Keygeek Keylin vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keylin 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 between the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch encapsulates different typing experiences tailored to unique user preferences. The Keylin is celebrated for its premium typing experience, boasting rich acoustics and exceptional smoothness attributed to its innovative molds, making it a favored option for those who appreciate uninterrupted keystrokes and fluid typing. In contrast, the Silent T1 is ideal for users who seek a tactile feedback experience without the accompanying noise, featuring a medium bump and subdued audio for a soft touch that excels in noise-sensitive environments. These distinct characteristics make the Keylin a top choice for enthusiasts who prioritize smoothness and acoustics, while the Silent T1 serves as an excellent option for those who need a balance of tactility and silence. 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
38g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
UPE
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
21mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Keygeek Keylin and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp), one immediately notices the fundamental difference in the top housing materials used. The Keylin features a nylon top housing, characterized by its softer plastic composition, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This material absorbs sound effectively, creating a round and duller auditory experience. In contrast, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is notably stiffer. This choice of material results in a sharper and crisper sound profile, enhancing the clarity and resonance, especially beneficial for users seeking to maximize RGB lighting effects due to polycarbonate’s translucency. Thus, while the Keylin offers a more subdued auditory experience, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) provides an energetic and bright sound.
Both switches share nylon as a common material for the bottom housing, leading to more similarities than differences when it comes to their bottom-out characteristics. The nylon bottom housing in either switch results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, just as it does in the Keylin's top housing. The inherent softness of nylon contributes to an absorbed sound, resulting in a muted auditory experience that is appreciated by users who favor a quieter keystroke. Consequently, while the two switches might differ in their upper sound profile due to the materials used at the top, the experience of pressing the switches results in a similar deeper sound due to the nylon bottoms in both cases.
Ultimately, the combined effects of the different materials in the top housings create a nuanced typing experience for each switch. Users of the Keylin will enjoy a consistent deep and rounded sound throughout the full stroke, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) will deliver a more pronounced auditory kick upon release, highlighting its crisp top housing. The nylon bottoms ensure that, regardless of the differences in top materials, both switches will maintain a cohesive emotional resonance in terms of sound overall when bottoming out. In practice, users may find that while the sound characteristics during release differ, the tactile experience from the bottom housing remains reliably subdued and satisfying across both switches.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Keylin features a light actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, perfect for extended use during work or long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Silent T1 has an unspecified actuation force, but its bottom out force is significantly heavier at 67 grams, indicating a more substantial feel when reaching the bottom of the switch. Consequently, while the Keylin switch is lighter overall, providing a gentler typing experience, the Silent T1 is heavier, appealing to users who favor a stronger push feel. For those who prioritize lighter switches for extended use, the Keylin would be the recommended choice, while those who enjoy a more tactile experience may find the Silent T1 more suitable despite its heavier resistance.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Keylin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference means that the Keylin switch allows for a shorter key press, which can lead to quicker response times, making it a suitable choice for gamers who prioritize rapid input. Conversely, the Silent T1's 4 mm travel distance offers a more substantial feel with its greater depth, appealing to users who prefer a more intentional and tactile typing experience. Thus, if one is looking for responsiveness, the Keylin switch would be the better option, whereas the Silent T1 would cater to those who appreciate a deeper keystroke. Overall, the Keylin is the shorter of the two, while the Silent T1 consistently presents a longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin 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 Keygeek Keylin linear switch produces rich acoustics that contribute to a premium typing experience. However, specific auditory characteristics aren't detailed, leaving the exact sound profile open to interpretation. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch is designed for noise-sensitive environments, offering a muted auditory feedback that minimizes the typical sounds associated with mechanical keyboards. This makes the Silent T1 an excellent choice if you prefer a quiet typing experience without sacrificing feedback.
When examining the feel of these switches, the Keylin linear switch is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness. Although exact descriptors are not specified, it can be inferred that the Keylin likely has a fluid keystroke most linear switches offer. Conversely, the Silent T1 features a stepped tactile profile that provides a noticeable medium bump during actuation. This switch offers a balanced tactile experience, distinguished from hypertactile designs, while also being accented to make the feedback prominent without being overwhelming. The polished nature of the Silent T1 ensures a smooth travel, minimizing any scratchiness that users might encounter.
In conclusion, both the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch cater to different typing preferences. The Keylin focuses on a smoother, richer acoustic experience, making it suitable for those who relish a more auditory response while typing. In contrast, the Silent T1 offers a quiet tactile feel, making it ideal for users in noise-sensitive settings. Depending on your priorities—whether it's the auditory richness of the Keylin or the quiet yet tactile experience of the Silent T1—either switch can bring a unique flavor to your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you favor a light and smooth typing experience with rich acoustics, the Keylin is a fantastic option, particularly suited for rapid typing and gaming where you may benefit from the quick actuation without the added weight. However, if you're in a noise-sensitive environment or simply prefer a more subdued auditory experience, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) would be your go-to switch. Its medium-heavy weight gives a satisfying tactile feedback without being too loud, paired with a muted sound profile that makes it ideal for office settings or shared spaces. In essence, select the Keylin for its premium feel and lighter touch when speed is of the essence, and opt for the Silent T1 when you want a blend of tactility and quietness, creating a comfortable typing atmosphere that won't disturb those around you.
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