TTC Flaming Pink vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Pink and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the differences between linear and tactile switches can significantly impact your typing and gaming experience. The TTC Flaming Pink switch stands out as a linear option, known for its smooth, responsive feel and a satisfying bottom-out sound that enhances both gaming and everyday typing sessions. Its bright yet not overly loud sound profile makes it a versatile choice for various settings. In contrast, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) offers a tactile experience with muted audio feedback, making it the ideal choice for noise-sensitive environments. This switch features a medium bump and a padded bottom-out feel, catering to users who appreciate feedback without the distraction of excessive noise. Ultimately, each switch has its unique appeal; the Flaming Pink prioritizes smoothness and responsiveness, while the Silent T1 focuses on tactile feedback and silence. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
24mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When it comes to the housing materials of the TTC Flaming Pink and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches, both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This shared material choice results in a sound profile characterized by clarity and resonance, with a higher-pitched and crisper tone. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, enhances the overall auditory experience, making it particularly suitable for users who prioritize a sharp sound when typing or gaming. Additionally, both switches benefit from the translucency of polycarbonate, which amplifies RGB lighting effects, ensuring that users can enjoy visually vibrant key illumination regardless of which switch they choose.
On the other hand, both switches differ in their bottom housing material, with the Flaming Pink utilizing nylon while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) also features nylon. This commonality in the bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softer composition tends to absorb more sound, resulting in a rounded auditory experience. When a user types on either switch, they will notice that the sound characteristics are predominantly influenced by the bottom housing, due to its role in producing the bottom-out sound. The combination of nylon and polycarbonate results in a delicate balance of acoustics, making both switches appealing to users seeking a varied auditory feedback while typing.
Ultimately, while the Flaming Pink and Silent T1 (Shrimp) share similarities in the polycarbonate top housing, the parallel use of nylon in the bottom housing means that both switches deliver a unique auditory experience that merges the strengths of each material. Users can expect a crisp release sound attributed to the polycarbonate top and a warm, rounded bottom-out sound owing to the nylon bottom. This thoughtful combination allows for a nuanced typing experience, where both the clarity of the top housing and the richness of the bottom contribute to an overall satisfying performance, ensuring that either switch can effectively meet the diverse needs of keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams to the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, which does not have a specified actuation force but has a bottom out force of 67 grams, we see notable differences in both weight and feel. The Flaming Pink is lighter with its actuation force enabling quicker keystrokes, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons without fatigue. In contrast, the Silent T1's bottom out force of 67 grams suggests a firmer feel, appealing to users who prefer more resistance in their keystrokes for a substantial typing experience. Therefore, the Flaming Pink will yield a lighter and faster response, while the Silent T1 provides a heavier and more tactile feedback that some users may find more satisfying. Nonetheless, the absence of a specified actuation force for the Silent T1 leaves a gap in direct comparison, particularly regarding responsiveness before bottoming out.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, it's clear that they differ significantly. The Flaming Pink switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is longer and aligns with the traditional standard. This difference can impact the user experience, especially for those who favor responsiveness in gaming, as the shorter distance of the Flaming Pink can lead to quicker key presses and faster response times. Conversely, the longer travel distance of the Silent T1 may provide a more satisfying, tactile typing experience for those who prefer more depth in their switches. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Pink has an MSRP of $4.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Pink for $4.00.
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 TTC Flaming Pink linear switch produces a bright yet not overly loud sound profile, which offers a pleasant auditory experience, making it suitable for both gaming and everyday typing. This switch achieves a satisfying bottom-out sound without being distracting or overly intrusive, allowing users to enjoy the engaging resonance typical of linear switches. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) is designed with muted audio feedback, meaning it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to more traditional mechanical switches. This feature makes them an excellent choice for users in noise-sensitive environments, as they minimize the typical mechanical keyboard clack while still providing the tactile feedback that many users appreciate.
When it comes to feel, the Flaming Pink switch is renowned for its smooth, responsive typing experience, characterized by a lack of tactile bumps that often accompany other switch types. This smoothness allows for rapid key presses, making it ideal for gamers and typists who prefer an uninterrupted flow. In contrast, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) offers a medium bump in its tactile design, providing a stepped feel that includes two distinct stages during a keystroke. This switch balances mild tactile feedback with an unmistakable bump that is neither overwhelming nor too subtle, catering well to those who enjoy tactile switches without the harsh sound typically associated with them. The Silent T1 is polished, ensuring smooth key travel as it reduces friction, which adds to the overall pleasant typing experience.
In summary, both the TTC Flaming Pink and Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Flaming Pink excels in providing a linear, smooth, and bright auditory experience, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more traditional linear feel, while the Silent T1 offers a muted sound combined with a medium tactile bump, perfect for users who require quiet operating conditions. Overall, your experience will depend on your personal preferences—whether you lean towards a robust linear typing experience or prefer the subtler tactile feedback of a silenced switch.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between TTC Flaming Pink linear switches and Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switches largely depends on your specific typing needs and environment. If you prefer a light and smooth key feel with a responsive action—ideal for fast-paced gaming or quick typists—the Flaming Pink switches may be your best bet. Their satisfying auditory feedback, combined with a not overly loud sound profile, makes them versatile enough for everyday use without being intrusive. Conversely, if you're in a noise-sensitive environment or simply prefer a tactile experience without the loud clacking, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is the superior option. With their medium-heavy actuation force, these switches provide a noticeable tactile bump while keeping the sound to a muted minimum, perfect for office settings or shared spaces. Ultimately, consider how you engage with your keyboard and choose the switch that aligns best with that experience.
Mentioned in this article
