Outemu Blue Jade vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue Jade and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Blue Jade and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) offer distinctive typing experiences. The Blue Jade is best known for its clicky feedback and satisfying tactile response, making it a favorite among those who enjoy a audible key press. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) stands out for its tactile bump and remarkably quiet operation, making it an excellent choice for noise-sensitive environments. While the Blue Jade provides a loud and crisp typing experience, the Silent T1 offers a more subtle and muted feel. 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
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.20 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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Blue Jade and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp), it is clear that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This means that when typing on these switches, users can expect a similar experience in terms of the deeper and fuller sound profile that nylon provides. The relatively softer nature of nylon also assists in absorbing sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound, which can be appealing for those seeking a quieter typing experience.
However, where the two switches differ is in their top housing materials. The Blue Jade features a nylon top housing, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. This contrast results in distinct sound profiles when typing on these switches. The nylon top housing of the Blue Jade contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent T1 (Shrimp) creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for RGB lighting setups.
In considering the impact of housing materials on switch performance, it is important to note that the qualities of each material are divided between the top and bottom housings of a switch. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. Despite their differences, both the Blue Jade and the Silent T1 (Shrimp) offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, it is clear that the Blue Jade is the lighter of the two with an actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Silent T1's unknown actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the Silent T1 is slightly higher at 67 grams compared to the Blue Jade's 65 grams. This means that while the Blue Jade may provide a lighter typing experience in terms of actuation force, the Silent T1 offers a slightly heavier bottom out force for those looking for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, both switches fall into the medium-heavy category, so users can expect similar results in terms of force required for typing on either switch.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Blue Jade clicky 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 using either of these switches, you will experience a consistent travel distance from the top to the bottom. While both switches offer the same travel distance, they differ in their tactile feedback and sound level. The Blue Jade clicky switch provides a tactile bump and an audible click when pressed, making it popular among typists who enjoy a tactile and audible typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch offers a subtle tactile bump without the loud click, making it a preferred choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience without sacrificing the tactile feedback. Both switches offer a comfortable travel distance, but the Blue Jade provides a clicky typing experience while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) offers a quieter tactile typing experience.
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 Outemu Blue Jade comes in at $3.10 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 Outemu Blue Jade switch is known for producing a sharp and loud clicky noise that is reminiscent of typewriters, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch is designed to be muted, offering a softer and quieter typing experience, ideal for noise-sensitive environments where loud clicky sounds might be disruptive.
In terms of feel, the Blue Jade switch does not have a specific tactile descriptor provided, but based on user feedback, it is known for its sharp tactile bump and clicky feedback. In contrast, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch offers a stepped, accented, and polished tactile feel. This means that the switch provides a more subtle, yet still noticeable tactile bump, with a smoother key travel experience due to the polished finish.
Overall, if you prefer a loud and crisp clicky sound with a sharp tactile bump, the Outemu Blue Jade switch would be the better choice for you. However, if you are looking for a quieter typing experience with a softer tactile bump and a more refined key travel, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch would be the more suitable option. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it is essential to consider these subjective qualities when deciding on the right switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, you should consider your preferences and needs. If you are looking for a clicky switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a loud, crisp sound, the Blue Jade may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a tactile switch with a similar bottom out force but want a quieter typing experience for noise-sensitive environments, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is the way to go. With its muted sound and unique stepped, accented, and polished feel, the Silent T1 offers a different typing experience suited for those who desire both tactility and silence. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal typing preferences and environment.
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