Gateron Luciola vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Luciola and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Luciola and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp). The Gateron Luciola stands out with its unique glowing feature, making it an eye-catching choice. This switch offers a medium heft, providing a smooth and bouncy typing experience. Along with its distinct sound profile reminiscent of a "can of spray paint being shaken," the Luciola falls under categories such as 'Snappy,' 'Clacky,' and 'Chirpy.' On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) is ideal for individuals seeking a combination of tactility and noise reduction. Designed for noise-sensitive environments, this switch offers a medium bump and a padded bottom-out feel, along with subdued audio feedback. Categorized as 'Stepped,' 'Accented,' and 'Muted,' the Silent T1 ensures a polished typing experience. As intriguing as these general characteristics may sound, let's delve deeper into each switch's specific features and qualities to help you choose the best one for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
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
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Gateron Luciola and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) differ in their housing materials, resulting in contrasting sound profiles and typing experiences. The Luciola features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched yet not overly sharp sound. This thin and clacky sound is unique to the Luciola and is favored by some users. In contrast, the Silent T1 utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This material choice also allows for the use of RGB lighting, making it aesthetically appealing. While both housings produce higher-pitched sounds, the Luciola's INK blend offers a slightly softer and less sharp profile compared to the Silent T1's polycarbonate.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the INK blend of the Luciola's bottom housing complements its top housing, creating a consistent and clacky sound profile. The nylon bottom housing of the Silent T1, on the other hand, creates a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and produces a duller and rounder tone. This results in a more satisfying typing experience for users, as the sound of the keys provides a deeper and more tactile feedback compared to the Luciola.
Although the top and bottom housing materials differ between the two switches, one can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel when pressing down on the keys. Both switches have their unique traits, but ultimately, the choice between the Luciola and the Silent T1 will depend on personal preferences. Those seeking a crisper and sharper sound might lean towards the Silent T1, while individuals looking for a clacky and softer experience may prefer the Luciola. Regardless of the choice, both switches offer distinct sound profiles that enhance the typing experience for enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Gateron Luciola linear switch has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, both of which fall into the medium range. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch lacks information about its actuation force. However, it has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which classifies it as medium-heavy. In terms of weight, some individuals may prefer a lighter actuation force for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming sessions. The Gateron Luciola would be a suitable choice for those individuals. However, for those who desire a more robust typing experience, with a stronger push feel, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch would be a better option due to its heavier bottom out force. Overall, while the Luciola has a medium actuation force and bottom out force, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) leans towards being medium-heavy for its bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch have contrasting travel distances. The Luciola has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent T1 has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Luciola falls on the shallower end of the spectrum, providing a quicker and more responsive feel. This makes it a popular choice among gamers who prioritize faster response times. On the other hand, the Silent T1 offers a slightly deeper travel distance, which can provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes. Both options have their advantages, so the choice ultimately depends on individual preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Luciola has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Luciola for $6.50.
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 Gateron Luciola linear switch is widely known for its distinctive "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile. This sound can be described as hollow and percussive, providing a unique auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch is described as muted, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. This makes it an ideal choice for environments where noise sensitivity is a concern. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is highly regarded for its smooth and bouncy typing experience. It offers a medium heft, which contributes to a satisfying feel while typing. The switch can be described as both snappy and buttery, meaning it provides a super responsive and fluid keystroke experience. Additionally, the switch is often referred to as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch offers a medium bump and padded bottom-out feel. It is often described as stepped, meaning it provides a two-stage tactile experience. This switch allows users to feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel, enhancing the typing sensation. It is also accented, meaning it provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overpowering or subtle. Similar to the Luciola switch, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is also referred to as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish for a sleek typing experience.
Taking all the available information into account, the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch offer different subjective qualities. The Luciola switch is known for its distinctive hollow sound profile, smooth and bouncy feel, and medium heft. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch is valued for its muted sound, stepped and accented tactile feel, and padded bottom-out sensation. It ultimately comes down to personal preference, as some users may prefer the unique sound and feel of the Luciola switch, while others may appreciate the quieter and more tactile experience provided by the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch. However, it's worth mentioning that if the objective is to achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel, both switches have descriptors such as polished, indicating a smooth and refined typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a medium-weight switch with a smooth and bouncy typing feel, and enjoy a unique sound profile, the Gateron Luciola linear switch would be a great choice for you. The Luciola switches are eye-catching with their glowing feature, making them stand out in the dark. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch that is also silenced, ideal for noise-sensitive environments, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch would be the better option. The Silent T1 offers a medium bump and padded bottom-out feel, providing a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, it provides a subdued audio feedback due to its muted sound profile. Ultimately, your decision should depend on your personal preferences and the specific requirements of your keyboard usage.
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