Outemu Milk Blue vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Blue and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch to the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, it's important to consider their unique characteristics. The Milk Blue is best known for its clicky sound and feedback, providing a satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy audible key presses. On the other hand, the Silent T1 is perfect for those who desire a tactile switch with reduced noise levels, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. The Silent T1 offers a medium bump, padded bottom-out feel, and subdued audio feedback, catering to those looking for a more subtle 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
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Milk Blue and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp), it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting effects. However, the difference lies in the bottom housing material, with the Milk Blue using nylon and the Silent T1 opting for polycarbonate. Nylon is known to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the relatively softer and more sound-absorbing properties of polycarbonate.
Despite the differences in housing materials, the Outemu Milk Blue and the Durock Silent T1 offer similar results in terms of sound profile and feel. Both switches benefit from the clear and resonant sound profile created by using polycarbonate for the top housing. The utilization of nylon in the bottom housing of the Milk Blue produces a duller and rounder sound, while the Silent T1's polycarbonate bottom housing may offer a slightly different typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may come down to personal preference for sound profile and typing feel.
It is important to note that the qualities of each housing material are dispersed throughout the switch, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing affecting the sound when releasing a key. This split of qualities between top and bottom housings provides a unique typing experience for both the Outemu Milk Blue and the Durock Silent T1. Overall, whether one prefers the deeper sound elicited by nylon or the crisper sound profile of polycarbonate, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience tailored to individual preferences.
Weight
The Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Silent T1 has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, while the bottom out force of the Milk Blue is unavailable. Both switches offer different experiences in terms of typing feel and force required. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Milk Blue switch, while those who enjoy a more substantial push may favor the Silent T1. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing and contrasting the two switches, it is important to note that they both provide a similar typing experience in terms of key travel. However, the Milk Blue clicky switch offers a tactile and audible click when pressed, giving the user feedback that the key press has been registered. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch is silent, making it a more suitable option for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. Overall, while both switches have the same travel distance, their tactile and auditory properties are what set them apart from each other.
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 Milk Blue 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 Milk Blue clicky switch is known for producing a crisp and audible click with each keystroke, giving you that classic mechanical keyboard sound. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch is designed to be much quieter, offering a muted sound profile that is ideal for quieter environments or for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Milk Blue switch offers a tactile bump during keystrokes, providing a satisfying feedback as you type. The Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch, on the other hand, is described as having a stepped and accented tactile feel, offering a unique typing experience with a medium amount of tactility that is not overwhelming but still noticeable. Additionally, the polished finish of the Silent T1 switch results in smooth key travel, adding to the overall typing comfort.
Overall, if you prefer a loud and tactile typing experience, the Outemu Milk Blue switch may be the better option for you. However, if you are in need of a quieter and more subdued typing experience without sacrificing tactility, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch is the ideal choice. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately depends on what you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, consider your priorities. If you crave that satisfying clicky sound and don't mind a heavier keystroke without a bump, the Milk Blue is the way to go. However, if you're looking for a switch that provides a tactile feedback while keeping noise levels low, the Silent T1 is the better choice. With its medium bump, muted sound, and polished feel, the Silent T1 is perfect for noise-sensitive environments and those who value a tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing environment.
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