Cherry MX Black vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Black and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Cherry MX Black and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp). The Cherry MX Black is a linear switch known for its smooth texture and deep sound profile while typing. With Cherry's new Hyperglide tooling, these switches offer a refined experience for those who enjoy a low-pitched and textured feel. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) is a tactile switch that combines the benefits of both tactility and silence. This switch offers a gentle bump, a cushioned bottom-out feel, and subdued audio feedback, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. Categorized as stepped, accented, muted, and polished, the Silent T1 caters to individuals who prefer a more subtle and refined typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
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 Cherry MX Black and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches have distinct differences that contribute to the overall sound profile. The MX Black features a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Silent T1's polycarbonate top housing. The nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs sound more effectively, creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate of the Silent T1 is a stiffer plastic, leading to a sharper and higher-pitched sound, with more clarity and resonance. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent T1 allows for the impressive display of RGB lighting.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Cherry MX Black and the Silent T1 share the use of nylon as the housing material. This commonality results in a similar experience in terms of sound profile. Nylon, being a soft plastic, absorbs sound efficiently, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches. The impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of these switches is primarily influenced by the properties of the nylon bottom housing.
It is important to note that if a switch has different housing materials for the top and bottom, each material will contribute different qualities to the overall sound profile. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be more prominent, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the sound when releasing a key will be influenced more by the characteristics of the top housing. Therefore, understanding the specific housing materials and their properties is crucial in determining the overall sound experience of a switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, there are a few notable differences. The MX Black has an actuation force of 60 grams, requiring a significant amount of pressure to initiate a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is not available, making it difficult to directly compare. However, the MX Black has a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams, indicating that it requires more force to fully press down the key. The Silent T1 (Shrimp) has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is slightly lighter than the MX Black.
Considering weight, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the MX Black to be less ideal due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. However, this weight can be beneficial for individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) offers a medium-heavy bottom out force, potentially providing a satisfying tactile feedback without requiring excessive pressure.
It is worth mentioning that without the specific actuation force for the Silent T1 (Shrimp), it is challenging to determine exactly how it compares to the MX Black in terms of trigger pressure. Nevertheless, the slightly lighter bottom out force of the Silent T1 (Shrimp) suggests that it may offer a more comfortable typing experience for those who do not prefer heavy switches. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences and whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience the same 4 mm distance of travel. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results and feel.
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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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
When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Black switches produce a low-pitched, bass-heavy tone that is considered mellow and deep. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches are described as muted, offering a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical switches. The Silent T1 is specifically designed to minimize noise and is ideal for noise-sensitive environments. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the MX Black switches are known for their textured nature, which provides noticeable friction when pressed. This tactile feedback might be preferred by some users who enjoy a slightly rougher typing experience. Additionally, MX Black switches are also considered stiff, requiring more force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches have a stepped design, giving them a more mild tactility. They offer a medium amount of tactile feedback that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Furthermore, the Silent T1 switches are accented, meaning they provide a prominent amount of tactility without being overly tactile. These switches also have a polished finish, resulting in smooth and refined key travel with reduced friction.
Taking all the available information into account, it is clear that the Cherry MX Black and Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches offer distinct subjective qualities. The MX Black switches provide a deep sound profile with a textured and stiff feel, appealing to those who prefer a more pronounced tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent T1 switches are designed for noise-sensitive environments, offering a muted sound profile along with an accented, stepped, and polished feel. While their sound and feel differ, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience. Depending on individual preferences, either of these switches can be a great choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a heavier switch with a deep sound profile and a textured, stiff feel, the Cherry MX Black linear switch would be a great choice for you. These switches provide a classic smoothness with a low-pitched sound, making them ideal for those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience. On the other hand, if you are looking for a medium-heavy switch with a muted sound and a stepped, accented, and polished feel, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch would be a better fit. These switches offer a softer and quieter typing experience, making them perfect for noise-sensitive environments. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for weight, sound, and feel.
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