TTC Gold Red vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the TTC Gold Red, a linear switch, and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp), a tactile switch. The Gold Red is renowned for its buttery smooth typing experience, offering a light-medium level of resistance. With a snappy sound profile, these switches add a modest touch of personality without being too ostentatious. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is the perfect choice for those seeking a tactile and silenced switch, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. This switch provides a medium bump, a padded bottom-out feel, and subdued audio feedback. While these general pointers give you a brief understanding of each switch, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch to suit your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Red and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) share remarkably similar housing materials. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which produces a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar sound and lighting effects from both switches, thanks to their polycarbonate top housing.
Another shared feature between the Gold Red and the Silent T1 is the nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its softer nature allows for the absorption of more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This characteristic can be experienced when typing on either switch, as the nylon bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Consequently, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound depth and feel from both the Gold Red and the Silent T1, thanks to their nylon bottom housing.
However, despite these similarities, it is important to note that the top and bottom housings of a switch can have distinct effects. While the bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing has a more notable impact on the sound when releasing a key. Thus, although the materials used in the top and bottom housings of the Gold Red and the Silent T1 may be the same, the specific qualities each housing brings to the switches may vary slightly. However, overall, users can expect comparable results in terms of sound characteristics from both switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, we can see some notable differences. The Gold Red has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) does not provide specific information on its actuation force but has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is medium-heavy.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gold Red switch would be a suitable choice. Its lower actuation force allows for a smoother and more effortless keystroke, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or intense gaming sessions.
However, if a more substantial and pronounced typing feel is desired, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch could be a better option. With its higher bottom out force of 67 grams, users will experience a more tactile feedback and resistance when hitting the keys. This can provide a satisfying and responsive typing experience.
It is worth noting that without the specific information about the actuation force of the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch, it is difficult to make a direct comparison in terms of actuation force between the two switches. However, based on the given information, it can be inferred that the Gold Red switch is lighter in both actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch.
Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and typing style. Some may prefer the lightness of the Gold Red for its ease of use and fluidity, while others may opt for the heavier bottom out force of the Silent T1 (Shrimp) for a more pronounced and tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Gold 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 with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Thus, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results and tactile feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red for $3.28.
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 Gold Red linear switch offers a thocky sound profile, which produces a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. The sound is low-pitched, creating a bass-heavy and mellow tone. Additionally, the Gold Red switch has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes and environments. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch is described as muted, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches. It aims to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. However, it's important to note that the sound produced by switches can also be influenced by the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Red linear switch offers a mild and silky typing experience. These switches have a gentle resistance, providing a safe and approachable feel for most users. The Gold Red switch is also described as subtle, meaning it maintains a light typing feel and doesn't produce a resonant sound, making it suitable for shared spaces. Additionally, the Gold Red switch has a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience due to reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch has a stepped feel, which means it offers two stages of tactility. Unlike hypertactile switches, which have a larger bump throughout the keystroke, stepped switches have some pre-travel and/or post-travel, resulting in a milder tactile experience. The Silent T1 switch is also described as accented, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or too subtle. Similar to the Gold Red switch, the Silent T1 switch also has a polished finish, ensuring a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Red provides a snappy sound profile with a deep and low-pitched thocky sound. It offers a mild, silky, and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent T1 is a muted switch that minimizes noise, providing a softer and quieter sound. It has a stepped feel with a prominent but not overwhelming tactility, and it also features a polished finish. Despite their differences, both switches offer specific qualities that cater to different preferences and environments.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance, the TTC Gold Red linear switch is a great choice for you. These switches offer a thocky and low-pitched sound profile that adds a touch of personality without being too ostentatious. The Gold Red switches also have a mild and silky feel, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. On the other hand, if you want a tactile switch that is perfect for noise-sensitive environments, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) is the way to go. With a medium bump and padded bottom-out feel, these switches offer a subdued audio feedback and a muted sound profile that minimizes noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. The Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches also have a stepped or accented feel, providing a medium amount of tactility that is not overwhelming. Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch will depend on your preference for typing experience, sound profile, and noise level in your environment.
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