Outemu Brown vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the Outemu 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, the Outemu Brown and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) are both popular options in the tactile switch category. The Outemu Brown is known for its smooth tactile feedback, making it a great choice for typists who prefer a slight bump during key presses. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) stands out for its unique combination of tactile feedback and quiet operation, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments. While the Brown offers a traditional tactile feel, the Silent T1 provides a softer and more subdued typing experience. 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
53g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.20 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
Polycarbonate
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
The Outemu Brown and Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches both feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced by the switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting, as the light can shine through the housing, creating a visually appealing effect. Despite these similarities, the two switches may differ in terms of the design or layout of their top housings, which could affect the overall sound and feel of typing on these switches.
On the other hand, the Brown and Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches have different bottom housing materials, with the Brown featuring a nylon bottom housing and the Silent T1 (Shrimp) using polycarbonate for the bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent T1 (Shrimp) may provide a different typing experience, potentially influencing the overall sound and feel of the switches when pressed.
Overall, while the top housing materials of the Outemu Brown and Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches are the same, their bottom housing materials differ, leading to potential variations in the sound and feel of typing on these switches. The split between the qualities of the top and bottom housings means that each component plays a role in shaping the overall typing experience. Whether one prefers the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate or the deeper and fuller tone of nylon will ultimately depend on personal preference and typing style.
Weight
In comparing the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, it is clear that there are similarities and differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Outemu Brown has a slightly lighter actuation force of 53 grams compared to the Silent T1 which has an unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a bottom out force of 65 grams for the Brown and 67 grams for the Silent T1, making them both medium-heavy. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Outemu Brown may be the better choice due to its lower actuation force. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Durock Silent T1 with its slightly heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing force and feel.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Brown tactile 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 using either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance before the key bottoms out. While there may be other differences between the two switches such as actuation force or sound level, when it comes to travel distance, you can expect similar results from both the Outemu Brown and Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switches.
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 Brown 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
The Outemu Brown tactile switch is known for its lack of specific characteristics, making it a versatile option for those looking for a standard tactile experience. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch stands out for its ability to provide a tactile feel while significantly reducing noise levels, making it a great choice for environments where noise is a concern. When it comes to sound, the Brown switch does not have a specific sound profile mentioned, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is described as producing a muted sound, which is softer and quieter compared to regular mechanical switches. As for feel, the Brown switch does not have a specific feel description, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) offers a stepped, accented, and polished tactile experience. This means it provides a mild bump with noticeable pre-travel and post-travel, a medium level of tactility, and smooth key travel. Overall, while the Brown and Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches differ in their sound and feel characteristics, both can provide a satisfying typing experience depending on individual preferences. If you prefer a quieter typing experience with a medium bump and a cushioned bottom-out, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) may be the ideal choice. However, if you are looking for a more general tactile switch without specific sound or feel preferences, the Outemu Brown could still offer a pleasant typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between Outemu Brown tactile switches and Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switches, it ultimately comes down to your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize a traditional tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force and don't mind a bit of noise, the Outemu Brown switches may be the right choice for you. However, if you work or game in a noise-sensitive environment and desire a tactile switch that is both quiet and provides a mild bump with a padded bottom-out feel, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches would be the ideal option. Remember to consider factors like sound, feel, and your environment when making your decision. Ultimately, choose the switch that best suits your typing style and needs for the optimal keyboarding experience.
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