HMX Deep Navy vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often boils down to personal preferences regarding tactile feedback and sound. The HMX Deep Navy is a linear switch renowned for its silky smoothness and rich auditory profile, making it an ideal choice for typists and gamers who enjoy a more fluid keystroke experience. Its full nylon construction complements its performance by providing durability and stability, thus enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) stands out as a tactile switch designed with noise-sensitive environments in mind. Its medium bump and padded bottom-out feel offer a pleasant tactile response while minimizing sound, catering to users who appreciate feedback without the audible distraction. While the Deep Navy is favored for its smoothness and engaging sound, the Silent T1 excels in providing a quiet yet tactile engagement. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the HMX Deep Navy and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp), one can observe distinct characteristics that contribute to their unique auditory profiles. The Deep Navy utilizes a nylon top housing, known for its softer composition, which absorbs sound and produces a deeper, fuller sound profile. This quality allows for a more muted auditory experience, giving users a rounder acoustic sensation during typing. In contrast, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) features a polycarbonate top housing that provides a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffer nature. This difference in material composition results in a distinct auditory experience when typing, with the polycarbonate housing enhancing clarity, especially suited for environments where sound is a critical factor.
While the top housings of the two switches differ significantly in terms of sound profile, their bottom housings are both made of nylon. This choice of material means that both switches share a similar quality when it comes to the lower end of their sound profiles, providing a deep, rounded sound upon bottoming out. The nylon's softer composition contributes to the overall acoustic experience, creating a consistent, thicker sound when a key is fully pressed down. This shared material in the bottom housings ensures that despite the top housing differences, users can expect a similar depth to the warm sound signature when they engage the switches.
The interaction between the top and bottom housings further emphasizes this contrast in building auditory experiences. While the nylon bottom housing contributes to a subdued and full sound when the key is pressed down, the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent T1 (Shrimp) elevates the higher frequencies upon release, resulting in a clearer sound profile. Conversely, the Deep Navy's all-nylon housing maintains a cohesive sound throughout the typing action, creating a harmonious acoustic experience. Thus, depending on whether one prefers a more pronounced sound separation or a rounded acoustic consistency, both the HMX Deep Navy and Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) offer unique textures to the typing experience, showcasing how variations in housing materials can significantly impact overall sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Deep Navy features a light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for extended typing sessions as it requires less effort for each keystroke. In contrast, the Silent T1 has an unknown actuation force but boasts a significantly higher bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This heavier force provides a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel. As a result, users who prioritize ease and comfort during long work or gaming sessions may gravitate towards the HMX Deep Navy, while those seeking a more tactile feedback might favor the Durock Silent T1. Ultimately, the Deep Navy switch is the lighter option, while the Silent T1 is heavier overall.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, we find that the Deep Navy features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent T1 has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This difference means that if you favor a more responsive typing experience, the Deep Navy may better suit your needs, as shorter travel distances are often preferred by gamers for quicker response times. Conversely, the Silent T1, with its longer travel distance, may offer a more pronounced tactile feedback, which some users find preferable for a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you value speed and responsiveness or a more substantial depth in your keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Deep Navy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Deep Navy for $2.79.
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 sound profile of the HMX Deep Navy switch is characterized by a rich and sharp tone, providing a distinctive audio experience with each keystroke. Crafted with a full nylon construction, these switches resonate with a high-quality sound that can be quite pronounced, especially when typing. In contrast, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch is designed for those who prefer a quieter experience, producing a muted sound that significantly minimizes the typical mechanical keyboard noise. This is particularly beneficial in noise-sensitive environments, allowing for a more focused typing experience without the distraction of loud key clicks.
When it comes to feel, the Deep Navy switch offers a silky smoothness with its Ly stem, ensuring every keystroke glides effortlessly without any scratchiness. In contrast, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) features a medium tactile bump that delivers a stepped sensation, making it feel as if there are two stages of actuation. This provides a mild tactile feedback, which, while pronounced enough to notice, is not overwhelming. Additionally, the Silent T1's design emphasizes a polished finish that enhances the overall smoothness during key travel, making for a refined typing experience that caters to those who appreciate a tactile yet subtle feel.
In summary, both the HMX Deep Navy and Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches serve different user preferences. If you seek a rich, dynamic sound and a smooth keystroke, the Deep Navy is an excellent choice. Alternatively, if you're looking for a quieter typing experience with tactile feedback that isn't overpowering, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) will fulfill that need effectively. Ultimately, the selection between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback, as both have unique characteristics that cater to different styles of typing and environmental considerations.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch largely depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you will be using your keyboard. If you prefer a lighter touch and enjoy the satisfying sound of your keystrokes, all while relishing in a smooth typing experience, the Deep Navy switch is an excellent option. Its 45-gram actuation force and rich acoustic profile provide a delightful experience for both casual typing and gaming. On the other hand, if you find yourself in a noise-sensitive environment or you simply prefer a more subdued keystroke experience, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) will serve you well with its medium-heavy 67-gram actuation force. This switch offers a tactile feel without the disruptive noise, thanks to its muted sound output and unique stepped bump design. In summary, choose the Deep Navy for a responsive, acoustically rich experience, and opt for the Silent T1 if you prioritize quietness and tactile feedback while maintaining a refined typing experience.
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