Gateron Mountain Top vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, there are distinct qualities that set them apart. The Mountain Top switch from Gateron is tailored for office environments, offering a quiet typing experience with a light actuation that is perfect for professional settings. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch is a great choice for those looking for a tactile feel along with noise reduction, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. While the Mountain Top switch provides a bouncy and easy-to-press typing experience, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) offers a medium bump and padded bottom-out 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
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 Mountain Top and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp), we find that the Mountain Top utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housings, while the Silent T1 has a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The use of nylon in both the top and bottom housings of the Mountain Top results in a deeper, fuller sound profile due to the softness of the plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Silent T1's combination of polycarbonate and nylon creates a sharper, crisper sound profile with a more clear and resonant tone. The difference in housing materials between the two switches leads to distinct sound characteristics that cater to different preferences in sound and feel.
Despite the difference in housing materials between the Gateron Mountain Top and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp), both switches aim to provide a unique typing experience. The nylon housings of the Mountain Top offer a classic switch housing material that produces a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent T1 contributes to a sharper and higher-pitched sound experience. However, both switches feature nylon bottom housings, which enhance the overall typing feel with their softer plastic that provides a duller and rounder sound when compared to harder plastics. Therefore, although they use different materials in their top housings, users can expect similar typing experiences from the two switches due to the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing.
When considering the impact of housing materials on the overall typing experience, it becomes evident that the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. In the case of the Mountain Top with nylon in both top and bottom housings, users will experience a consistent deep and full sound profile throughout their typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent T1's combination of polycarbonate and nylon allows for a more dynamic sound profile, with a sharp initial press and a softer bottom-out sound. Ultimately, the choice of housing materials in a switch plays a significant role in shaping the sound and feel that users will encounter with each keystroke.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, we see that the Mountain Top is the lighter option with an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. In contrast, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is heavier with a bottom out force of 67 grams, although the actuation force is not specified. The difference in weight between the two switches may impact the typing experience for users. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming may lean towards the Gateron Mountain Top, while users seeking a more substantial typing feel might gravitate towards the heavier Durock Silent T1. Ultimately, the actuation and bottom out forces play a crucial role in determining the overall typing experience with each switch.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter than the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Mountain Top offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers who value speed. On the other hand, the Silent T1 provides a more substantial keypress feel with its longer travel distance, making it a good option for those who prefer a deeper keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of the desired travel distance and typing experience.
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 Mountain Top 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 Mountain Top and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches offer different audio profiles. The Mountain Top switch provides a neutral sound experience, which is moderate in volume and suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch offers a muted sound, ideal for noise-sensitive settings where a quieter typing experience is desired. Both switches can be affected by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, influencing the overall sound produced.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Mountain Top switch offers a bouncy and easy-to-press typing experience. The keys have a lively rebound and require minimal force to activate, enhancing the typing experience. Additionally, the mild and subtle characteristics of this switch provide a gentle and comfortable typing feel. In contrast, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch delivers a stepped and accented tactile feedback. This switch provides a medium bump and padded bottom-out feel, offering a smooth and refined typing experience due to its polished finish.
In conclusion, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch each have their own unique qualities when it comes to sound and feel. The Mountain Top switch is designed for discreet typing in professional settings with a neutral sound and bouncy feel, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch caters to those who want a tactile and silenced typing experience with a muted sound and stepped feel. Depending on your preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience with their respective characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, consider the environment in which you will be using the keyboard. If you require a quiet typing experience for a professional setting, the Mountain Top switch is a great choice with its light actuation force and subdued sound profile. On the other hand, if you need a tactile switch that offers a medium bump and silent operation for noise-sensitive environments, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for sound, feel, and the specific requirements of your typing needs.
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