Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) are two popular options to choose from. The Ice King Tactile is revered for its smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, offering a uniquely satisfying typing experience with a blend of creamy smoothness and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is favored by those who desire a tactile switch with silenced keystrokes, ideal for noise-sensitive environments. While the Ice King Tactile boasts a symphony of touch with its silky and polished feel, the Silent T1 offers a medium bump and muted audio feedback. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and specific needs. 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
58g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
68g
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 Tactile and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp), one can see a clear difference in the top housing material used. The Ice King Tactile utilizes a nylon top housing, which absorbs more sound due to its softer nature, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Conversely, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and ability to create a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This contrast in top housing materials plays a significant role in the overall sound produced by these switches.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing material, both the Ice King Tactile and the Silent T1 (Shrimp) use nylon. This classic switch housing material offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which aids in absorbing sound during typing. The fact that both switches utilize nylon bottom housing means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel when using either switch. The nylon bottom housing's impact on the bottom-out sound and feel is consistent across both switches, providing a uniform tactile experience.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in these switches contributes to their distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. While the Ice King Tactile's nylon top housing offers a rounder and duller sound, the Silent T1 (Shrimp)'s polycarbonate top housing creates a clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent deep and full sound profile for both switches. Understanding the impact of housing materials on switch performance can help users determine which switch aligns best with their preferences in terms of sound and typing feel.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 58 grams compared to the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force of 67-68 grams, making them both medium-heavy switches. In terms of weight, the Ice King Tactile switch is slightly lighter in terms of actuation force, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch has a heavier bottom out force. The decision between the two switches would depend on personal preference, with some preferring the lighter actuation force of the Ice King Tactile for longer typing sessions, and others opting for the heavier bottom out force of the Silent T1 (Shrimp) for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of force requirements.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Ice King Tactile offers a slightly quicker response time compared to the Silent T1, making it a preferred choice for gamers who value speed. On the other hand, the Silent T1 provides a bit more depth in keypresses, which may be appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their respective travel distances, so choosing between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of key feel and response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Ice King Tactile 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 Tactile 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
When comparing the sound of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches, the Ice King Tactile offers a more subdued sound when pressed, providing a dampened and subtle sound experience. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch is described as having a muted sound, making it softer and quieter compared to regular mechanical switches. Both switches are ideal for those looking for a more discreet typing experience in noise-sensitive environments.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Ice King Tactile is known for its silky and frictionless typing experience, offering a smooth and effortless keystroke with a stepped feel that provides a mild tactile feedback. In comparison, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) also has a stepped feel, along with an accented tactile response that is not overwhelming but still noticeable. Both switches are polished for a refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel for a satisfying typing experience.
Overall, the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches offer different but equally satisfying tactile experiences. While the Ice King Tactile excels in providing a creamy smoothness with a pronounced tactile bump for a unique typing feel, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) caters to those who prefer a medium bump with a padded bottom-out feel and subdued audio feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel, but rest assured that both options will provide a premium typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switches, consider the following factors. If you are looking for a switch that offers a unique tactile experience with a pronounced bump and creamy smoothness, then the Ice King Tactile is the way to go. On the other hand, if you need a tactile switch that is also silenced for noise-sensitive environments, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is the better choice. The Ice King Tactile provides a more subdued sound and a silky, frictionless feel, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) offers a muted sound with a stepped, accented, polished feel. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize the tactile experience or the noise level in your typing environment.
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