Outemu Crystal vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a plethora of options available to cater to the unique preferences of users. Two popular switches that offer distinct typing experiences are the Outemu Crystal and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp). The Crystal, a linear switch, provides a typing experience that is characterized by its medium-light weight and elastic feel. This switch offers a smooth and consistent keystroke with a neutral sound profile, making it a versatile choice for various typing styles. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp), a tactile switch, is perfect for those who desire both tactility and silence in their typing experience, making it an ideal choice for noise-sensitive environments. It offers a medium bump, padded bottom-out feel, and subdued audio feedback. Both switches have their strengths and appeal, offering unique qualities that cater to different preferences. However, let's delve a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can make the best decision in selecting the most suitable switch for your 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
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Outemu Crystal and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) share some similarities in terms of their housing materials. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which enhances their sound profiles by creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it a preferred material for switches that prioritize sound quality. Additionally, the translucent quality of polycarbonate is especially advantageous for those planning to use RGB lighting, as it allows the lighting to shine through the switch.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the two switches differ in their choice of materials. The Crystal utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, similar to its top housing. This choice ensures consistency in sound characteristics, as the qualities brought by polycarbonate can be experienced both when pressing down on the switch and when releasing a key. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. The use of nylon in the bottom housing helps absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound upon bottoming out.
In summary, while both the Outemu Crystal and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) employ polycarbonate for their top housings, the Crystal stands out by having a polycarbonate bottom housing as well. This consistency in housing material ensures a unified sound profile throughout the entire switch. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) uses nylon for its bottom housing, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound upon bottoming out. If sound quality and consistency are the primary considerations, the Crystal might be the preferable choice. However, if a satisfying bottom-out sound and feel is desired, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) with its nylon bottom housing might be the better option.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, there are notable differences. The Crystal 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 has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy.
In terms of weight, some individuals prefer lighter switches as they allow for longer typing sessions without fatigue, which is ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the contrary, others seek a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, so they might favor switches with heavier forces.
Although the actuation force of the Silent T1 is unknown, it is evident that its bottom out force is heavier than that of the Crystal. If the actuation forces were the same, users can expect similar results in terms of triggering a keystroke. However, it is important to note that the Crystal offers a lighter overall typing experience with its medium-light actuation and bottom out forces, while the Silent T1 provides a medium-heavy feel due to its heavier bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Crystal linear 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 equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance in terms of the switch's travel. In terms of comparing and contrasting, it can be said that both switches provide a consistent and satisfying travel distance, ensuring a comfortable typing experience. So, in terms of travel distance, the Outemu Crystal and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches offer similar results.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Outemu Crystal comes in at $3.40 per 10 switches.
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 Outemu Crystal linear switch offers a unique, linear typing experience characterized by a fairly elastic feel with medium-light weight. When typing on these switches, you can expect a neutral sound profile. The Crystal switch has been described as chirpy, meaning it has a little squeak to them, which sets it apart from other switches. Additionally, it is considered high-pitched, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. This sound profile is ideal for those who prefer a lighter and crisper sound compared to the richer and bassy profiles of certain switches.
On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch is perfect for individuals who desire both a tactile and silenced switch. It is particularly suitable for noise-sensitive environments. The Silent T1 offers a medium bump and a padded bottom-out feel, providing a balanced tactile typing experience. The audio feedback from this switch is subdued, creating a quieter and softer sound compared to regular or clacky switches. This muted sound profile helps minimize the noise usually associated with mechanical keyboards, making it an excellent choice for users who require a quieter typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Crystal switch is known for its polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. The reduced friction and smooth key travel of these switches contribute to the sleek feel. Similarly, the Silent T1 switch is also described as polished, offering a smooth typing experience. Additionally, it is considered stepped, meaning it provides a tactile feedback that feels like it has two stages. This mild tactility provides a prominent amount of feedback without being overwhelming or subtle. Overall, both switches offer a polished and smooth typing experience, although the Silent T1 provides a more accentuated tactile feedback compared to the Crystal.
In conclusion, the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Crystal switch provides a unique linear typing experience with a chirpy and high-pitched sound profile. It offers a polished and smooth feel during typing. On the other hand, the Silent T1 switch provides a balanced tactile experience with a muted sound profile, creating a quieter typing experience suitable for noise-sensitive environments. Although they differ in sound and tactile feedback, both switches provide a polished and smooth typing experience. Depending on individual preferences and requirements, one can choose between the chirpy linear feel of the Crystal or the tactile and silenced experience of the Silent T1.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a unique, linear typing experience with a medium-light weight, the Outemu Crystal linear switch is the way to go. These switches have a fairly elastic feel and offer a neutral sound profile when typing. On the other hand, if you need a tactile and silenced switch, especially for noise-sensitive environments, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch is the best choice. It provides a medium bump, padded bottom-out feel, and subdued audio feedback. In terms of sound, the Crystal switch has a chirpy and high-pitched sound, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch has a muted sound, minimizing noise. In terms of feel, the Crystal switch is polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch is stepped, offering a mild tactile sensation. Ultimately, the decision between these switches depends on your preference for linear or tactile switches, as well as your need for silence and sound profile.
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