Dareu Dream vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Dream and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) stand out as popular choices, each offering unique features to cater to different preferences. The Dareu Dream is a linear switch known for being easy to press, clacky, and mild, making it an affordable option for enthusiasts looking for a light typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) is a tactile switch that provides a medium bump, padded bottom-out feel, and subdued audio feedback, making it ideal for those seeking a tactile and silenced typing experience in noise-sensitive environments. 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
40g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Dream and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp), one can see that they both feature polycarbonate top housings. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This material is especially useful for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for a more visually appealing experience. While both switches share this common material for their top housings, they may differ in their bottom housings which can impact the overall sound and feel of typing on the switches.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Dareu Dream incorporates nylon for its bottom housing, while the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) also uses nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of these switches helps to create a more muted and rounder sound during typing. Despite both switches utilizing nylon for their bottom housings, the overall typing experience may be influenced by how the characteristics of this material interact with the top housing material.
When considering the impact of different housing materials on a switch, it is important to note that the qualities of each material will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing will affect the sound when a key is released. Therefore, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Dareu Dream and Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) may result in a unique typing experience that blends the characteristics of each material for a harmonious sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, it is clear that they have different force requirements. The Dream has an actuation force of 40 grams, which is considered light, while the Silent T1 has an unknown actuation force. In terms of bottom out force, the Dream has a force of None grams, while the Silent T1 has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is medium-heavy. This means that the Silent T1 requires more force to bottom out compared to the Dream. The light actuation force of the Dream may be preferred by those looking for a lighter typing experience, while the heavier bottom out force of the Silent T1 may cater to those who enjoy a more substantial push feel while typing. Ultimately, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces between these two switches offer options for users with varying preferences in typing experience.
Travel distance
The Dareu Dream linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that users can expect a similar key feel and responsiveness when pressing down on both switches. The travel distance of 4 mm for both switches indicates a moderate key travel, offering a balance between keypress comfort and typing speed. Whether you choose the Dream or the Silent T1 (Shrimp), you can be confident in experiencing consistent and reliable keypresses with the same travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Dream has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dream for $3.76.
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 Dareu Dream linear switch is characterized by a clacky sound, which gives a sharp and snappy audio feedback when pressed. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch offers a muted sound profile, producing a softer and quieter noise compared to the Dream switch. The muted sound of the Silent T1 (Shrimp) makes it a great option for noise-sensitive environments where you want to minimize keyboard noise. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be affected by factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Dream linear switch is known for being easy to press, offering gentle resistance and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Additionally, the Dream switch is described as providing a mild typing experience, falling into a safe middle-ground zone that is approachable to most users. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch offers a stepped feel, giving the sensation of two stages during the keystroke. It also provides an accented tactile bump that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, giving users a prominent amount of tactility. Furthermore, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch is polished for a smooth and refined typing experience, reducing friction and ensuring a sleek key travel.
Considering the information provided, the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a sharp and snappy sound with an easy-to-press and mild typing experience, the Dream switch would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you are looking for a quieter typing experience with a stepped feel, accented tactility, and polished smoothness, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch would be the ideal option. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, so choosing between them would depend on your specific sound and feel preferences for your mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you value affordability, a light linear feel, and a clacky sound, the Dream switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a tactile experience with a medium bump, a padded bottom-out feel, and a muted sound, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch would be a better fit. Additionally, if you are in a noise-sensitive environment and desire a silenced switch, the Silent T1 would be the ideal option. Ultimately, the decision comes down to what type of typing experience you prefer and the specific requirements you have for your keyboard setup. Think about these factors when making your selection to ensure you find the perfect switch for your needs.
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