Outemu Milk Tea vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Tea 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 Milk Tea and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) are two popular options to consider. The Milk Tea is best known for its distinctive feature of none, while the Silent T1 stands out for offering a tactile and silenced experience, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments. The Milk Tea is categorized as linear, while the Silent T1 falls under categories such as 'stepped', 'accented', 'muted', and 'polished'. Depending on your preferences, you may opt for the Milk Tea for its unique characteristics or choose the Silent T1 for its tactile feel and quieter operation. 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
N/A
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
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Milk Tea and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp), it is evident that both switches feature nylon bottom housings. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and sound absorption properties. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. Therefore, despite having different top housings, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound when using either the Milk Tea or the Silent T1 (Shrimp).
On the other hand, the top housings of the two switches differ significantly. The Milk Tea features a Ly top housing which produces a bright sound signature with resonant clacks when typing. In contrast, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. This distinction in top housing materials will likely result in a noticeable difference in sound and typing feel between the two switches.
While both switches may share a nylon bottom housing, the differing top housing materials of the Outemu Milk Tea and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) will ultimately provide users with distinct typing experiences. The Milk Tea's Ly top housing offers a bright and resonant sound signature, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp)'s polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. Users can expect a more tactile and satisfying typing experience with the Milk Tea, whereas the Silent T1 (Shrimp) may offer a more precise and defined sound profile. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch to the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, we see that the Milk Tea has a lighter actuation force at 45 grams compared to the Silent T1 which does not provide a specific measurement. However, the Silent T1 has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, while the Milk Tea's bottom out force is unknown. Choosing between the two switches depends on personal preference. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Outemu Milk Tea with its lower actuation force, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Durock Silent T1 with its heavier bottom out force, providing a satisfying push when typing. In terms of weight, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces offer users the ability to customize their typing experience to suit their preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to a variety of typing styles.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Milk Tea and Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switches have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the travel distance of these two switches, it is evident that both provide a consistent typing experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This means that users can expect a similar feel and actuation point regardless of whether they choose the Outemu Milk Tea or Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch. Ultimately, the travel distance of these switches is the same, offering a familiar typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
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 Tea 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 Tea switch is known for a lack of specific descriptors, suggesting that it may have a standard mechanical switch sound. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch is described as producing a muted sound. This means that the Silent T1 will provide a softer and quieter typing experience compared to the potentially more audible Milk Tea switch. Keep in mind that the overall sound of these switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard build and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Milk Tea switch does not have any specific descriptors provided. In contrast, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch is noted as being stepped, accented, and polished. This indicates that the Silent T1 offers a tactile experience with two stages of feedback, a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming, and a smooth typing feel due to potential factory lubing. The Milk Tea's feel remains unknown, but one can expect a more straightforward tactile response compared to the detailed characteristics of the Silent T1.
Considering the available information, it is evident that the Outemu Milk Tea and Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches offer distinct qualities in both sound and feel. If you prefer a switch with a more standard mechanical sound and a straightforward tactile response, the Milk Tea may be suitable for you. On the other hand, if you desire a quieter typing experience with a stepped, accented, and polished feel, the Silent T1 could be a better option. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, you should choose the Outemu Milk Tea if you prioritize a switch with a bottom out force that is on the lighter side and if you are looking for a tactile switch without any noise reduction features. On the other hand, opt for the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and want a switch that offers both tactility and sound dampening qualities. The Silent T1 is an excellent choice for those who work in noise-sensitive environments or simply prefer a quieter typing experience. It provides a medium bump, cushioned bottom-out feel, and subdued audio feedback. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your individual preferences for typing feel, sound, and environment noise levels.
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