SP-Star Meteor Orange vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp). The Meteor Orange switches are known for their exquisitely gentle nature, delivering a soft and seductive tactility with a neutral sound profile. Categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished', these switches offer a delightful typing experience for those who prefer a mellow and refined feel. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is designed for individuals seeking a blend of tactile feedback and silence. With a medium bump, padded bottom-out feel, and subdued audio feedback, these switches are perfect for noise-sensitive environments. Categorized as 'Stepped', 'Accented', 'Muted', and 'Polished', the Silent T1 (Shrimp) provides a satisfying typing experience with reduced noise. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities, so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
57g
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
Nylon
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
The housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) differ significantly. The Meteor Orange features a nylon top housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's softness and its ability to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that enhances clarity and resonance. Additionally, being translucent, the polycarbonate top housing is ideal for incorporating RGB lighting.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Meteor Orange and the Silent T1 (Shrimp) use nylon. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for its ability to elicit a deep and full sound profile. Similar to the nylon top housing, the nylon bottom housing's softness allows for the absorption of more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Consequently, the qualities brought by the nylon housing in both switches contribute to the overall sound and feel when typing on them.
While the top and bottom housings differ between the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp), their impact on the switches' performance is distinct. When pressing down on either switch, the bottom housing has a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel. Alternatively, the top housing plays a more crucial role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Despite these discrepancies, it is important to note that both switches leverage classic switch housing materials, ensuring a deep and full sound profile through the use of nylon. Thus, users can expect similar results in terms of sound experience, albeit with variations in sharpness and clarity between the two switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The actuation force of both switches is unavailable, so it is unclear whether they are the same or not. However, the bottom out force of the Meteor Orange is 57 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is slightly heavier and falls into the medium-heavy range.
Considering weight preferences, those who enjoy a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Meteor Orange switch. Its lower bottom out force allows for extended typing periods without fatigue, making it suitable for work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial, satisfying typing feel might favor the Silent T1 (Shrimp). With its slightly heavier bottom out force, it provides a stronger push for a more substantial typing experience.
In summary, while the actuation forces of these switches remain unknown, the Meteor Orange offers a lighter bottom out force, making it more suitable for prolonged typing, work, or gaming sessions. Conversely, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) provides a heavier bottom out force, offering a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push.
Travel distance
Both the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience the same 4mm of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, whether you choose the Meteor Orange or the Silent T1 (Shrimp), you can expect similar results in terms of key travel distance. Both switches offer a satisfying tactile sensation and ensure a consistent typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Meteor Orange has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor Orange for $5.00.
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 SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for most purposes. It produces a moderate sound when pressed and released, with a satisfying deep "thud" or soft "knock" sound. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch offers a muted sound experience. It produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. This makes it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch provides a mild and gentle typing experience. It falls in the safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable for most users. Additionally, it is described as having a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch offers a stepped feel, providing a two-stage sensation during keystrokes. It has a prominent amount of tactility, which is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Similar to the Meteor Orange, the Silent T1 also features a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth typing.
Taking all the available information into account, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch is known for its soft and seductive tactility, neutral sound profile, gentle typing experience, and polished finish. It is a versatile switch suitable for beginners or advanced users, whether used at home or in a professional setting. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch is aimed at those who desire a tactile and silenced switch, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments. It offers a medium bump, padded bottom-out feel, subdued audio feedback, stepped feel, and accented tactility, all complemented by a polished finish. Both switches provide a smooth and refined typing experience due to their polished finishes. It's worth noting that while the subjective qualities differ, those seeking a similar typing experience can achieve similar results by considering the available information on sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-light switch with a soft and seductive tactility, as well as a neutral sound profile, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. These switches offer a gentle typing experience and a smooth key travel due to their polished finish. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch that provides both tactility and silence, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch would be the perfect option. These switches have a medium bump, padded bottom-out feel, and a muted sound profile, making them suitable for noise-sensitive environments. Additionally, they also have a polished finish, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your preference for bottom out force, tactility, sound, and feel, so choose the one that aligns with your specific needs and typing style.
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