Gateron Mini i vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mini i and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Mini i and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) mechanical keyboard switches, one must consider their specific needs and preferences. The Gateron Mini i is perfect for those looking for a tactile switch that provides a gentle tactility without sacrificing a satisfying typing experience. With a muted sound profile, these switches are ideal for office settings where quiet professionalism is key. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) offers a combination of tactile feedback and noise reduction, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments. While the Mini i is characterized as 'Bouncy', 'Easy-to-press', and 'Subtle', the Silent T1 is labeled as 'Stepped', 'Muted', and 'Accented'. 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
40g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mini i and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp), it is evident that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This choice of material allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature which absorbs more sound. Therefore, both switches provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel when it comes to the bottom housing. However, the Mini i features a nylon top housing that contributes to a duller and rounder sound, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) opts for a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper and crisper sound profile. This contrast in top housing material highlights the difference in sound characteristics between the two switches.
Despite both switches utilizing nylon for their bottom housing, the choice of top housing material sets them apart in terms of sound profile. The Gateron Mini i's nylon top housing creates a deeper and softer typing sound, while the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) with its polycarbonate top housing produces a more clear and resonant sound. The use of polycarbonate in the Silent T1 (Shrimp) also allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding an aesthetic element to the switch. The Mini i's nylon top housing, on the other hand, emphasizes a more subdued and mellow typing experience. This difference in top housing material showcases how the choice of material can impact the overall sound profile and user experience of a switch.
In essence, the housing materials of the Gateron Mini i and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) play a crucial role in determining the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While both switches share a common nylon bottom housing that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, their top housing materials set them apart in terms of sound characteristics. The Mini i's nylon top housing creates a duller and rounder sound, providing a softer typing experience, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp)'s polycarbonate top housing leads to a sharper and crisper sound profile. These differences in top housing material showcase how subtle changes in materials can significantly impact the overall typing experience and sound quality of a switch.
Weight
The Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch. The Mini i requires 40 grams of force to actuate and 50 grams to bottom out, making it a lighter option. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) has no specified actuation force but a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Gateron Mini i, which allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, individuals looking for a more substantial typing experience may prefer the heavier bottom out force of the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) for a more pronounced push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter compared to the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Gateron Mini i provides a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 offers a deeper keypress experience with its longer travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches have their advantages depending on personal preference, with the Gateron Mini i being the shorter option and the Durock Silent T1 offering a longer travel distance for those who prefer more depth in their keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Gateron Mini i comes in at $6.00 per 10 switches.
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 Gateron Mini i and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) both offer muted profiles, with the Mini i having a more neutral sound while the Silent T1 is specifically designed to be quieter for noise-sensitive environments. Depending on other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, both switches can provide a satisfyingly quiet typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Mini i is bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, subtle, and stepped, offering a range of tactile sensations that are gentle and comfortable for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) is described as stepped, accented, and polished, providing a tactile feedback that is not overwhelming but still prominent, with a smooth and refined finish for a sleek typing experience. Both switches offer a different approach to tactility, catering to users who prefer different levels of feedback in their typing experience.
Overall, the Gateron Mini i and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) both excel in providing a quieter typing experience, with the Mini i offering a balanced sound profile and a range of tactile sensations, while the Silent T1 focuses on a medium bump, padded bottom-out feel, and subdued audio feedback. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience, ensuring comfort and performance during long typing sessions.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound profile, and feel. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and a bouncy, easy-to-press, or subtle typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Gateron Mini i switch is a solid choice, especially for office settings where quiet professionalism is key. On the other hand, if you prioritize a silenced tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a stepped, accented, or polished typing feel with a muted sound profile, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch is a great option for noise-sensitive environments. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and the specific demands of your typing environment.
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