Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) are two mechanical keyboard switches that cater to different preferences and needs. The Milky Yellow Pro is a linear switch that is best known for its smoothness and buttery goodness. With its low, "thocky" sound and satisfyingly thick resistance, it is an all-purpose switch that excels in both gaming and typing. On the other hand, the Silent T1 is a tactile switch that is perfect for those who seek a combination of tactile feedback and a silenced experience. It offers a medium bump and a padded bottom-out feel, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. While the Milky Yellow Pro provides a budget-friendly option for enthusiasts, the Silent T1 caters to those who prioritize a tactile typing experience without compromising on noise levels. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and requirements.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
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 Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) differ in their housing materials, with the Milky Yellow Pro featuring a nylon top housing and the Silent T1 featuring a polycarbonate top housing. The use of nylon in the Milky Yellow Pro provides a softer and more absorbent housing material, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent T1 creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, thanks to its stiffer plastic composition. Aesthetically, the polycarbonate top housing is more suitable for switches with RGB lighting, given its translucency. Despite these differences, both switches feature nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a similar deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon absorbs sound effectively while creating a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of functionality, the bottom housing material plays a significant role in the overall sound and feel of a switch. With the Milky Yellow Pro, the qualities of the nylon bottom housing become more pronounced during the bottom-out sound and feel, resulting in a deeper and fuller experience. Similarly, the Silent T1's nylon bottom housing offers the same qualities, creating a satisfying bottom-out sound and feel. However, when it comes to the sound produced upon releasing a key, the top housing material takes the spotlight. As such, the nylon top housing of the Milky Yellow Pro delivers a more rounded sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent T1 provides a clearer and resonant sound profile.
Overall, while the housing materials in the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) differ, they both offer a similar deep and full sound profile due to their shared nylon bottom housing. The notable contrast lies in the top housing, with nylon producing a duller and rounder sound in the Milky Yellow Pro and polycarbonate creating a sharper and crisper sound in the Silent T1. Whether you prefer the softer and absorbent nature of nylon or the stiffer and more resonant characteristics of polycarbonate, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, it is evident that they have distinct characteristics. The Milky Yellow Pro has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, placing it in the medium range. In contrast, the actuation force of the Silent T1 is unavailable, but it has a bottom out force of 67 grams, leaning towards the medium-heavy side.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Milky Yellow Pro would be a suitable choice, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. This lighter actuation force can be beneficial for individuals who type for extended periods, such as in a work or gaming setting. On the other hand, for those seeking a more substantial and pronounced typing feel, the Silent T1 with its higher bottom out force would provide a heavier push and a more pronounced typing experience.
While the actuation force of the Silent T1 is not specified, it is important to note that both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range. Therefore, individuals who prefer similar results in terms of force requirements for typing could potentially find satisfaction with either of these switches, as they have comparable weight ranges. Ultimately, the decision between the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro and the Durock Silent T1 will depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results. It is worth noting, however, that no information is given to compare the travel speed or the overall feel of these switches during use.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.33 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) for $2.30.
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 Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is often described as bassy, low-pitched, and thocky. Bassy switches offer a deeper and richer sound profile with a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Low-pitched switches, on the other hand, tend to have a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The thocky characteristic of the Milky Yellow Pro refers to the deep, rich, and satisfying sound it produces when pressed and released.
In contrast, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) offers a muted sound profile. Muted switches are designed to produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. These silent switches aim to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, making them suitable for noise-sensitive environments.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro is often described as buttery and textured. A buttery switch provides a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, offering a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. On the other hand, textured switches refer to switches with noticeable friction when pressed. Some users prefer a subtle texture, while others prefer a smoother, friction-free typing experience.
The Durock Silent T1, on the other hand, is described as stepped, accented, and polished. Stepped switches offer a tactile feel that has two stages, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel sensations. Accented switches provide a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming nor subtle, making them ideal for users who want a prominent amount of tactility. Polished switches indicate a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In summary, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch offers a bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound, along with a buttery and textured feel. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch provides a muted sound and a combination of stepped, accented, and polished feel. While they have different qualities, both switches offer unique experiences and are suitable for different preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a classic budget switch that excels in both gaming and typing, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is the choice for you. With its smoothness, satisfyingly thick resistance, and low, "thocky" sound, it offers a versatile and enjoyable typing experience. This switch is perfect for budget enthusiasts who want a switch that performs well in various environments. On the other hand, if you value a tactile and silenced switch, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) is the ideal option. It provides a medium bump, a padded bottom-out feel, and a subdued audio feedback, making it suitable for noise-sensitive environments. Additionally, it offers a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is great for those seeking a budget all-purpose switch, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is perfect for those who value a tactile and silenced typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preferences and the specific environment in which you'll be using them.
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