Cherry MX Brown vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Cherry MX Brown and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp). The MX Brown is best known for its subtlety, providing a light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. On the other hand, the Silent T1 is perfect for those who desire both a tactile switch and silence, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. This switch offers a medium bump and a padded bottom-out feel, along with subdued audio feedback. While both switches offer their own unique features, 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
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 Cherry MX Brown and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) differ in terms of their housing materials. The MX Brown features a nylon top housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. As nylon is a softer plastic, it absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that generates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate is advantageous if RGB lighting is to be used.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the MX Brown and the Silent T1 (Shrimp) employ nylon. This classic switch housing material offers a deep and full sound profile. Nylon's softness allows it to absorb more sound than harder plastics, contributing to a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, both switches will offer similar results.
It is important to note that the qualities of the housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. When using either the MX Brown or the Silent T1 (Shrimp), the bottom housing will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will leave a more significant impression on the sound when releasing a key. These differences in housing materials can be influential to users seeking specific sound profiles or aesthetic preferences, whether it is the deeper and fuller sound of nylon or the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The Cherry MX Brown has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, which falls into the medium-light range. On the other hand, the Silent T1 has an unknown actuation force, but boasts a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is considered medium-heavy.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Cherry MX Brown would be a suitable choice as its actuation and bottom out forces are on the lighter side. This lighter weight allows for longer typing sessions, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. However, for individuals seeking a more substantial and tactile typing experience, the Silent T1 would be a better option with its medium-heavy bottom out force.
While the actuation force of the Silent T1 is not specified, it is essential to note that it is possible to achieve similar results to the Cherry MX Brown by carefully adjusting settings or potentially using other comparable switches with similar actuation forces. Ultimately, the weight of the switch is a crucial consideration, as it affects the overall typing experience. Some individuals prefer lighter switches for their keyboard, while others prefer a stronger push feel for a more satisfying typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent 4 mm of travel from the top to the bottom. Both switches provide a similar tactile feedback and actuation force, ensuring a comfortable typing experience. Whether you choose the Cherry MX Brown or the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp), you can expect similar travel distances and overall typing 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 Brown 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 Brown switches offer a bassy and low-pitched audio feedback. These switches produce a deeper and richer sound profile, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches are described as muted. They produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, Cherry MX Brown switches are known for their textured or scratchy feel. They have noticeable friction when pressed, providing a tactile feedback that some users prefer. In contrast, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches are described as stepped, accented, and polished. Stepped switches have a two-stage feel, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel, providing a mild tactile experience. Accented switches, on the other hand, offer a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, the polished finish of the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches ensures a smooth and refined typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Brown switches offer a subtle typing experience with gentle tactility and a bassy, low-pitched sound. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches provide a medium bump, padded bottom-out feel, and a muted sound. Both switches cater to different preferences and scenarios, with the MX Browns being more suited for those who prefer a lighter typing experience and the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches being ideal for noise-sensitive environments. However, it is important to consider individual preferences and factors such as keyboard board and keycaps to determine the best fit. By comparing the available information, it is evident that while there are some differences between the two switches, they both offer similar qualities in terms of subdued audio feedback and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that offers a relatively light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback, the Cherry MX Brown would be a great choice. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, it provides a medium-light feel. The MX Brown switches are best known for their subtlety and are perfect for those who prefer a quieter typing experience.
On the other hand, if you are in need of both a tactile and silenced switch, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) would be a better option. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, it offers a medium-heavy feel. The Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches are ideal for noise-sensitive environments and provide a medium bump, padded bottom-out feel, and subdued audio feedback.
In terms of sound, the MX Brown switches offer a deeper and richer sound profile, characterized by lower frequency ranges resembling bass tones. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches produce a softer and quieter sound, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards.
In terms of feel, the MX Brown switches have a noticeable textured or scratchy feel. Some users may prefer this subtle texture, while others may prefer a smoother typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches offer a stepped feel, providing a mild tactile experience with noticeable pre-travel and/or post-travel. Additionally, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches can be described as accented, providing a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Furthermore, if you prefer a sleek and smooth typing experience, the polished Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches would be a good choice.
Ultimately, the decision between the Cherry MX Brown and Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a lighter typing experience with subtlety and subdued audio feedback, the MX Brown switches would be a great fit. On the other hand, if you need a tactile and silenced switch that is ideal for noise-sensitive environments, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches would be a better option. Consider your desired sound, feel, and typing environment to make an informed decision.
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