Cherry MX Red vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Red and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Cherry MX Red and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp). The Cherry MX Red is a linear switch that is best known for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, providing a robust typing experience that combines responsiveness with a satisfying auditory depth. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) is a tactile switch perfect for those who desire both tactile feedback and a quieter typing experience, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. The Silent T1 offers a medium bump, padded bottom-out feel, and subdued audio feedback. While the Cherry MX Red is favored for its 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', 'Textured' characteristics, the Silent T1 is loved for its 'Stepped', 'Accented', 'Muted', 'Polished' attributes. When deciding between these two switches, factors to consider include typing style, noise preferences, and desired tactile feedback. 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Red and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp), it is clear that both switches use nylon for the bottom housing. Nylon is known for its softer plastic composition, which absorbs sound and produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This means that both switches will offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound when it comes to bottoming out keys. However, the MX Red uses a nylon top housing, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) uses a polycarbonate top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Silent T1 (Shrimp) creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile compared to the rounder sound of the nylon top housing of the MX Red. This difference in materials results in a distinct typing experience between the two switches.
Despite both switches featuring a nylon bottom housing, the Cherry MX Red and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) differ in their top housing material. The MX Red's nylon top housing creates a duller and rounder sound profile, which is softer and absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent T1 (Shrimp) produces a crisper and more resonant sound due to its stiffer composition. This difference in sound profile between the two switches can be attributed to the properties of the respective housing materials. While the bottom housing contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key, making the choice of housing material crucial for the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Cherry MX Red and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) play a crucial role in determining the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing, their top housing materials differ significantly. The MX Red's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp)'s polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the desired sound profile and typing feel, with the housing materials playing a key role in shaping the overall experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, it is evident that they offer different experiences. The Cherry MX Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to type on for extended periods without causing fatigue. However, the bottom out force for the MX Red is not available, making it unclear how much force is required to fully press the key. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch has an unknown actuation force, but a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter keypress may lean towards the Cherry MX Red, while those who enjoy a stronger push feel may opt for the Durock Silent T1. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience a similar distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance allows for consistent typing experiences across both switches. Overall, the travel distance of these switches is the same, ensuring that users can expect comparable results when using either the Cherry MX Red or the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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
In terms of sound, the Cherry MX Red linear switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch offers a muted sound that is softer and quieter, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments or for those who prefer a more subdued typing experience. When it comes to feel, the MX Red switch is described as having a textured feel, which may provide some friction when pressed. In contrast, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch is characterized by its stepped, accented, and polished feel, offering a medium tactile experience with a smoother and refined key travel.
Overall, the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the MX Red provides a heftier feel and deeper sound profile, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) offers a quieter typing experience with a medium bump and padded bottom-out feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, although they cater to different preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are someone who values a slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile in a switch, the Cherry MX Red linear switch would be a great choice for you. However, if you are looking for a tactile switch that offers both a tactile bump and silenced operation, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch would be the better option. The MX Red is known for its robust typing experience with a thocky and low-pitched sound, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) provides a medium bump, padded bottom-out feel, and muted sound profile. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and whether or not noise is a concern in your environment.
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