TTC Gold Red Pro vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
In the realm of mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch stand out for their unique characteristics. The Gold Red Pro is celebrated for its versatility, offering a seamless typing experience with a neutral sound signature that is suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the Silent T1 is favored by those looking for a tactile switch with silenced operation, making it perfect for noise-sensitive settings. While the Gold Red Pro excels in adaptability and ease of press, the Silent T1 shines with its tactile bump and subdued audio feedback. 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
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.80 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
NPI
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18.5mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) share some similarities, with both switches utilizing polycarbonate for their top housings. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches, as polycarbonate's relatively stiffer nature lends itself to a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed to incorporate RGB lighting, adding to the aesthetic appeal of both the Gold Red Pro and Silent T1 (Shrimp).
Where the two switches differ is in their choice of bottom housing material. The Gold Red Pro features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the nylon bottom housing of the Silent T1 (Shrimp). Nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use this material. This distinction in bottom housing material can impact the overall sound and feel of each switch, with the bottom housing playing a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, while both the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) share the use of polycarbonate for their top housings, their choice of bottom housing material sets them apart in terms of sound profile. The Gold Red Pro's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, contrasting with the Silent T1 (Shrimp)'s nylon bottom housing that produces a duller and rounder sound. Understanding the impact of different housing materials on switch sound profiles can help users make informed decisions when selecting switches for their keyboards based on their desired sound and feel preferences.
Weight
The actuation force of the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch is 43 grams, while the actuation force of the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch is unknown. The bottom out force of the Gold Red Pro is not specified, while the bottom out force of the Silent T1 is 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In terms of weight, the Gold Red Pro is lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Silent T1, which has a heavier bottom out force. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Gold Red Pro for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may prefer the heavier bottom out force of the Silent T1 for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces in a mechanical keyboard.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, it is evident that the Gold Red Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm compared to the Silent T1's 4 mm. The difference of 0.2 mm may not seem significant, but it can impact the overall typing or gaming experience. The Gold Red Pro would provide a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it favorable for those seeking a more responsive feel. On the other hand, the Silent T1's longer travel distance may offer a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feel. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, but the slight variation can cater to different preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness or a more tactile typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red Pro for $2.90.
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 TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch provides a thocky and low-pitched sound, offering a deep and satisfying auditory experience that is not too loud or too quiet. This switch is well-suited for a variety of environments due to its neutral sound profile. In terms of feel, the Gold Red Pro is known for its polished, silky, mild, and subtle characteristics, giving users a smooth and refined typing experience with a gentle resistance and a light typing feel. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch offers a muted sound, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. The feel of this switch is described as stepped, accented, and polished, providing a medium bump and a padded bottom-out feel for a more subdued typing experience.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Red Pro excels in versatility, providing a balanced sound signature and a smooth typing experience suitable for various settings. On the other hand, the Silent T1 caters to those looking for a tactile switch with silenced operation, offering a unique typing feel with a focus on minimizing sound output. Depending on your preferences for sound and tactile feedback, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, albeit with different characteristics. Whether you prioritize versatility or a silenced tactile experience, these switches offer reliable performance for your typing needs.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, consider your personal preferences and needs. If you prioritize a smooth and versatile typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Gold Red Pro may be the choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium bump, padded bottom-out feel, and muted sound for noise-sensitive environments, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is worth considering. Ultimately, the Gold Red Pro excels in adaptability and ease of use, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) offers a tactile typing experience with reduced noise output. Make your decision based on what features are most important to you in your mechanical keyboard switch.
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