Outemu Gold vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the Outemu Gold 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 Gold clicky switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch offer unique features to cater to different preferences. The Gold switch is best known for its satisfying clicky sound and tactile feedback, making it a popular choice for users who enjoy the audible and tactile response while typing. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch is perfect for those seeking a more subdued and silenced typing experience, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. This switch provides a medium bump, padded bottom-out feel, and muted 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.80 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
Both the Outemu Gold and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. This material is ideal for switches that will be used with RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows the lighting to shine through. In contrast, the Outemu Gold's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) also utilizes a nylon bottom housing for a similar effect on sound profile.
The key differences between the two housing materials lie in the impact they have on the overall sound and feel of the switch. The Outemu Gold's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing splits the qualities of each material between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the nylon bottom housing will be felt, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. This split in housing materials allows for a unique typing experience that incorporates the best aspects of both materials.
In conclusion, while both the Outemu Gold and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) feature polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and crisp sound profile, they differ in their bottom housing material. The Outemu Gold utilizes a nylon bottom housing for a deeper sound profile, while the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) also employs nylon for a rounder sound. The combination of housing materials in each switch results in a unique typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the feel of pressing down on a key and the top housing affecting the sound when releasing the key. Ultimately, both switches offer a high-quality construction that enhances the overall typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, it is evident that the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Outemu Gold clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams compared to the Outemu Gold clicky switch's bottom out force of 60 grams. This indicates that the Outemu Gold clicky switch provides a lighter typing experience, making it more suitable for long typing sessions or gaming, while the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch offers a more substantial and firm typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom is equal. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of travel distance regardless of which switch they choose. The similarities in travel distance between the two switches make them equally suitable options for those looking for a consistent typing experience in terms of key travel.
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 Gold 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 Gold clicky switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch offer very different experiences. The Gold switch is known for a more traditional clicky sound, which can be louder and more distinct. In contrast, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch provides a muted sound profile, making it a great choice for those seeking a quieter typing experience in noise-sensitive environments.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Gold switch does not have a specific description provided, but clicky switches are typically known for a tactile bump and audible click during actuation. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch offers a stepped and accented tactile feel, providing a defined bump with a cushioned bottom-out. Additionally, the switch is polished, which means smoother key travel and reduced friction for a more refined typing experience.
Overall, choosing between the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel. If you prefer a traditional clicky sound with a tactile bump, the Gold switch may be the better option. However, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience with a cushioned tactile feel, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch would be a great choice. Keep in mind that the choice of keyboard and keycaps can also impact the overall sound and feel of the switches, so experimenting with different combinations may yield even better results.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a clicky switch with a medium bottom out force and enjoy a tactile feedback without the loud click, the Outemu Gold switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, want a tactile switch with a muted sound profile, and value a smoother key feel with some accentuated tactility, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch would be the better option. Consider your preferences for sound, feel, and bottom out force when deciding between these two switches to find the one that best suits your typing experience.
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