Durock Medium Tactile vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the Durock Medium Tactile 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 Durock Medium Tactile and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) are both excellent options to consider. The Medium Tactile from Durock is highly regarded for its unique and enjoyable experience. With a pronounced yet balanced tactility, this switch offers a tactile feedback that is satisfying and engaging. Additionally, its jelly-like sound signature adds an extra layer of satisfaction to typing. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is designed for those who desire a tactile switch that is also silent. This makes it an ideal choice for noise-sensitive environments. The Silent T1 features a medium bump that provides a noticeable tactile feedback, along with a padded bottom-out feel that reduces noise significantly. While both switches have similarities, such as being categorized as accented, stepped, and polished, they also have differences. The Silent T1 offers a muted sound while the Medium Tactile has a more jelly-like sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
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
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
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Durock Medium Tactile and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) share the same polycarbonate top housing, which results in similar sound profiles for both switches. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar sound and lighting effects from both the Medium Tactile and Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Durock Medium Tactile utilizes a nylon material, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) also uses a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition. It absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. Therefore, the Durock Medium Tactile is likely to offer a slightly different typing experience compared to the Silent T1 (Shrimp) due to the contrasting qualities of their bottom housings.
When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing are felt more prominently. Therefore, the Durock Medium Tactile's nylon bottom housing contributes to the overall experience by influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. In contrast, the top housing, shared by both switches, will have a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. This distinction suggests that while the typing experience may differ slightly between the two switches, the sound when letting go of a key will be more similar due to the shared polycarbonate top housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, we find that the actuation force for both switches is currently unknown. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Medium Tactile has a weight of 65 grams, which can be considered medium-heavy, while the Silent T1 has a slightly heavier weight of 67 grams, also falling within the medium-heavy range.
The weight of a switch is an important factor to consider as it affects the typing experience and user preferences. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Medium Tactile switch would be a suitable choice as it provides a lighter actuation force. This can be beneficial for individuals who need to type for extended periods, such as during work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Silent T1 switch offers a slightly heavier bottom out force, appealing to users who desire a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience.
In summary, while the actuation forces of both switches are unknown, the Durock Medium Tactile switch has a bottom out force of 65 grams, whereas the Durock Silent T1 switch has a bottom out force of 67 grams. These differences in weight provide users with the option of selecting a lighter or heavier typing experience, catering to individual preferences and needs.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch is equal, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same 4 mm of travel distance. This similarity allows for consistent typing experiences across both switches, ensuring that users will achieve similar results in terms of the distance the switch travels from top to bottom.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Medium Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Medium Tactile for $4.25.
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 Durock Medium Tactile switch is best described as having a jelly-like sound signature. This means that it produces a unique and distinct sound that is both pronounced and balanced. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch is known for its muted sound. It is designed to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, making it a great choice for noise-sensitive environments. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is characterized by various descriptors. It is considered an accented switch, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. It is also described as a stepped switch, meaning it has a two-stage tactile feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Additionally, it offers a mild typing experience, making it approachable for most users. The switch is also polished, resulting in a smooth and refined finish for a sleek typing experience.
Similarly, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch shares some similarities in terms of feel. It is also a stepped switch, providing a mild tactile feel with pre-travel and/or post-travel. It is considered an accented switch, offering a prominent but controlled amount of tactility. Like the Medium Tactile, it is polished, ensuring reduced friction and a smooth key travel experience.
In conclusion, the Durock Medium Tactile switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch have distinct qualities in both sound and feel. The Medium Tactile stands out with its jelly-like sound signature and pronounced yet balanced tactility. On the other hand, the Silent T1 offers a muted sound and a controlled tactile feel, making it suitable for quieter environments. However, both switches share similar characteristics such as being stepped, accented, and polished, guaranteeing smooth and refined typing experiences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Medium Tactile and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches, consider the specific characteristics that are important to you. The Medium Tactile is an excellent choice for those seeking a pronounced yet balanced tactility and a jelly-like sound signature. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is perfect for individuals who desire both a tactile and silenced switch, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. It offers a medium bump, padded bottom-out feel, and subdued audio feedback. In terms of sound, the Medium Tactile provides a unique audio experience, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) delivers a softer and quieter sound due to its muted characteristics. As for feel, the Medium Tactile offers an accented, stepped, mild, and polished experience, ensuring a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) offers a stepped, accented, and polished feel for a more subdued and refined typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on your specific preferences and requirements.
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