Everglide Crystal Violet vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing and contrasting mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp). The Crystal Violet is known for its light operating force of 45g, offering a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. With a pleasantly mellow and lower-pitched sound profile, these switches provide a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience, thanks to the rare use of ABS in their housings. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is perfect for those seeking a tactile and silenced switch, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. It offers a medium bump and padded bottom-out feel, accompanied by subdued audio feedback. Both switches have distinct qualities that make them appealing, depending on your preferences. However, let's dive deeper beyond generalities so you can make the most informed decision and choose the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
ABS
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
ABS
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Everglide Crystal Violet and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) differ in their housing materials, specifically in the top and bottom housings. The Crystal Violet features an ABS top housing, which is a relatively rare plastic to be used in switch housings. This results in a relatively low-pitched sound profile when typing on switches with ABS housing. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when typing. Moreover, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting effects. While both switches have different top housing materials, they offer distinct sound profiles and aesthetic capabilities.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Crystal Violet and the Silent T1 (Shrimp) have contrasting materials. The Crystal Violet's bottom housing also utilizes ABS, resulting in a relatively low-pitched sound profile. Conversely, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) opts for a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, if you prefer a switch with a deeper and fuller sound, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) with its nylon bottom housing would be a suitable choice.
It is important to note that the top and bottom housings play different roles in the overall typing experience. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. Therefore, your experience with the Crystal Violet and the Silent T1 (Shrimp) will differ in terms of bottom-out sound and feel due to their distinct bottom housing materials. On the other hand, the top housing influences the sound when you release a key. Consequently, the Crystal Violet's ABS top housing and the Silent T1 (Shrimp)'s polycarbonate top housing will each contribute to a unique sound profile when releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, the actuation and bottom out forces differ significantly. The Crystal Violet has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light switch. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) has an unknown actuation force but boasts a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. The discrepancy in forces allows users to choose based on their personal preferences. The Crystal Violet's lighter actuation force makes it suitable for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming, providing a comfortable and effortless experience. In contrast, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) offers a stronger push feel with its heavier bottom out force, resulting in a more substantial typing experience. Those who prefer a more tactile and pronounced keystroke may gravitate towards the Silent T1 (Shrimp) due to its medium-heavy force. Both switches have their advantages, and selecting one depends on the user's desired typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same amount of distance traveled. Therefore, if you prefer the tactile feel and sensation of one switch over the other, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Crystal Violet has an MSRP of $7.08 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Crystal Violet for $4.19.
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
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch is best known for its light operating force of 45g, making it ideal for those seeking a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. The sound profile of the Crystal Violet switches is described as pleasantly mellow, leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum, creating a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. This is attributed, in part, to the rare and special use of ABS in these switches' housings. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch is perfect for those who want both a tactile and silenced switch, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. It offers a medium bump and a padded bottom-out feel, with subdued audio feedback. The sound of the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch is described as muted, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches.
When comparing the sound qualities, the Crystal Violet offers a low-pitched sound, which features a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. This creates a pleasant auditory experience without being obtrusive. The Silent T1 (Shrimp), on the other hand, provides a muted sound, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. It offers a quieter and softer sound for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience. However, it's important to note that the sound produced by these switches can also be influenced by factors such as the choice of board and keycaps.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Crystal Violet offers a creamy and mild typing experience. This is due to a smooth and buttery sensation provided by the switch, making it feel like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. It also provides a gentle typing experience that stands in a safe, middle-ground zone, suitable for most users. Additionally, the Crystal Violet switch is described as stepped, offering a tactile response that feels like it has two stages. This means you can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel during the keystrokes.
Similarly, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch also offers a stepped feel, providing a mild tactility compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. It offers a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle, making it an accented switch. The Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch is also described as polished, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. This is achieved through either the materials used or factory lubing, reducing friction and ensuring smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Crystal Violet provides a mellow and low-pitched sound, along with a creamy and mild typing experience. It offers a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) offers a muted sound, with a medium bump and a padded bottom-out feel. It provides a moderate tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. Both switches have their unique qualities and are suitable for different preferences and needs. However, if you are looking for similar results in terms of sound and feel, the Crystal Violet's low-pitched sound and creamy feel can provide a comparable experience to the Silent T1 (Shrimp)'s muted sound and stepped feel.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when considering the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, there are a few key factors to consider.
If you prioritize a lighter operating force and a relaxed, stepped tactile typing experience, then the Crystal Violet is the switch for you. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, it offers a gentle and comfortable feel. Additionally, the Crystal Violet has a pleasantly mellow and low-pitched sound profile, making it non-intrusive and suitable for various environments. The use of ABS in the switch's housing contributes to this unique auditory experience.
On the other hand, if you desire a switch that combines tactility with silence, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is the ideal choice. With its medium bump and padded bottom-out feel, it provides a satisfying tactile experience while reducing noise. Perfect for noise-sensitive environments, the Silent T1 offers a muted sound profile, minimizing the typical mechanical keyboard noise.
Both switches feature a stepped feel, providing a mild tactile feedback with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. However, the Crystal Violet is also described as creamy and mild, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience. The Silent T1, in addition to being stepped, is also accented and polished, further enhancing its tactile feedback and providing a sleek typing experience.
To summarize, if you value a lighter operating force, a relaxed tactile experience, and a low-pitched sound, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch is the one for you. However, if you prioritize combined tactility with silence, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch is the better choice. Consider your preferences and needs carefully to make the decision that suits you best.
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