Gateron Melodic vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Melodic and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) stand out as popular choices for enthusiasts seeking different experiences. The Gateron Melodic is a clicky switch known for its buttery smoothness and crunchy tactile feedback, thanks to features like smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) offers a tactile typing experience with a padded bottom-out feel and muted audio feedback, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. While the Melodic provides an invigorating and resonant typing experience, the Silent T1 offers a more refined and polished feel. 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
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Melodic and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp), both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which contributes to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding to the aesthetic appeal of the switches. The use of nylon for the bottom housing of the Melodic creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. Similarly, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) incorporates nylon in its bottom housing for a similar effect on the sound profile, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the top housing.
Despite the similarities in using polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing in both switches, the difference in materials between the two components will have an impact on the overall typing experience. Pressing down on the switch will emphasize the qualities of the bottom housing, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel of the keys. On the other hand, the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key, showcasing the differences in sound profiles between the two materials. This split between the top and bottom housings allows for a more nuanced typing experience, catering to different preferences in sound and feel.
In terms of construction, the Gateron Melodic and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) showcase how different housing materials can affect the overall sound profile and typing experience of mechanical switches. While both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing to achieve a sharper and crisper sound, the choice of nylon for the bottom housing in each switch results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This distinction highlights the importance of housing materials in determining the acoustics and feel of a mechanical switch, offering enthusiasts the opportunity to customize their typing experience based on their preferences for sound and tactile feedback.
Weight
The Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch have different actuation forces, with the Melodic having None grams and the Silent T1 having None grams. However, they both have a medium bottom out force, with the Melodic at 60 grams and the Silent T1 at 67 grams, making the Silent T1 a slightly heavier option. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Melodic switch for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may opt for the heavier Silent T1. Both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, ensuring a reliable and consistent typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and the desired weight of the key press.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have an identical travel distance of 4 mm. This means that users can expect to experience a similar keypress feel in terms of travel distance when using either of these switches. The travel distance of both switches allows for a satisfying keypress without any significant variation between the two. Overall, while slight nuances in sound and tactility may differ between the two switches, the travel distance remains consistent, providing a familiar typing experience regardless of which switch is chosen.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 Melodic switch offers a resonant and crunchy typing experience, with a higher-pitched sound profile that is clean and sharp, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch provides a muted sound that is softer and quieter than traditional mechanical switches, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. The choice of board and keycaps can also influence the sound profile of the switches.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Melodic switch delivers a buttery and invigorating typing sensation, characterized by a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with pronounced feedback and moderate to firm actuation force. In contrast, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch offers a stepped, accented, and polished feel, providing a tactile experience that is not overwhelming or subtle but still delivers a prominent amount of tactility, thanks to its two-stage feel and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Melodic switch provides a resonant and crunchy sound with a buttery and invigorating tactile feel, the Silent T1 switch offers a muted sound and a stepped, accented, and polished tactile feel. Both switches cater to different preferences and typing needs, so choosing between them will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. However, it's important to note that both switches offer excellent quality and performance, so users can expect satisfying results regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. Choose the Gateron Melodic if you prioritize a classic clicky sound with smoothness and tactile feedback without compromising on the auditory experience. This switch is perfect for those who enjoy a resonant or crunchy sound profile and an invigorating typing feel. On the other hand, opt for the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) if you value a silenced switch with a medium bump, padded bottom-out feel, and subdued audio feedback. This switch is ideal for noise-sensitive environments and provides a muted sound profile with a stepped, accented, and polished typing feel. Ultimately, your choice should align with your preferences in terms of sound, feel, and environment requirements to enhance your typing experience.
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