Outemu Dustproof Green vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Green and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the distinct characteristics of the Outemu Dustproof Green and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) present two compelling yet contrasting options for different user preferences. The Dustproof Green is renowned for its clicky feedback, a hallmark of traditional mechanical switches that many typists and gamers love for its satisfying auditory and tactile response. This switch can enhance typing accuracy and provide an engaging experience for those who enjoy a more pronounced feel with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) caters to those who prioritize a quieter operation without sacrificing the tactile sensation, making it an excellent choice for noise-sensitive environments. Its design features a medium bump and padded bottom-out feel, providing a smooth, muted experience that avoids the clatter often associated with clicky switches. While the Dustproof Green excels in delivering a vibrant typing experience, the Silent T1 offers a serene alternative. 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
65g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
80g
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
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Dustproof Green and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp), it becomes apparent that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, leading to quite similar sound profiles. Polycarbonate, known for its stiffness, fosters a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when typing. This trait is accentuated by the translucency of the material, making it especially suitable for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. The identical use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switch models ensures that users will experience a clear and resonant sound during each keystroke, highlighting the effective acoustic characteristics of polycarbonate.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of both the Outemu Dustproof Green and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) are made of nylon, which offers a stark contrast to the polycarbonate top housing. Nylon is well-regarded for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer texture, which absorbs more sound than stiffer plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the crisp sounds produced by polycarbonate. As both switches share a nylon bottom housing, users can expect a similar auditory experience when pressing the keys, with the bottom-out sound feeling satisfying and muted compared to the acoustics of the top housing.
The combination of these housing materials in each switch offers a unique yet cohesive typing experience. In both the Outemu Dustproof Green and Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp), the higher-pitched sounds from the polycarbonate top work hand-in-hand with the deeper tones of the nylon bottom. As a result, users can enjoy a balanced auditory experience that showcases the nuanced qualities of both materials—crispness on key release and richness on bottoming out. This thoughtful integration highlights how the careful selection of housing materials can yield desirable acoustic properties and typing sensations.
Weight
The Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch present a notable contrast in actuation and bottom out forces. The Outemu Dustproof Green features a relatively heavy actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In comparison, while the actuation force for the Durock Silent T1 is unspecified, its bottom out force of 67 grams is medium-heavy, suggesting a lighter and potentially more comfortable typing feel overall. Consequently, the Durock Silent T1 can be seen as the lighter option, which may appeal to users looking for a switch that allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. The heavier Dustproof Green, however, caters to those who enjoy a stronger push feel. Thus, while users will feel a significant difference in typing experience between these two switches, both can be effective based on personal preference for tactile feedback and force required.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch feature a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on the keys, users will experience the same physical distance of movement from the top to the bottom of each switch. Consequently, if you're looking for a consistent and similar typing experience in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide that equivalent feel. Thus, whether you choose the Dustproof Green or the Silent T1, you can expect the same tactile response due to their identical travel measurements.
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 Green 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 comparing the sound of the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch to the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, it’s clear that these two switches cater to different auditory preferences. The Dustproof Green does not have a defined sound profile, leaving its acoustic characteristics open to user interpretation, which could vary significantly based on different keyboard builds. In contrast, the Silent T1 is characterized by its muted sound, producing softer and quieter keystrokes that effectively minimize the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards. This makes it an excellent choice for users in noise-sensitive environments who still want the tactile feedback typical of a mechanical switch.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Dustproof Green has not been specifically described, which means it might present a more generic experience without strong tactile characteristics or unique sensations. On the other hand, the Silent T1 is known for its stepped feel, which imparts a sense of two stages during the keystroke; this results in a more mild yet noticeable tactile bump. The refined characteristics of the Silent T1 include a medium level of tactility that is both pronounced and comfortable, without being overwhelming. Additionally, this switch is polished, providing a smooth and frictionless typing experience, further enhancing the overall feel during use.
In summary, while the Outemu Dustproof Green’s qualities remain somewhat undefined, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) stands out as a targeted solution for those seeking a quiet yet tactile typing experience. The distinct muting of the T1 makes it ideal for environments where noise reduction is essential, while its polished, stepped feel offers a satisfying, comfortable typing experience. If you prefer a clicky feedback or a distinct auditory experience, the Dustproof Green might be worth exploring further, but for those prioritizing a silent operation with pleasant tactility, the Silent T1 is likely to meet expectations successfully.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch ultimately hinges on your typing environment and personal preferences. If you thrive in a more traditional mechanical keyboard experience that includes pronounced feedback and don't mind a heavier keypress, the Dustproof Green might be your go-to option. Its 80-gram bottom-out force provides a robust typing experience, making it suitable for those who enjoy a satisfying tactile feel, although it lacks specific standout features. In contrast, if you're seeking a quiet and refined typing experience, especially in noise-sensitive environments like shared workspaces or late-night gaming sessions, the Durock Silent T1 is an excellent choice. With a medium bump and a muted sound profile that minimizes auditory disruption, it’s designed for comfort and discretion, featuring a smooth, polished feel that enhances overall performance. Thus, weigh your priorities between the robust feedback of the Dustproof Green and the quiet elegance of the Silent T1 to find the switch that best enhances your mechanical keyboard experience.
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