Gateron Lunar Probe vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Lunar Probe and Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) stand out as popular options for different reasons. The Lunar Probe offers a smooth, linear experience with stable and consistent keypresses thanks to Gateron's dual rail mechanism. On the other hand, the Silent T1 provides a tactile feedback for those who prefer a bump during key presses, perfect for noise-sensitive environments with its silenced operation. While the Lunar Probe is ideal for those seeking a linear switch with a subtle sound signature, the Silent T1 caters to users looking for a tactile switch with a muted audio feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best 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
1.80 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) share similarities as they both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for a more resonant typing experience. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switches. With both switches featuring polycarbonate top housings, users can expect similar sound profiles and aesthetics when typing.
In terms of the bottom housings, the Gateron Lunar Probe uses nylon while the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder typing experience. With both switches incorporating nylon for their bottom housings, users can expect a similar typing sound and feel that is characterized by a deeper and more muted tone.
The division of housing materials in switches, with one material used for the top housing and another for the bottom housing, affects the overall typing experience. The qualities of each housing material are distributed between the top and bottom of the switch, impacting both the sound profile and feel when typing. The bottom housing has a significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a key role in the sound produced when releasing a key. By understanding how different materials interact within a switch's housing, users can better appreciate and enjoy the unique characteristics that each material brings to the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, it is evident that they offer different typing experiences. The Lunar Probe has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a smooth and light typing feel. In contrast, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) has an unknown actuation force but a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, offering a more substantial and pronounced typing experience. While the Lunar Probe is lighter and may be preferred for extended typing sessions or gaming, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) provides a more tactile and robust typing feedback for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference, whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, it is evident that the Lunar Probe has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the Silent T1's 4 mm travel distance. The Lunar Probe offers a slightly quicker keypress due to its shorter travel distance, making it ideal for gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Silent T1 provides a slightly deeper keypress experience with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distance, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences for responsiveness and keypress depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Lunar Probe has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lunar Probe for $4.19.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Lunar Probe switch is known for its subtle and smooth sound profile, making it a good option for those looking for a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch is designed specifically for noise-sensitive environments, offering a muted sound that minimizes the typewriter-like noise often associated with mechanical keyboards. Both switches provide a different auditory experience, allowing users to choose based on their preference for sound levels during typing sessions.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Lunar Probe switch offers a smooth linear sensation, providing consistent keypresses with its dual rail mechanism. The Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, on the other hand, features a medium bump and padded bottom-out feel, making it suitable for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience that is not overly pronounced. Additionally, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch is described as being accented and polished, indicating a refined tactile feedback and smooth key travel for a satisfying typing feel.
Considering the information provided, it is clear that the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch offer distinct features in terms of sound and feel. While the Lunar Probe switch focuses on smoothness and consistency with a subtle sound signature, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch provides a quieter typing experience with a medium bump and padded bottom-out feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound levels, tactile feedback, and smoothness during typing. Nonetheless, both switches offer quality components that can enhance the overall mechanical keyboard typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, consider the key factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter keystroke with stable keypresses and a smooth linear feel, the Lunar Probe is the choice for you. On the other hand, if you desire a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, a padded bottom-out feel, and a quieter typing experience for noise-sensitive environments, then the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is the optimal selection. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience and noise level.
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