Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp), two popular mechanical keyboard switches with distinct characteristics. The G Pro 3.0 Red, a linear switch, is renowned for its smooth typing experience and budget-friendly price. With a medium-light actuation force, it strikes the perfect balance between responsiveness and ease of use. The G Pro Red also boasts a frosted light diffuser, allowing for brighter and more vibrant RGB lighting effects, while its medium-high pitch adds to the overall satisfaction of typing. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp), a tactile switch, is perfect for those seeking a switch with both tactile feedback and silenced operation, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. This switch offers a medium bump, providing a satisfying tactile feel, along with a padded bottom-out experience and subdued audio feedback. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you determine the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
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
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
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) have several similarities when it comes to their housing materials. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate, being a relatively stiffer plastic, results in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to be showcased effectively, thanks to its translucency. Therefore, if you prioritize a switch with a clear housing and want to enjoy vibrant RGB lighting effects, both switches will provide similar results.
Moving on to the bottom housing material, both the G Pro 3.0 Red and the Silent T1 (Shrimp) utilize nylon. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that offers a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Its relatively softer composition allows for sound absorption, leading to a duller and rounder sound. With both switches featuring nylon bottom housings, the typing experience will evoke a similar deep and satisfying sound, contributing to an enjoyable typing experience.
While both switches exhibit similar characteristics with their top and bottom housing materials, it's important to note that the qualities each housing material brings to the switch are split between the top and bottom. When pressing down on either switch, the bottom housing will have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will contribute more to the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, slight differences in sound and tactile feedback may arise between the G Pro 3.0 Red and the Silent T1 (Shrimp) due to the variations in their top and bottom housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, there are noticeable differences in their weight. The G Pro 3.0 Red has a relatively light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) has an unknown actuation force but boasts a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, giving it a medium-heavy weight.
For those who prefer a lighter switch, the G Pro 3.0 Red would be a suitable choice. This lighter actuation force allows for longer typing sessions, making it ideal for work or extended gaming periods. However, for individuals who desire a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) with its heavier bottom out force might be preferred.
It is worth noting that although the actuation force for the Silent T1 (Shrimp) remains unknown, it can be inferred that it will likely be higher than the G Pro 3.0 Red due to its heavier bottom out force. Additionally, it should be mentioned that if the actuation forces of both switches were the same, users would achieve similar results regarding the force required to trigger a keystroke. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red 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, both switches will provide a similar tactile experience, as you will feel the switch travel a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Red for $2.77.
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, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that it falls in the middle ground, suitable for most purposes whether you are a beginner or advanced user and regardless of whether you are using it at home or work. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch is described as producing a muted sound. This switch is designed to minimize noise, making it ideal for those who are in noise-sensitive environments or prefer a quieter typing experience. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch offers a creamy, mild, polished, and silky typing experience. These qualities come from either having lubricant applied at the factory or specific materials used, resulting in a smooth and buttery feel. Typing on these switches feels effortless, as your fingers glide across the keys with ease, melting into each keystroke. The Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch, on the other hand, is described as stepped, accented, and polished. Stepped switches provide a mild tactile experience with some pre-travel and/or post-travel, offering a less pronounced bump compared to hypertactile switches. Accented switches provide a medium amount of tactility that is not overwhelming but still prominent. Like the G Pro 3.0 Red, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) also has a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Based on the available information, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches offer different subjective qualities. The G Pro 3.0 Red has a neutral sound profile and provides a creamy, mild, polished, and silky typing experience. It is budget-friendly and features a medium-light actuation force, striking a balance between responsiveness and ease of use. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch produces a muted sound and offers a stepped, accented, and polished feel. This switch is ideal for those who want a tactile switch with quieter operation. Both switches have their own unique qualities, so the choice ultimately depends on personal preference and specific needs. However, if a similar typing feel and sound profile are desired, it is possible to achieve similar results by selecting switches with overlapping qualities such as a mild or polished feel and a medium sound profile.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly linear switch that offers a smooth typing experience with a balance between responsiveness and ease of use, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red would be a great choice for you. With a bottom out force of 50 grams, this switch is light and can elevate your typing performance without breaking the bank. It also features a frosted light diffuser for brighter and more vibrant RGB lighting effects and provides a satisfying auditory experience with its medium-high pitch. On the other hand, if you value both tactile feedback and a silenced switch, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) would be the ideal option for you. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, this switch offers a medium bump, padded bottom-out feel, and subdued audio feedback. It is perfect for noise-sensitive environments. Ultimately, your choice between these switches would depend on your preference for linear or tactile switches, as well as your need for a silent typing experience.
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