KTT Matcha vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the KTT Matcha and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Matcha and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) are both tactile switches that offer unique features and benefits. The Matcha is known for its comfortable and snappy tactility, providing a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, it produces a clean and distinct bottom-out sound, thanks to its long pole stem. On the other hand, the Silent T1 is perfect for individuals who value both tactile feedback and a noise-free environment. It features a medium bump and a padded bottom-out feel, making it ideal for noise-sensitive spaces. Moreover, the audio feedback is subdued, ensuring a quieter typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can best decide on which switch suits your preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.90 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
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Matcha and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) are quite similar. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. Therefore, in terms of sound and aesthetics, both switches offer similar results with their polycarbonate top housing.
However, the housing materials differ when it comes to the bottom housing. The Matcha utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to the overall sound profile of the switch. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer nature. It absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, the bottom housing of each switch will have a different impact on the overall sound and feel when pressed.
In terms of functionality, the bottom housing of both switches will play a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. This means that when you press down on either switch, you will feel the qualities of the bottom housing. However, when it comes to the sound that occurs when you let go of a key, the top housing will have more influence. Therefore, while the housing materials of the KTT Matcha and Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) may differ, the impact on the overall typing experience varies depending on which aspect of the switch you focus on.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, we can observe some notable differences. The Matcha has a relatively light actuation force of 40 grams and a slightly higher bottom out force of 45 grams. In contrast, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) does not provide specific information on its actuation force, but it has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams. This makes the Silent T1 (Shrimp) option medium-heavy in terms of force required.
Considering the weight of the switches, it becomes clear that the Matcha offers a lighter typing experience compared to the Silent T1 (Shrimp). This lighter actuation force of the Matcha can be advantageous for those who prefer extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming, providing them with the ability to type for longer periods without strain. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) offers a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force. This can be appealing to individuals who appreciate a stronger push feel while typing.
Overall, the Matcha and Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches provide distinct force requirements for actuation and bottoming out. While the Matcha is lighter in both aspects, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) offers a medium-heavy bottom out force. It is worth noting that if one desires a similar typing experience with a heavier actuation and bottom out force, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) would be the suitable choice.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch is identical, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, the user will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results and can be considered equal in this regard.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Matcha has an MSRP of $5.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Matcha for $4.88.
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 KTT Matcha tactile switch offers a clean bottom-out sound that is distinctly crisp, bright, and percussive. This clacky sound provides a satisfying auditory feedback when typing. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch produces a muted sound that is softer and quieter compared to a regular or clacky switch. This switch is designed to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
Moving on to feel, both the Matcha and Silent T1 switches share certain qualities. They are both described as stepped switches, which means they provide a tactile experience with two stages of feedback including pre-travel and/or post-travel. Additionally, both switches are categorized as accented switches, meaning they offer a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. However, the Matcha is further characterized as snappy and feathery. This indicates that it has a super responsive feel due to longer or dual-staged springs. It also requires little exertion to press, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Silent T1 is described as polished, which means it has a smooth and refined finish resulting in a sleek typing experience. Its reduced friction and smooth key travel contribute to a comfortable tactile feel.
To summarize, the KTT Matcha tactile switch is known for its comfortable and snappy tactility, along with a clean bottom-out sound. It offers a feathery feel that requires little finger exertion and reduces fatigue. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch is ideal for those seeking a tactile and silenced switch. It provides a medium bump, a padded bottom-out feel, and a muted sound to minimize noise. Both switches share qualities such as being stepped and accented, providing a tactile experience without being overwhelming. It is worth noting that individual preferences for sound and feel can vary, and it is always recommended to try different switches to find the one that suits your personal preferences best.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a light and snappy tactile switch with a clean bottom-out sound, then the KTT Matcha is the switch for you. It provides a comfortable typing experience with a distinct tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, the Matcha switch has a clacky sound, which is sharp and percussive. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a padded bottom-out feel and subdued audio feedback, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) is the ideal choice. This switch offers a medium bump and a muted sound, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments. Furthermore, the Silent T1 has a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel.
Mentioned in this article
