Bsun Olive vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the Bsun Olive and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, it's clear that both options have unique features that cater to different preferences. The Bsun Olive is renowned for its resonant sound and pronounced tactile feedback, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a sharp and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) stands out for its ability to provide both tactile feedback and a silenced typing experience, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments. Each switch has its own set of characteristics that appeal to different users, whether it's the sharp and snappy feel of the Olive or the muted and polished experience of the Silent T1. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Olive and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp), it can be seen that the Olive utilizes POM for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a deep and muted sound profile. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) uses polycarbonate for the top housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound. The nylon bottom housing of the Silent T1 (Shrimp) produces a fuller sound compared to the POM bottom housing of the Olive. This difference in housing materials impacts the overall typing experience, with the Olive being more soothing and muffled, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) provides a clearer and more resonant typing sound.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Bsun Olive and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) aim to enhance the typing experience for users. The use of POM in the top and bottom housing of the Olive results in a consistent and pleasing sound profile, creating a unique typing experience. In contrast, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Silent T1 (Shrimp) allows for a more dynamic sound profile, with sharper tones on the top housing and fuller tones on the bottom housing. Both switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, showcasing the versatility of different housing materials in mechanical keyboards.
Overall, the choice between the Bsun Olive and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) comes down to personal preference in sound and typing experience. While the Olive offers a more subdued and uniform sound profile with POM housing materials, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) provides a more varied and dynamic typing experience with polycarbonate and nylon housing materials. Whether one prefers a deeper, more muted sound or a sharper, crisper sound, both switches offer unique qualities that contribute to an enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, the housing materials play a significant role in defining the overall sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch have some similarities and differences. The Bsun Olive has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Durock Silent T1 does not specify its actuation force. Both switches have a bottom out force of around 65-67 grams, making them both medium-heavy switches. This means that both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of the force required to bottom out. However, the Bsun Olive is lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Silent T1 (Shrimp) since the actuation force of the latter is unknown. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Bsun Olive for longer typing sessions, while others may prefer the heavier bottom out force of the Silent T1 for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Bsun Olive tactile switch is 3.4mm, while the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch has a travel distance of 4mm. In this case, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) has a longer travel distance compared to the Olive switch. The 0.6mm difference may not seem significant, but it can affect the typing feel for some users. Those who prefer a deeper keypress may lean towards the Silent T1, while those who like a slightly shallower press may opt for the Olive switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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 BSUN Olive tactile switch is known for its resonant, deep sound that sets it apart, while the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch offers a muted sound that minimizes noise, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments.
When it comes to feel, the Olive switch provides an accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy tactile feedback that creates an immersive typing sensation, thanks to its unique design and long pole stem. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch offers a stepped, accented, and polished feel, providing a more subtle tactile experience with a padded bottom-out feel.
Overall, the BSUN Olive tactile switch excels in providing a pronounced tactile feedback and a deep sound, giving users a satisfying tactile and auditory experience. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch offers a quieter typing experience with a more subdued sound and a softer tactile feedback. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different needs and preferences in mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a deep, resonant sound profile and a sharp tactile feedback, the Bsun Olive switch is the way to go. Its medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams creates a satisfying typing experience that is both invigorating and sharp. On the other hand, if you need a tactile and silent switch for a noise-sensitive environment, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) with its padded bottom-out feel and muted sound is the better choice. With a slightly higher bottom out force of 67 grams, this switch offers a more subtle tactility and smooth key travel. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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