Outemu Maple Leaf vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Maple Leaf and Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) stand out as two tactile options with unique characteristics. The Maple Leaf is best known for None, falling into a specific category. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) shines for its versatile nature, catering to those seeking a tactile and silenced typing experience, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. The Silent T1 offers a medium bump, a padded bottom-out feel, and subdued audio feedback, making it stand out with categories such as 'Stepped,' 'Accented,' 'Muted,' and 'Polished.' While these general pointers give a glimpse of each switch's features, diving deeper will allow you to make an informed decision based on your specific preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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 Maple Leaf and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp), it is evident that they both use nylon for the bottom housing. This means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's ability to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics. The duller and rounder sound generated by the nylon bottom housing will be similar in both switches, providing a satisfying typing experience for users who value sound feedback.
However, when it comes to the top housing, the Maple Leaf utilizes nylon while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) features a polycarbonate top housing. The distinction between the two materials becomes apparent in the sound profile they produce. The nylon top housing of the Maple Leaf creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent T1 (Shrimp) results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Users looking for a switch that offers a more resonant and clear sound profile may prefer the Silent T1 (Shrimp) with its polycarbonate top housing.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) will come down to individual preferences for sound profiles. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their nylon bottom housing, but the top housing material will impact the overall sound produced. Whether you prefer the deeper and fuller sound of nylon in the Maple Leaf or the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate in the Silent T1 (Shrimp), both switches provide quality housing materials that enhance the typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, it is evident that the actuation and bottom out forces vary slightly between the two. The Maple Leaf switch has a lighter actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Silent T1's unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force of 65 grams for the Maple Leaf and 67 grams for the Silent T1. This means that while the Maple Leaf may feel slightly lighter to type on initially, both switches will provide a similar typing experience once the key is fully depressed. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, the Maple Leaf may be the better option, while those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing may prefer the Silent T1. Ultimately, the weight of the actuation and bottom out forces should be carefully considered based on personal typing preferences and habits.
Travel distance
The Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. While the Maple Leaf offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, the Silent T1 provides a more substantial keypress feel with its longer travel distance. Depending on personal preference, some users may prefer the snappy feel of the Outemu Maple Leaf, while others may opt for the more robust typing experience of the Durock Silent T1. Ultimately, both switches offer a different tactile experience based on their respective travel distances.
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 Maple Leaf 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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Maple Leaf switch does not have a specific descriptor available, so it is difficult to pinpoint the exact sound profile. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch is known for producing a muted sound. This means that it offers a softer and quieter typing experience compared to traditional mechanical switches, making it a great choice for noise-sensitive environments. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel, the Maple Leaf switch does not have a specific feel descriptor provided. In contrast, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch is described as having a stepped, accented, and polished feel. The stepped feel refers to a two-stage tactile experience where there is some pre-travel and/or post-travel. The accented feel indicates a medium level of tactile feedback that is not overwhelming but still noticeable. Lastly, the polished feel suggests a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction. This combination creates a tactile switch that offers a balanced and pleasant typing sensation.
Overall, while the specific qualities of the Outemu Maple Leaf and Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches differ in terms of sound and feel, they ultimately cater to different preferences. The Maple Leaf switch may offer a unique typing experience, but for those looking for a tactile and silent switch option, the Silent T1 is a great choice. Whether you prefer a switch with an unknown sound profile or one that provides a muted typing experience, both switches have their own strengths that can enhance your overall mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force and do not require a silenced switch, the Maple Leaf may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you are in need of a tactile switch that is also quiet for noise-sensitive environments, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) would be a more suitable choice. The Silent T1 offers a medium bump, a padded bottom-out feel, and subdued audio feedback, making it ideal for those looking for a quiet typing experience. Keep in mind that the Maple Leaf is not known for any specific feature, while the Silent T1 is known for its silent operation. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and needs when it comes to mechanical keyboard switches.
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