Durock Dolphin vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Dolphin, a linear switch, with the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp), a tactile switch, there are key differences to consider. The Dolphin is renowned for its silent operation, making it a great choice for office settings or any workspace where noise levels are a concern. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, it offers a substantial tactile feel that strikes a balance between precision and a satisfying press. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) caters to those who desire a tactile switch while also prioritizing a quieter typing experience. This switch provides a medium bump, a cushioned bottom-out feel, and minimal audio feedback. While the Dolphin is polished, muted, low-pitched, the Silent T1 is stepped, accented, muted, polished. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your specific preferences and requirements. Let's dive a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Durock Dolphin features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, ideal for those looking for a more vibrant typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) also utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, offering similar sound characteristics. Moving on to the bottom housing, the Dolphin uses nylon, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer properties. This contrasts with the Silent T1 (Shrimp), which also uses nylon for its bottom housing, offering a similar typing experience with a deeper sound profile.
While both the Durock Dolphin and the Silent T1 (Shrimp) share the use of polycarbonate in their top housing, creating a sharp and clear sound profile, their differentiation lies in the bottom housing material. The nylon bottom housing of the Dolphin provides a fuller sound, absorbing more sound and offering a duller tone compared to the stiffer polycarbonate top housing. Similarly, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) also benefits from a nylon bottom housing, ensuring a deeper sound quality that is rounder in nature. Overall, both switches provide a unique typing experience based on the combination of their housing materials.
In terms of functionality, the Durock Dolphin and the Silent T1 (Shrimp) showcase how the choice of housing material influences the overall typing experience. While the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. Despite their differences in housing materials, both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to individual preferences. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound profile with the Dolphin or a deeper, fuller sound with the Silent T1 (Shrimp), the choice of housing materials plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall typing experience.
Weight
The actuation force of the Durock Dolphin linear switch is None grams, while the actuation force of the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch is also None grams, indicating that both switches have the same light actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Dolphin has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is medium, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is medium-heavy. This means that the Silent T1 (Shrimp) requires a slightly heavier force to fully press the key compared to the Dolphin. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Dolphin may be the better option, allowing for longer typing sessions with less fatigue. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing experience with a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Durock Dolphin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Dolphin has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Silent T1. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Dolphin leaning towards the shallower end and the Silent T1 being more traditional. Gamers may appreciate the Dolphin's shorter travel distance for faster response times, while those who prefer a deeper key press may opt for the Silent T1. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience desired. Both switches offer quality performance, but the Dolphin provides a slightly shorter key press compared to the Silent T1.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Dolphin has an MSRP of $6.87 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dolphin for $5.41.
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, both the Durock Dolphin and the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches are described as muted, indicating a softer and quieter noise level compared to other mechanical switches. The Dolphin has an additional descriptor of low-pitched, giving it a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to the Silent T1 (Shrimp). Keep in mind that the overall sound can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard's construction and the keycaps in use.
In terms of feel, the Dolphin switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch is noted as being a stepped and accented switch, providing a medium amount of tactility that is not overwhelming nor subtle. This tactile feel gives users a pleasant typing experience with a noticeable bump during key presses.
In conclusion, both the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Dolphin is ideal for those seeking a silent switch with a medium-heavy actuation force, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) provides a tactile feel with a muted sound profile. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. However, both switches are designed to deliver a satisfying typing experience that will suit the needs of many keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To summarize, if you are looking for a switch that offers a substantial and satisfying press with a medium actuation force, the Durock Dolphin linear switch would be a great choice, especially for office environments or any workspace where noise levels matter. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile and silenced switch with a medium bump and padded bottom-out feel, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch is the way to go. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on your preference for linear versus tactile switches, as well as your sensitivity to noise levels and typing feel. Consider these factors carefully before making your decision on which switch best suits your needs.
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