Cherry MX Silent Red vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent 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 that stand out are the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp). The Cherry MX Silent Red is a linear switch that maintains the slightly heavier feel of the classic MX Red switch but operates silently, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) is a tactile switch that offers both a tactile feel and a silenced typing experience, ideal for those who enjoy a medium bump and subdued audio feedback. While the Cherry MX Silent Red is categorized as 'Muted', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', and 'Textured', the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) is categorized as 'Stepped', 'Accented', 'Muted', and 'Polished'. 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
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 terms of housing materials, the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) both use nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon is known for its softer and more sound-absorbent qualities, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches made with this material. This means that both switches will likely produce a similar duller and rounder sound when bottoming out, providing a consistent typing experience in that aspect.
However, the top housing materials differentiate the two switches. The Cherry MX Silent Red utilizes a nylon top housing, which contributes to the switch's overall sound profile by absorbing more sound and creating a deeper tone. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) features a polycarbonate top housing, which offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing is especially beneficial for switches designed to incorporate RGB lighting due to its translucency and ability to enhance lighting effects.
It is essential to note that the top and bottom housings play a crucial role in the overall sound and feel of a switch. While both switches share the use of nylon for the bottom housing, the qualities of the materials differ when it comes to the top housing. The bottom housing will impact the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down, while the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key. This distinction in housing materials between the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) results in a varied typing experience and sound profile for each switch.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, it is evident that the Silent Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the Silent T1 has an unknown actuation force. However, the Silent T1 has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, compared to the unknown bottom out force of the Silent Red. This means that the Silent Red requires less force to trigger a keystroke, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent T1 offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force. Overall, the Silent Red would be suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing feel, while the Silent T1 would be better suited for individuals who prefer a stronger push feel for typing.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, we find that the MX Silent Red has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the MX Silent Red the shorter of the two switches. The difference may seem small, but it can have an impact on the typing or gaming experience. Gamers who prefer faster response times may opt for the MX Silent Red with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more pronounced key press may lean towards the Silent T1 with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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
When it comes to sound, both the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches offer a muted typing experience, perfect for noise-sensitive environments. The MX Silent Red is known for its thocky, low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying typing experience with reduced noise. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) offers a similarly muted sound without the specific descriptors of thocky or low-pitched, ensuring a softer and quieter overall typing experience. It's worth noting that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard case and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red is described as having a textured feel, which may offer a slightly different typing experience compared to smoother switches. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) provides a more nuanced tactile experience, with stepped, accented, and polished qualities. This means that users can expect a switch that offers a medium amount of tactility without being overwhelming, along with a smooth and refined typing experience. The differences in feel between the two switches can cater to different preferences, with the MX Silent Red offering a textured feel and the Silent T1 (Shrimp) providing a polished and tactile typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches offer excellent options for those seeking a quieter typing experience. While the MX Silent Red provides a slightly heftier feel with a muted, thocky sound, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) offers a more nuanced and tactile typing experience with a subdued audio feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for feel and sound, with both switches delivering satisfying typing experiences tailored to different needs. If you enjoy a muted and silenced switch, either of these options will provide a similar result with different nuances to enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, you should consider your preference for noise level and typing feel. If you are looking for a switch that provides a quieter typing experience while maintaining the smoothness of a linear switch, the MX Silent Red would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium bump and quieter operation, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound and typing feel, as both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different needs.
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