TKC Kiwi vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the TKC Kiwi and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch that provides a satisfying tactile feedback, both the TKC Kiwi and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) are excellent options to consider. The Kiwi switch is renowned for its medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, enhancing the overall typing experience. With a snappy sound profile, the Kiwi switch delivers an immersive sensation with every keystroke. Additionally, these switches come lightly factory lubed, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is perfect for those seeking a tactile and silenced switch, making it an ideal choice for noise-sensitive environments. Offering a medium bump and a padded bottom-out feel, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) provides a subdued audio feedback for a quieter typing experience. Both switches have their unique qualities, providing a satisfying tactile feel, but let's delve deeper into their individual characteristics to help you decide which switch is best suited for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
N/A
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
UHWMPE
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold coated spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TKC Kiwi and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Kiwi features a UHWMPE top housing, which offers a bright and resonant sound signature when typing. This newer material contributes to the switch's overall sound profile, creating a unique and lively auditory experience. In contrast, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Due to its translucency, polycarbonate is especially useful for switches with RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic element to the typing experience. While both materials bring distinct qualities to the top housing, they create different sound profiles, catering to individual preferences.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Kiwi incorporates a UHWMPE material, similar to its top housing. This contributes to the switch's bright sound signature, offering resonant clacks when typing. Conversely, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) employs a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The use of nylon as a switch housing material is considered a classic choice, known for its ability to absorb more sound. The nylon bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound, appealing to those who prefer a quieter typing experience. The distinction in material highlights how the bottom housing plays a significant role in the sound when bottoming out a key.
While the housing materials differ between the TKC Kiwi and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp), they both bring unique qualities to their respective switches. The Kiwi's UHWMPE top and bottom housings contribute to a bright and resonant sound signature, suitable for individuals seeking a lively typing experience. In contrast, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) combines a polycarbonate top housing with a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound on release and a deeper and fuller sound when bottoming out. Both switches offer variations in sound profiles, allowing users to choose based on their preferences. Whether using the Kiwi or the Silent T1, users can expect distinct sound characteristics determined by the housing materials utilized in each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, it is evident that they have similar bottom out forces of 67 grams, which falls into the medium-heavy range. However, there is a notable difference in their actuation forces. The TKC Kiwi requires a force of 43 grams to trigger a keystroke, whereas the actuation force of the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is unknown.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer a lighter switch to allow for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. In this regard, the TKC Kiwi may be more suitable for those seeking a lighter switch experience. On the other hand, there are typists who prefer a stronger push feel, as it provides a more substantial typing experience. For such individuals, a switch with a heavier actuation force would be preferable, although the specific weight of the Silent T1 (Shrimp) remains unknown.
In conclusion, while both the TKC Kiwi and the Silent T1 (Shrimp) have the same bottom out force, the TKC Kiwi offers a lighter actuation force. It is important to consider these factors based on personal preferences and intended usage to determine the best tactile switch option.
Travel distance
The TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch both have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent 4 mm of travel distance. Due to their identical travel distances, the results obtained from using these switches would be similar in terms of the distance felt when pressing down on a key. Therefore, users can expect a comparable typing experience in regards to the travel distance regardless of whether they opt for the TKC Kiwi or the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The TKC Kiwi comes in at $8.00 per 10 switches.
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 TKC Kiwi tactile switch has a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. This means that it produces a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches, making it suitable for various environments, whether at home or work. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch is described as having a muted sound. This means that it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches, which is ideal for those who prefer a more subdued noise level, especially in noise-sensitive environments. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps. Overall, both switches offer pleasant sound profiles, with the Kiwi providing a snappy and immersive typing experience, while the Silent T1 offers a more muted and noise-reducing option.
In terms of feel, both the TKC Kiwi and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches share similar qualities. They are both described as having a stepped feel, which means that they have two stages in their tactile feedback. This provides a more subtle and moderate tactility, allowing users to feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel during keystrokes. Additionally, both switches are characterized as accented switches, meaning they offer a medium amount of tactility that is not overwhelming or subtle. This provides a satisfying amount of feedback without being too intense. Furthermore, both switches are polished, indicating that they have a smooth and refined finish. This results in reduced friction and smooth key travel, contributing to an overall sleek typing experience. With their similar tactile characteristics and polished feel, both the Kiwi and Silent T1 switches offer a comfortable and enjoyable typing feel.
Based on the available information, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch present different options for users seeking a satisfying typing experience. The Kiwi switch offers a low-pitched sound profile that delivers an immersive and snappy typing experience. It also provides a medium to medium-strong bump for enhanced tactility and is lightly factory lubed for smooth and effortless typing. On the other hand, the Silent T1 switch is suitable for noise-sensitive environments, offering a muted sound profile for quieter typing. It also provides a medium bump and a padded bottom-out feel for a more cushioned typing experience. Both switches share similar qualities in terms of their stepped and accented feel, as well as their polished finish, resulting in smooth and satisfying keystrokes. With these options, users can choose between a more immersive sound experience with the Kiwi or a quieter typing experience with the Silent T1.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch that enhances your typing experience with a medium to medium-strong bump, delivers a snappy sound profile, and provides a smooth and effortless typing experience, then the TKC Kiwi switch is a great choice. It has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is medium-heavy. The Kiwi switch also offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, suitable for a variety of environments. In terms of feel, the Kiwi switch is described as stepped, accented, and polished, providing a milder tactile experience with pre-travel and/or post-travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile and silenced switch, particularly for noise-sensitive environments, then the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) is the way to go. With the same bottom out force of 67 grams, this switch offers a medium bump, padded bottom-out feel, and muted audio feedback. The Silent T1 is known for producing softer and quieter sound, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Its feel is also described as stepped, accented, and polished, providing a similar mild tactile experience with pre-travel and/or post-travel.
Ultimately, the choice between the TKC Kiwi and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) comes down to your specific preferences and requirements. Both switches offer enjoyable tactile experiences, but the Kiwi is more focused on enhancing typing experience with its sound profile, while the Silent T1 prioritizes a muted and silenced typing experience. Consider factors such as desired sound, level of tactility, and noise sensitivity in order to choose the switch that best suits your needs.
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