Outemu Dustproof Black vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Black 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 Dustproof Black and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) stand out for their unique characteristics. The Dustproof Black is a linear switch, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is a tactile switch. The Dustproof Black is best known for its smooth and consistent keystrokes, making it great for fast typists and gamers who prefer a linear feel. On the other hand, the Silent T1 is perfect for those who want both a tactile bump 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. 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
60g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Partial box
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 Dustproof Black's housing materials create a unique sound profile with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound, perfect for users who prefer a crisp typing experience. In contrast, the softer nylon bottom housing gives a deeper and fuller sound, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more muted typing sound. This combination of materials allows for a dynamic typing experience that caters to different preferences.
On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) utilizes the same housing materials as the Dustproof Black - polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. This means that users can expect a similar sound profile from the Silent T1 as they would from the Dustproof Black. Both switches will offer a sharp, higher-pitched sound from the polycarbonate top housing, as well as a deeper and fuller sound from the nylon bottom housing. Therefore, if you enjoy the typing experience of the Dustproof Black, you can expect to achieve similar results with the Silent T1.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Dustproof Black and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) comes down to personal preference in terms of typing sound and feel. While both switches use the same housing materials, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in different configurations gives each switch its own unique typing experience. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound profile from the Dustproof Black or a deeper, fuller sound from the Silent T1, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience with the added bonus of dustproof housings for longevity and durability.
Weight
The Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch has a higher actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Dustproof Black requires 80 grams, while the Silent T1 needs 67 grams. This makes the Dustproof Black heavier overall. The actuation force of the Silent T1 is unknown, but its bottom out force falls in the medium-heavy category. In terms of weight preference, those who enjoy a lighter typing experience may prefer the Silent T1, perfect for long typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, users looking for a more substantial typing feel may opt for the heavier Dustproof Black switch. Both switches offer slightly different experiences in terms of force requirements, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences for typing.
Travel distance
The travel distance of both the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch is 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled from top to bottom. This similarity ensures that the typing experience will be consistent regardless of which switch is used. Despite their differences in operation - with the Dustproof Black being a linear switch and the Silent T1 (Shrimp) being a tactile switch - their travel distances are the same, providing users with reliability and consistency in their keystrokes.
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 Dustproof Black 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 Dustproof Black switch is known for its lack of specific characteristics, making it a neutral and non-distinctive option in terms of noise. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch is renowned for its muted sound profile, offering a quieter typing experience that is ideal for quieter environments. This difference in sound is important to consider when choosing between the two switches, as the Silent T1 provides a more subdued audio feedback compared to the Dustproof Black.
In regard to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Dustproof Black lacks specific information about its tactile characteristics. Conversely, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch is described as having a stepped, accented, and polished tactile feel. This means that the Silent T1 offers a unique tactile experience with distinct stages of feedback during the keystroke, a moderate amount of tactility that is not overwhelming, and a smooth key travel due to its polished finish. This makes the Silent T1 a great option for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience with a refined touch.
Considering all the available information, the Outemu Dustproof Black and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches offer differing subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Dustproof Black switch remains neutral in its sound profile and lacks specific information on its tactile feel, the Silent T1 provides a quieter typing experience with a tactility that is stepped, accented, and polished. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for sound level and tactile feedback. If a quieter typing experience with a distinct tactile feel is desired, the Silent T1 would be the preferred option. However, if a more neutral sound profile and tactile feel are acceptable, the Dustproof Black may also provide a satisfactory typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch or the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, you should take into account your preferences and needs. If you prefer a heavier bottom out force and are not particularly concerned about noise levels, the Dustproof Black may be the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a medium-bottom out force, tactile feedback, and a quieter typing experience, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is the better option, especially if you work in noise-sensitive environments. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to your personal typing style and environment.
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