Neo Lavender HE vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the Neo Lavender HE and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the differences between the Neo Lavender HE and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) can significantly influence your typing experience. The Neo Lavender HE, a hall effect switch, is celebrated for its clean, low sound profile and compatibility with Wooting keyboards, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a switch that minimizes auditory distraction. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) offers a tactile experience with a medium bump, providing tactile feedback without the noise—ideal for those in noise-sensitive environments. This switch features a padded bottom-out feel and subdued audio feedback, ensuring a comfortable typing experience that doesn’t disturb others nearby. While both switches cater to different preferences—smooth and quiet action versus tactile feedback with minimal sound—each has its own unique appeal. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
16mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Neo Lavender HE and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp), a clear distinction arises between their top housing materials, which significantly influences their sound profiles. The Neo Lavender HE features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound. This is primarily attributed to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound, thereby delivering a sound that is duller and rounder. In contrast, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) employs a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is a harder plastic, contributing to a sharper and crisper sound profile when typing. This inherent stiffness results in a more resonant sound, making polycarbonate an ideal choice, particularly if the switch is designed to accommodate RGB lighting due to its translucent qualities.
Interestingly, both switches use nylon for their bottom housings, creating an overlap in their tactile sound characteristics. The nylon bottom housing effectively absorbs sound, leading to a consistent, deeper, and fuller sound profile regardless of the top housing material. This means that while the Lavender HE produces its characteristic sound primarily due to the nylon top, the Silent T1 benefits from the soothing qualities of nylon in its bottom housing as well. In both cases, the tactile experience provided by the bottom housing has a significant impact on how the sound is perceived during bottoming out, thereby contributing to a similar sound experience despite the differences in their top housing.
Overall, the combined effects of the differing top housing materials lead to unique auditory experiences with each switch. The Neo Lavender HE, with its nylon top, delivers a sound that is warm and enveloping, while the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) utilizes polycarbonate for a brighter and more crisp response. However, with both featuring nylon in the bottom housing, they share a commonality that emphasizes a subdued bottom-out sound. As a result, users might find similarities in the overall tactile experience when typing, while the sound signature upon keystroke release will markedly differ based on the material of the top housing.
Weight
The Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch present notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Neo Lavender HE has a relatively light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who appreciate a more effortless typing experience, especially beneficial during long sessions at work or gaming. In contrast, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) features a bottom out force of 67 grams, which falls into the medium-heavy category, but its actuation force is not specified. This means while we can definitively say the Silent T1 requires more force to bottom out than the Lavender HE, its actuation force remains unknown. Overall, those who prefer a lighter switch will likely gravitate toward the Neo Lavender HE, while users desiring a more substantial feel may find the Silent T1 more appealing due to its heavier bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, we find distinct differences that cater to varying user preferences. The Neo Lavender HE has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Durock Silent T1, which boasts a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that those who prioritize responsiveness and quicker actuation may lean towards the Lavender HE for its shorter travel, ideal for fast-paced gaming scenarios. Conversely, the Silent T1 offers a more traditional and hearty feel, appealing to users who prefer a deeper, more substantial keypress experience. In summary, the Lavender HE's 3.8 mm travel distance provides a snappier response, while the Silent T1's 4 mm travel distance delivers a satisfying depth, allowing users to choose based on their tactile preferences.
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 Neo Lavender HE comes in at $4.50 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
In terms of sound, the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch delivers a clean and low noise profile, which can be appealing for users looking for a more understated acoustic experience. This design distinguishes it from many other mechanical switches, particularly those with a more pronounced sound. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) is engineered to provide a muted auditory experience, minimizing the typical sounds associated with mechanical keyboards. It excels in noise-sensitive environments, appealing to users who prefer a quieter typing experience. While both switches contribute to a more subdued sound profile, the Lavender HE may be perceived as clearer and more refined compared to the Silent T1’s very soft and restrained output.
When looking at the feel of both switches, the Neo Lavender HE is often associated with a unique tactile experience that is generally smooth, with a gentle response upon actuation. In contrast, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) presents a stepped tactile sensation that feels distinct in its two-stage actuation. This means that while the Silent T1 provides a medium bump that is felt distinctly during typing, it remains a gentle experience, avoiding harsh bumps found in hypertactile switches. The Silent T1's polished design enhances the smoothness along with its accentuated tactile feedback, making it feel refined and less fatiguing during extended typing sessions. Thus, while the Lavender HE offers a more straightforward tactile experience, the T1 caters to those who appreciate a nuanced tactile journey.
Overall, both the Neo Lavender HE and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Lavender HE stands out for users who prefer a clean auditory feedback with a smooth, understated tactile response, while the Silent T1 appeals to those who appreciate a quieter but distinctly stepped tactile experience. Each switch offers unique qualities that can elevate the typing experience, ensuring that both options will provide satisfying outcomes depending on the user's specific requirements and typing preferences.
Conclusion
Ultimately, your choice between the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch will largely depend on your individual preferences and typing environment. If you value a lighter keystroke with a smooth feel and a clean, low sound profile, the Lavender HE could be your ideal pick. Its unique compatibility with Wooting keyboards further adds flexibility for gaming scenarios where rapid key presses are essential. On the other hand, if you find yourself in a noise-sensitive setting and prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) would be more suitable. Its medium-heavy actuation force combined with a muted sound allows for a satisfying typing experience without disturbing those around you. Additionally, the stepped and polished characteristics of the Silent T1 provide a refined typing feel that's both comfortable and engaging. Thus, whether you prioritize sound dampening and tactile feedback or a lighter and smoother action, both switches offer distinct advantages to cater to your mechanical keyboard needs.
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