Dareu Mahjong vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the Dareu Mahjong and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Mahjong linear switch to the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Mahjong switches are recognized for their distinctive green and white color scheme, providing a lively and poppy sound signature with an effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is specifically designed for those seeking a tactile and silenced switch, perfect for noise-sensitive environments. It offers a medium bump, padded bottom-out feel, and subdued audio feedback. While the Mahjong switch is categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Polished', the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is categorized as 'Stepped', 'Accented', 'Muted', 'Polished'. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
While the Dareu Mahjong utilizes a POK top housing and a nylon bottom housing, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) features a polycarbonate top housing paired with a nylon bottom housing. The POK material in the Mahjong contributes to its smooth, clacky, and durable switches, with exceptional strength and wear resistance. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing in the Silent T1 (Shrimp) creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, especially ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Both switches share the use of nylon in their bottom housings, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics.
In terms of sound and feel, the differing top and bottom housing materials in the Dareu Mahjong and Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) lead to distinct experiences when typing. The impact of the bottom housing material is felt more during the bottom-out sound and feel of pressing a key, with nylon contributing to a rounder and duller sound profile. Conversely, the top housing material plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key, with POK in the Mahjong offering a smooth and clacky experience, while polycarbonate in the Silent T1 (Shrimp) creates a sharper and more resonant sound profile. Despite their differences, both switches benefit from the unique properties of their respective housing materials.
While the Dareu Mahjong and Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) employ different housing materials for their switches, both options offer a combination of smoothness, durability, and distinct sound profiles. The POK top housing of the Mahjong provides a particularly smooth typing experience with exceptional strength and wear resistance, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent T1 (Shrimp) offers a sharper and crisper sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting. Although they differ in their top housing materials, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housings of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile that enhances the typing experience. Ultimately, whether you prefer the smooth and clacky feel of the POK material in the Mahjong or the sharp and resonant sound of the polycarbonate material in the Silent T1 (Shrimp), both switches offer unique qualities based on their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, it is evident that the Mahjong has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the Silent T1 has an unknown actuation force. On the other hand, the Silent T1 has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, compared to the Mahjong's unknown bottom out force. The difference in weight between the two switches can significantly impact typing and gaming experiences. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Mahjong for extended typing sessions or gaming, while others may appreciate the heavier bottom out force of the Silent T1 for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches would depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, it is evident that the Mahjong has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm while the Silent T1 has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Mahjong's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, while the Silent T1's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a deeper press. Both switches offer unique benefits based on individual preferences, with the shorter travel distance of the Mahjong providing quick actuation and the longer travel distance of the Silent T1 offering a more deliberate typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's desired level of responsiveness and feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Mahjong has an MSRP of $8.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mahjong for $5.79.
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 Dareu Mahjong switch offers a neutral sound profile, providing a moderate level of sound suitable for various purposes. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch delivers a muted sound, ideal for those looking for a quieter typing experience. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that can be further influenced by the keyboard and keycap setup.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Mahjong switch provides a bouncy and mild typing experience with a polished finish, offering a lively and smooth key press. In contrast, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch offers a stepped and accented tactile feedback along with a polished finish, giving users a distinct tactile sensation without being overly pronounced. Both switches offer a comfortable and refined typing experience with their unique tactile qualities.
Overall, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch each have their own strengths when it comes to sound and feel. The Mahjong switch provides a lively sound signature and a bouncy typing experience, while the Silent T1 offers a muted sound profile and stepped tactile feedback. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches can offer a satisfying typing experience. Whether you prefer a more neutral sound with a bouncy feel or a muted sound with a stepped tactile sensation, choosing either switch will result in a quality typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you prioritize a unique color scheme, lively sound signature, and effortless typing experience, the Mahjong switch may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium bump, quiet operation for noise-sensitive environments, and a padded bottom-out feel, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) could be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on your personal typing style, preferences for sound and feel, and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. Happy typing!
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