Gateron Ink Black V2 vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
We are excited to offer two popular mechanical keyboard switches: the Gateron Ink Black V2, a linear switch, and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp), a tactile switch. The Ink Black V2 is well-known for its smooth downstroke and satisfying clack, making it a classic favorite among the keyboard community. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is perfect for those who desire both a tactile feel and a 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 both switches have their own unique characteristics, it will be essential to dive deeper beyond the generalities to determine the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) differ in terms of their characteristics and the resulting sound profiles. The Ink Black V2 features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which creates a pointed and relatively high-pitched, yet not overly sharp, sound profile. This thin and higher-pitched sound is often described as clacky. In contrast, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing is suitable for RGB lighting due to its translucency.
Moving to the bottom housing, the Ink Black V2 also employs the proprietary INK blend, resulting in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. This creates a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound when typing. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound. As a result, the bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
Although the top and bottom housings of the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) differ, their overall characteristics complement each other to provide a unique typing experience. While the Ink Black V2 offers a clacky sound profile with its INK blend top and bottom housing, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) delivers a sharper and crisper sound due to its polycarbonate top housing and deeper sound due to its nylon bottom housing. Therefore, both switches offer distinct sound profiles that can be tailored to individual preferences. Additionally, the impact of each housing material differs when pressing down and releasing a key, with the bottom housing having a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when letting go of a key. Ultimately, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel from both switches, but with subtle variations in their overall characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, it is evident that the weights differ slightly. The Gateron Ink Black V2 has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the specific actuation force of the Silent T1 (Shrimp) remains unknown, but it has a bottom out force of 67 grams, also falling in the medium-heavy category. While the Ink Black V2 is slightly heavier in terms of actuation force, both switches provide a substantial typing experience with their similar bottom out forces. The weight aspect becomes important when considering personal preferences and intended usage. Those seeking a lighter typing experience for extended typing or gaming sessions may lean towards the Ink Black V2, while individuals desiring a stronger push feel may prefer the Silent T1 (Shrimp) due to its slightly higher actuation force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results. Neither one is shorter or longer than the other as they have equal travel distances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Black V2 has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Black V2 for $7.24.
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 it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Black V2 offers a low-pitched, bassy, and slightly chirpy sound profile. The low-pitched characteristic gives it a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The bassy nature of these switches provides a deeper and richer sound during key presses. The slight chirp adds a unique acoustic signature to the switches, setting them apart from others. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) is known for its muted sound. These switches produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, making them ideal for noise-sensitive environments. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Black V2 provides a mild and polished typing experience. The mild characteristic means that these switches offer a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The sound and feel of these switches are approachable to most, as they stand in a safe, middle-ground zone. Additionally, the polished finish of the switches contributes to a smooth and refined typing experience. This results in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches have a stepped and accented feel. Stepped switches have two stages in their tactile feedback, providing a more mild tactile experience compared to hypertactile switches, where the entire keystroke is a big bump. The accented characteristic of these switches means that they offer a medium amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. Similar to the Ink Black V2, the Silent T1 switches also have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switches and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ink Black V2 provides a low-pitched, bassy, and chirpy sound profile, alongside a mild and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent T1 switches have a muted sound and a stepped and accented feel. Both switches feature a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel. While the Ink Black V2 is a linear switch and the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is a tactile switch, their respective qualities provide users with distinct options depending on their preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a classic linear switch with a smooth downstroke and rich clack, the Gateron Ink Black V2 is a great choice. With a bottom out force of 70 grams, it offers a medium-heavy typing experience. In terms of sound, it has a low-pitched, bassy, and chirpy profile, providing a deeper and richer sound during key presses. It also has a mild and polished feel, resulting in a gentle and sleek typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile and silenced switch, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) is perfect for you. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, it offers a medium-heavy typing feel. It is ideal for noise-sensitive environments as it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches. The Silent T1 offers a medium bump, padded bottom-out feel, and subdued audio feedback. It also has a stepped and accented feel, providing a mild tactility that is not overwhelming nor subtle. Similar to the Ink Black V2, it has a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) depends on your preferences. If you prioritize a linear switch with a classic feel and sound, go for the Ink Black V2. However, if you prefer a tactile and silenced switch, the Silent T1 is the way to go. Consider the sound, feel, and typing experience that aligns with your preferences and the environment you'll be using the keyboard in. Happy typing!
Mentioned in this article
