Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro, a linear switch, and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp), a tactile switch, there are key differences to consider. The Akko Cream Yellow Pro V3 switches are a great option for those on a budget who enjoy a poppy, clacky sound paired with a smooth feel. On the other hand, the Silent T1 is perfect for users who prefer a tactile switch that is also silenced, making it great for noise-sensitive environments. While the Cream Yellow Pro V3 offers an easy-to-press, bouncy experience, the Silent T1 provides 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
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
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) differ in terms of their top housing. Both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency is especially useful for RGB lighting effects. However, while both switches share this quality in their top housing, they may differ in other aspects of their construction.
The bottom housing of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is made of nylon, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) also uses nylon for its bottom housing, similarly leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This means that both switches offer a more muted and rounded sound due to the properties of nylon in their bottom housing.
Overall, the housing materials used in the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) play a significant role in shaping the sound profile of these switches. While both switches share the use of polycarbonate for their top housing, they differ in their choice of nylon for the bottom housing. This results in a sharper and crisper sound from the top housing, and a deeper and fuller sound from the bottom housing. Ultimately, the combination of these housing materials in each switch contributes to their unique sound characteristics.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Silent T1's unknown actuation force, making the Cream Yellow Pro easier to trigger keystrokes with. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Cream Yellow Pro also has a lighter force of 60 grams compared to the Silent T1's heavier 67 grams. This means that while the Cream Yellow Pro may provide a smoother typing experience with a lighter touch, the Silent T1 offers a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, which is shorter compared to the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a quicker and more responsive typing experience, making it a favorite among gamers for faster response times. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) provides a deeper typing feel with its longer travel distance, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying key press. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a shorter or longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro has an MSRP of $2.88 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Yellow Pro for $2.00.
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 Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a poppy, clacky sound that adds vibrancy to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) provides a muted sound profile that aims to minimize noise, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. The choice between the two switches would depend on whether the user prefers a more audible typing experience or a quieter one.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is described as having an easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished feel. These qualities contribute to a responsive and low-impact typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during extended use. Conversely, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) offers a stepped, accented, and polished feel that provides a medium bump tactile feedback without being overwhelming. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences tailored to different preferences.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro excels in providing a vibrant auditory experience coupled with an easy-to-press, smooth typing feel, making it a great option for those who enjoy a tactile yet lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) caters to users looking for a tactile switch with reduced noise output, thanks to its muted sound profile and subtle tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option that offers a satisfying combination of sound and smoothness, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch is a great choice. With a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, these switches provide a poppy, clacky sound and a creamy tactile feel that enhances your typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch that is ideal for noise-sensitive environments, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch would be more suitable for you. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, these switches offer a padded bottom-out feel and subdued audio feedback, perfect for those who want both tactile feedback and a quieter typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing environment.
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