HMX Hibiscus vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the HMX Hibiscus and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference and typing style, and two noteworthy contenders are the HMX Hibiscus and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp). The HMX Hibiscus is celebrated for its ultra-smooth linear action and a remarkably light actuation force, appealing to typists who prioritize speed and a crisp, lively sound signature. This switch is ideal for gamers and fast typists who enjoy an unobtrusive yet responsive keystroke. In contrast, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) offers a tactile experience with a medium bump, designed for those who appreciate a tactile response without the accompanying noise. It's perfect for quieter environments, maintaining an effective typing feel while minimizing sound. While both switches cater to distinct typing preferences—smoothness versus tactility, noise versus silence—they ultimately serve unique purposes in the typing experience. 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
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T3
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The HMX Hibiscus and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) embody contrasting philosophies in their choice of housing materials, specifically in their top housings. The Hibiscus features a nylon top housing, which is renowned for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. Due to its softer plastic composition, it absorbs sound more effectively compared to harder materials. This characteristic results in a rounded auditory experience that many typists appreciate for its warmth and muted quality. In juxtaposition, the Durock Silent T1 utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, more resonant sound. As a stiffer plastic, polycarbonate enhances the sound clarity, resulting in a high-pitched and crisp response. Aesthetically, the clear nature of polycarbonate also contributes significantly to RGB lighting effects, rendering vibrant visuals that the Hibiscus may lack due to its opaque nylon exterior.
In terms of their bottom housings, both the HMX Hibiscus and Durock Silent T1 utilize nylon as the material. This choice of nylon for the bottom housing offers similar benefits in sound absorption, creating a deeper and fuller auditory experience. The consistency in material here means that, while the top housings diverge in terms of sound profile, the bottom housings create a harmonious experience with rich sound characteristics. Consequently, when engaging with either switch, users are likely to feel a consistent depth of sound when bottoming out the keypress. Thus, the contrasting materials at the top will influence the sound signature in different ways, but the nylon on the bottom ensures that the experience remains rich and warm.
Overall, the use of contrasting materials in the top housings of the Hibiscus and Silent T1 creates a distinctive typing experience. While the Hibiscus's nylon top provides a dampened and fuller sound, the Silent T1’s polycarbonate top introduces a clearer, sharper audio profile. However, both switches share a common quality through their nylon bottom housing. This convergence allows users to enjoy a lush and profound sound when bottoming out despite differences in what they hear during the release of a key. The interplay of these materials ultimately leads to a diverse range of auditory experiences, catering to varied preferences among typists.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, a notable difference emerges in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Hibiscus switch features a light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it an excellent choice for users seeking a more comfortable typing experience, particularly during long hours at work or gaming. In contrast, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) has an unspecified actuation force but boasts a notably heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category. This heavier force may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial push feel while typing, providing a tactile feedback that some users find appealing. Consequently, if you are looking for a lighter switch, the Hibiscus is the clear choice, while the Silent T1 aligns better with preferences for a firmer keystroke response. Overall, these differences highlight the variety in user preferences when it comes to switch dynamics, allowing for a more tailored typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, the Hibiscus measures 3.5 mm, while the Silent T1 has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Hibiscus offers a more responsive feel, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker actuation, whereas the Silent T1 provides a deeper experience that some users might prefer for its tactile feedback and overall comfort. Those who favor shorter travel distances may find the Hibiscus to be more suitable, while those who enjoy a more pronounced keypress will likely appreciate the Silent T1. Thus, the Hibiscus is the shorter option, and the Silent T1 is the longer one, emphasizing different preferences in keyboard feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Hibiscus has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hibiscus for $2.99.
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 HMX Hibiscus linear switch produces a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature that stands out in the mechanical keyboard scene. This lively audio character is ideal for users who enjoy an audible response with each keystroke, enhancing the tactile engagement while typing. In contrast, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) offers a muted audio profile, designed specifically for noise-sensitive environments. The subdued sound is achieved by the switch's construction, which minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards, making it perfect for quiet settings or shared spaces. While the Hibiscus offers a crisp audio experience, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) embraces silence, catering to a different preference entirely.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Hibiscus has been recognized for its unparalleled smoothness, providing an ultra-light actuation force that offers a nearly effortless typing experience. This smoothness is highly sought after by typists who favor a fluid keystroke, allowing for rapid, unencumbered typing. In contrast, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) features a stepped tactile feel, providing a medium bump that balances feedback without overwhelming the user. The Accented tactile response ensures that typists can experience a defined tactile bump without excessive resistance, contributing to an overall polished typing experience. While the Hibiscus aims for maximum smoothness, the Silent T1 offers a refined yet tactile experience with a focus on muted feedback.
In summary, while both the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch appeal to different preferences, they deliver distinct characteristics in sound and feel. The Hibiscus is all about a lively, clacky audio experience paired with a smooth tactile sensation, whereas the Silent T1 prioritizes a muted sound profile and a mild tactile bump for those sensitive to noise. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value an expressive acoustic experience or a quieter, more hushed typing environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you prioritize a smooth and lightweight typing experience, with a vibrant sound signature that adds a touch of character to your keystrokes, the Hibiscus switch will likely be your best bet. Its low actuation force makes it particularly enjoyable for extended typing sessions, allowing for faster keystrokes without putting excess strain on your fingers. Conversely, if you find yourself in a noise-sensitive environment or require a switch that blends tactile feedback with a quieter operation, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) will serve you well. With its medium-heavy actuation force and muted sound profile, it provides a balanced feel that offers satisfying tactile feedback without being disruptive. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your desired typing experience and the environments in which you plan to use your keyboard.
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