Kailh BCP vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the Kailh BCP and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference and the specific typing experience one seeks. The Kailh BCP, a linear switch, reimagines the beloved Black Cherry Pie design with custom-molded technology, eliminating the hassle of disassembly. This switch offers a uniquely creamy, viscous, elastic, and bouncy feel, enhanced by its signature poppy and clacky sound profile that many enthusiasts cherish for its engaging feedback. In contrast, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) caters to users looking for a tactile experience, striking a balance between feel and noise levels. With its medium bump and padded bottom-out sensation, this switch provides a subdued audio feedback, making it the ideal choice for noise-sensitive environments. With such distinct characteristics, each switch appeals to different typing styles and preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.40 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
POM
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-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh BCP and Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp), several contrasts become apparent, particularly in their top housing components. The BCP features a nylon top housing, which is renowned for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to nylon's softer composition, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a rounder auditory experience. Conversely, the Silent T1 utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which introduces a sharper and crisper sound profile due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. This material not only enhances sound clarity but also offers aesthetic advantages, especially where RGB lighting is concerned, as clear polycarbonate allows for greater light transmission.
Regarding the bottom housings, both the BCP and Nurock Silent T1 utilize nylon, presenting a point of similarity between the two switches. The consistent use of nylon in bottom housings ensures that both switches contribute a deeper and fuller sound profile during key presses. Nylon’s sound absorption properties play a crucial role here, making the bottom-out sound more muted and rounded. As a result, regardless of the contrasting top housing materials, users will experience a consistent auditory identity tied to the nylon bottom housing in both switches.
Thus, the combined effects of the housing materials in each switch create distinct but complementary auditory experiences. The BCP’s nylon top contributes to a rounded, subdued sound, while the Silent T1’s polycarbonate top delivers a sharper, clearer sound. However, both switches share the soft, absorbing qualities of nylon in their bottom housings, ensuring that the rounded sound profile remains intact during key presses. Ultimately, players seeking a nuanced typing experience can rely on the BCP for richness and depth while enjoying the Silent T1 for its clarity, making either option appealing depending on personal preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, notable differences can be observed in their actuation and bottom out forces. The BCP has a measurable actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, while the Silent T1 has a bottom out force of 67 grams, its actuation force remains unspecified, making it challenging to directly compare the two on that front. However, we do know that the higher bottom out force of the Silent T1 suggests it may provide a slightly more substantial feel when fully pressed down. This means that in terms of overall force, the Silent T1 is heavier at the bottom out stage, adding to a more pronounced tactile feedback experience, while the BCP has a lighter actuation force, which could allow for easier typing or gaming sessions for those who prefer less resistance. Therefore, users looking for a lighter touch with sufficient feedback may gravitate toward the Kailh BCP, while the Durock Silent T1 may appeal to those who enjoy a heavier and more robust keypress experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, notable differences emerge. The BCP switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it a shorter option that caters to gamers who favor quicker response times. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) offers a longer travel distance of 4 mm, providing a more hearty and traditional feel that some users may prefer for its satisfying depth. Consequently, if you opt for the Kailh BCP, you'll experience a more responsive keypress, while the Durock Silent T1 will deliver a more substantial typing experience. Thus, the BCP switch is the shorter option, whereas the Silent T1 is the longer one.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh BCP has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the BCP for $4.75.
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 Kailh BCP switch features a signature poppy and clacky sound profile, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more traditional and assertive auditory feedback when typing. This lively sound can create an engaging typing experience but might not be suitable for noise-sensitive settings. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) offers a much quieter operation, with its muted sound design purposefully minimizing the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboard switches. This makes the Silent T1 a more appropriate choice for users in environments where discretion is necessary, ensuring that typing remains subtle and unobtrusive.
In terms of feel, the Kailh BCP delivers a creamy, viscous, elastic, and bouncy sensation that enhances the tactile experience, making each keystroke feel lively and responsive. This switch is designed to eliminate the disassembly hassles typical of some other switches, allowing for quick installation while maintaining a dynamic feel. Conversely, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) is characterized by a stepped tactile response, which means it provides a discernible bump without overwhelming the user. This switch also incorporates a polished finish that contributes to a smooth and refined travel experience, along with a padded bottom-out feel that softens the impact of each key press. Thus, the Silent T1 preserves a tactile quality, albeit in a more subdued manner compared to the vibrant feedback of the BCP.
In summary, the Kailh BCP and Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches cater to different preferences in both sound and feel. The BCP appeals to those who seek a lively and auditory typing experience, while the Silent T1 is tailored for users who prioritize a quieter environment without sacrificing tactile feedback. The BCP's bouncy and elastic feel contrasts with the subtle, polished nature of the Silent T1, which provides a medium tactile response while maintaining a muted audio profile. Ultimately, your choice between these switches would hinge on whether you value more expressive sound and feel (BCP) or a quieter, yet tactile, experience (Silent T1).
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy a lively typing experience characterized by a creamy, bouncy feel and a distinctive poppy sound, the BCP’s medium-heavy actuation force of 63.5 grams may be the ideal option for you. This switch is particularly suitable for those who thrive on feedback and appreciate the engaging auditory profile that accompanies each keystroke. On the other hand, if a quieter and more subdued typing atmosphere is essential—perhaps because you work in a shared space or simply prefer a calmer audio environment—the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) is your best bet. With a slightly heavier actuation force of 67 grams, this switch delivers a pleasant tactile bump with muted sound, ensuring an optimal blend of responsiveness and silence. In summary, choose the Kailh BCP for a vibrant and expressive typing experience, while the Durock Silent T1 is perfect if you prioritize a quiet, tactile feel without sacrificing performance.
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