switch is characterized by its invigorating feedback, which means that it offers pronounced tactility alongside a moderate to firm actuation force. This creates a snappy and responsive sensation that many typists find immersively enjoyable. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) features a stepped tactile feedback, which presents a milder bump compared to the Cliff. The stepped nature of the Silent T1 means it can feel less overwhelming during use, allowing for a subtler sensation that still provides noticeable feedback without being excessively pronounced. This difference in tactile feedback will influence the typing experience significantly, as users seeking a more reactive feel will gravitate towards the Cliff while those preferring a smoother, quieter experience will prefer the Silent T1.
Overall, both the Bsun Cliff and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) offer unique attractions tailored to different user preferences. The Cliff excels in providing a crisp sound and invigorating tactile feedback that can enhance engagement during typing, making it popular among those who enjoy a more traditional mechanical keyboard experience. Conversely, the Silent T1 caters to those who require a quieter and more subdued typing environment, featuring a muted sound profile and a stepped tactile feel that enables comfortable operation without loud feedback. The choice between these two switches ultimately comes down to individual user needs, with the Cliff being ideal for those who appreciate pronounced auditory and tactile experiences, while the Silent T1 is perfect for noise-sensitive conditions without sacrificing a tactile sensation.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch largely depends on your specific typing needs and environment. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and a more pronounced tactile feedback experience, the Cliff could be ideal for you, especially if you appreciate an invigorating feel and a crisp, lively sound signature while you type. This switch is perfect for an energetic typing experience, particularly if noise is not a concern. On the other hand, if you find yourself in a noise-sensitive environment—such as an office setting or a shared workspace—the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) might be more suitable. Its medium-heavy actuation force combined with a muted sound profile ensures that you have a tactile sensation without disturbing those around you. The stepped feel of the Silent T1 provides a more subtle bump, making it a great choice for long typing sessions when fatigue is a concern. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your preferences for tactile feedback, sound levels, and the type of environment you'll primarily be typing in.
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