Durock Ice King Linear vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Ice King Linear and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) mechanical keyboard switches, a clear difference can be seen in their typing experiences. The Ice King Linear offers a silky smooth feel with its full nylon construction and generous factory lube, providing a frictionless and subdued typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) caters to those looking for a tactile and silenced switch, offering a medium bump, padded bottom-out feel, and subdued audio feedback. While the Ice King Linear is best for a creamy and polished typing experience, the Silent T1 is tailored for users in noise-sensitive environments seeking a tactile feel. 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
52g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Nylon
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
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Linear and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp), it is clear that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound overall. Despite having different top housings, the presence of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches suggests that they will likely produce similar typing experiences in terms of sound and feel.
On the other hand, the top housing materials of the two switches differ, with the Ice King Linear utilizing nylon and the Silent T1 (Shrimp) opting for polycarbonate. While the Ice King Linear will produce a softer and rounder sound profile due to nylon's absorbent nature, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) will offer a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile characteristic of polycarbonate. The aesthetic factor also comes into play, as the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent T1 (Shrimp) allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visual element to the typing experience that the Ice King Linear may not provide.
In summary, the choice of top housing material between nylon and polycarbonate in the Durock Ice King Linear and Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) impacts the sound profile and aesthetic appeal of each switch. While both switches share a common nylon bottom housing, the top housing material plays a significant role in the overall typing experience. Whether one prefers the deeper sound of nylon in the Ice King Linear or the crisper sound of polycarbonate in the Silent T1 (Shrimp) will depend on individual preferences for sound and aesthetics.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, it is evident that there are some differences in the weights of these switches. The Ice King Linear features an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, both of which fall into the medium range. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) has an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Ice King Linear. The lighter actuation force of the Ice King Linear may appeal to those who prefer a lighter keypress for longer typing sessions or gaming, while the heavier bottom out force of the Silent T1 may provide a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for keypress weight and feel.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Ice King Linear switch the shorter of the two. The difference may seem minimal, but for those who prefer a faster response time, the shorter travel distance of the Ice King Linear may be more preferable. In contrast, the longer travel distance of the Silent T1 may provide a more satisfying depth when typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Ice King Linear has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Linear for $4.20.
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 Ice King Linear switch offers a subdued sound when pressed, providing a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch offers a muted sound, producing a softer and quieter noise to minimize the typical mechanical keyboard noise. Both switches are designed to cater to users in noise-sensitive environments, with the Ice King Linear being slightly more subdued in its sound profile compared to the Silent T1.
When it comes to feel, the Ice King Linear switch is known for its silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished typing experience. These descriptors indicate that the switch offers an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience, with minimal resistance and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch provides a stepped, accented, and polished feel, giving users a tactile typing experience with medium bump feedback and a refined finish for smooth key travel. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience by providing different tactile sensations through their unique designs.
Considering all the available information, the Ice King Linear and Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ice King Linear excels in providing a smooth and subdued typing experience with a more subtle sound profile, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) offers a tactile typing experience with a muted sound for noise-sensitive environments. Depending on your preference for linear or tactile switches, as well as your need for a specific sound profile, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience with their respective qualities. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches, consider the following factors. If you are looking for a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a subdued sound profile, the Ice King Linear may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch that offers a medium bump and a muted sound, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) could be more suitable, especially if you are in a noise-sensitive environment. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for key feel, sound, and typing experience. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different needs, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing preferences.
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