HMX KD200 vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the HMX KD200 and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX KD200 and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) present two distinct options tailored to different preferences. The KD200 is celebrated for being the "clackiest" member of the HMX Film switch family, making it a top choice for enthusiasts who enjoy the satisfying sound and feel of a linear switch during high-speed typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 stands out for its unique combination of tactile feedback and silenced operation, catering to users in noise-sensitive environments who still crave the delightful bump sensation while typing. With its medium bump and muted audio characteristics, the Silent T1 offers plush feedback ideal for those who prefer a quieter experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference: the KD200 for those who revel in auditory feedback, and the Silent T1 for individuals seeking a more subdued typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Ly
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
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the HMX KD200 and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp), a clear distinction can be detected between their top housings. The KD200 utilizes nylon for its top housing, which is notable for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is primarily due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. In contrast, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) features a polycarbonate top housing that results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer properties of polycarbonate allow for a clearer resonance, making it an appealing choice for RGB setups due to its translucency. As such, users may have differing auditory experiences when typing on these switches, with the KD200 favoring a more rounded sound and the Silent T1 providing a brighter auditory quality.
The bottom housing materials for both the KD200 and Silent T1 are identical in construction, as they both utilize nylon. This similarity fosters a deeper and fuller sound profile that resonates with both switches. Given that the bottom housing of a switch substantially influences the bottom-out sound and feel, the nylon bottom housing of both the KD200 and Silent T1 means that users will experience a consistent and cushioned typing feel when bottoming out. The nylon's capacity to absorb sound also contributes to a tactile experience that is notably less jarring, enhancing the overall comfort of use.
In synthesizing these auditory and tactile characteristics, we can conclude that while the top housings of the two switches are distinct—resulting in different sound profiles—the bottom housings provide a unified foundation that fosters a deeper, fuller experience. Thus, even with varying top haptics and acoustics, both the KD200 and Silent T1 can produce satisfactory results in their respective contexts. Users looking for a unique sound experience might choose one over the other based on the top housing materials, but they'll equally benefit from the consistent, pleasing acoustics delivered by the nylon bottom housing each switch features.
Weight
When comparing the HMX KD200 linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, significant differences in actuation force and bottom out force emerge. The KD200 features a comparatively light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, although the actuation force for the Silent T1 is unknown, the bottom out force is noticeably heftier at 67 grams, signaling a more substantial feel when bottoming out. The Silent T1, therefore, can be categorized as a medium-heavy switch, appealing to those who enjoy a firmer typing experience. Overall, the HMX KD200 is the lighter option, which could be advantageous for users who prioritize comfort during prolonged use, while the Durock Silent T1 caters to those who prefer a stronger tactile feedback and feel.
Travel distance
The HMX KD200 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch exhibits a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference indicates that the KD200 switch offers a slightly shorter actuation distance, resulting in quicker response times, which can be particularly advantageous for gamers seeking rapid key presses. In contrast, the Silent T1’s 4 mm travel distance provides a more substantial tactile feedback that can be preferable for users who enjoy a deeper typing experience. Therefore, if you're looking for a swifter, more responsive feel, the KD200 would be the more suitable option. Conversely, if you appreciate a more pronounced tactile sensation while typing, the Silent T1 is the ideal choice. Overall, the HMX KD200 is the shorter travel switch, while the Durock Silent T1 is the longer one.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX KD200 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the KD200 for $3.29.
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 HMX KD200 switch stands out as the clackiest member of its family, producing a pronounced auditory feedback that can be quite lively compared to quieter switches. This characteristic makes it an ideal choice for enthusiasts who relish the familiar and robust soundscape of mechanical keyboards. Conversely, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) is tailored for users who prioritize a quieter experience. It generates a muted sound profile, significantly minimizing the noise associated with traditional mechanical switches. This makes it particularly suitable for noise-sensitive environments where the auditory feedback of the keyboard should not be intrusive.
When it comes to feel, the KD200's tactile properties haven’t been explicitly detailed, but its classification as a linear switch suggests a smooth keystroke with no tactile bump at the actuation point, providing an uninterrupted downstroke. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) excels in its stepped tactile response. It features a medium tactile bump that is accentuated without being overwhelming, allowing typists to experience a noticeable but comfortable feedback as they press the keys. Additionally, the polished feel of the Silent T1 ensures a refined typing experience, characterized by smooth travel and reduced friction due to its quality materials or lubing processes.
In conclusion, if you prefer a more expressive typing experience filled with auditory engagement, the HMX KD200 might be the right choice for you, while the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) is optimal for those navigating quieter work environments who still appreciate tactile feedback. Both switches offer distinct benefits depending on your sound and feel preferences, and understanding these qualities can help you make an informed decision tailored to your typing style and setting.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX KD200 linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you favor a faster, lighter experience with a bit of clack, the KD200 is an excellent option, especially for those who enjoy the auditory feedback typical of linear switches. With its 50-gram bottom-out force, it's well-suited for rapid typing and gaming, allowing you to engage deeply with both without tiring out your fingers too quickly. On the other hand, if you require a more subdued experience in a noise-sensitive setting, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) is the clear choice. Its 67-gram bottom-out force provides a medium-heavy tactile feedback that enhances keystroke awareness while significantly reducing noise, thanks to its muted sound profile. This switch's medium bump and polished feel make it perfect for extended typing sessions, keeping the sound down while still delivering tactile satisfaction. In summary, consider your typing style and the sound environment — the KD200 for a lively experience and the Silent T1 for a quieter, amicable alternative.
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