HMX Macchiato vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the HMX Macchiato 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, the HMX Macchiato and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) each bring unique characteristics to the table, catering to different preferences among typists and gamers alike. The HMX Macchiato, crafted by YG Studio, excels with its remarkably smooth keystrokes and distinctly bright sound profile, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy a seamless typing experience and don't mind some auditory feedback. In contrast, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) stands out with its tactile feedback and muted operation, offering a medium bump that delivers a satisfying sensation without the noise, making it especially suitable for users in noise-sensitive environments. While the Macchiato appeals to enthusiasts who seek an uninterrupted flow of motion, the Silent T1 caters to those who prioritize a balance between tactile responsiveness and quiet typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your unique needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
POK
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
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Macchiato and Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) present an interesting contrast, particularly in their top housings. The Macchiato features a nylon top housing, renowned for its softer texture, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's ability to absorb sound effectively creates a duller and rounder auditory experience, making it appealing for users who appreciate a more subdued typing sound. In contrast, the Silent T1 showcases a polycarbonate top housing, a material known for its rigidity. This rigidity translates to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is crisper and more resonant. Moreover, the translucent nature of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic when using RGB lighting, revealing the colorful illumination in an attractive way.
When we turn our attention to the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon, demonstrating a shared quality in this aspect. Nylon’s softer characteristics again come into play, ensuring that both switches deliver a deep and full sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience. The primary difference between the two switches is therefore not in the bottom housing but rather in their respective top housings. As the bottom housing contributes more significantly to the bottom-out sound and the feel of the keystroke, the nylon base ensures both the Macchiato and Silent T1 will feel pleasantly muted on actuation.
Overall, while the top housing materials diverge in their sound profiles—nylon for the Macchiato yielding a deeper tone, and polycarbonate for the Silent T1 offering a crisper sound—their shared nylon bottom housing serves to align their core aural characteristics, favoring richness and depth. When pressed down, users will gain a fuller sound experience due to the nylon at the base, while the top housing's material will influence the auditory perceptions upon key release. Thus, despite the differences, both switches can elicit dynamic and enjoyable typing experiences that cater to different user preferences, ultimately resulting in a satisfying mechanical feel and sound, albeit through different top housing methodologies.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Macchiato linear switch to the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, significant differences in their actuation and bottom out forces become apparent. The Macchiato features a relatively light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Silent T1 does not specify an actuation force but has a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy and offering a stronger tactile feel. This difference indicates that the T1 is designed for users who appreciate a more substantial typing experience. Overall, while the Macchiato is the lighter option, suitable for endurance typing, the Durock Silent T1 caters to those who may favor a heavier touch for tactile feedback.
Travel distance
Both the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch feature the same travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that users will experience an identical distance from the top to the bottom when pressing these keys. As a result, if you're looking for switches that provide similar key-feel experiences in terms of travel distance, both options will satisfy that need. The equal travel distance allows for comparable performance and responsiveness, making either choice a viable option for those seeking that specific tactile feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Macchiato has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Macchiato for $2.99.
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 HMX Macchiato switch has a bright sound profile that offers a lively audio experience when typing. This can enhance the overall enjoyment of using a mechanical keyboard, making each keystroke feel engaging. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) provides a markedly muted sound, designed for quieter operation. This makes the Silent T1 an excellent choice for noise-sensitive environments, where maintaining a low auditory footprint is essential. While the Macchiato gives a more pronounced auditory feedback, the Silent T1 prioritizes a softer, more subdued sound, ensuring a peaceful typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Macchiato aims to deliver a silky smooth typing experience, allowing for effortless key presses without any noticeable roughness. This smoothness can be particularly appealing for individuals who type frequently or for extended periods. In contrast, the Durock Silent T1 features a stepped tactile feel, where users can experience a medium bump at the actuation point. This design provides a clear indication of the switch being actuated while feeling mild and manageable. The accented quality gives a balanced tactility, making it neither overwhelmingly tactile nor entirely subtle. The polished finish of the Silent T1 ensures reduced friction, contributing to a smooth key travel, albeit with the added tactile feedback characteristic of tactile switches.
In conclusion, both the HMX Macchiato and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard world. The Macchiato is ideal for users looking for a bright sound and an ultra-smooth feel, enhancing the tactile sensation during typing. Conversely, the Silent T1 provides an excellent option for those who require a quieter operation paired with a mild yet distinct tactile feedback, making it suitable for shared workspaces or noise-sensitive environments. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize the auditory experience or a muted, tactile sensation.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch hinges on your personal preferences and the environments in which you’ll be using your keyboard. If you favor a lighter touch with a smooth, unhindered keystroke that offers an engaging auditory experience, the Macchiato is undoubtedly the way to go. Its silky feel makes it an excellent pick for long typing sessions, allowing for fast and effortless key presses. On the other hand, if you find yourself in a noise-sensitive setting where a more tactile feedback is desirable without the clatter typically associated with mechanical switches, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is your optimal choice. With its medium-heavy actuation force, it provides a pleasant tactile bump that gives feedback without overwhelming your senses or those around you, making it perfect for work or study environments. Ultimately, consider your typing style, the sound level you can tolerate, and whether you prefer a smooth or tactile experience when choosing between these two exceptional switches.
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