Outemu Silent Green vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Green and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Green and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) are both popular options that cater to different preferences. The Silent Green is a linear switch with no particular standout feature, making it a versatile choice for those who prefer a consistent typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent T1 is a tactile switch that offers a medium bump, padded bottom-out feel, and subdued audio feedback, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments. It is also categorized as 'Stepped', 'Accented', 'Muted', and 'Polished', adding a touch of customization to your keyboard. 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
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
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
pom
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Green and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp), both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. However, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Silent Green's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller sound.
While both switches have polycarbonate top housing that contributes to a similar sound profile, the difference lies in the material of their bottom housing. The Silent Green's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the characteristics of a stiffer plastic, enhancing the overall sound clarity and resonance. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) with its nylon bottom housing provides a different typing experience, with a deeper and fuller sound profile. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, influencing the user's overall typing experience.
In summary, while the Outemu Silent Green and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) share similar qualities in their polycarbonate top housing, their differences lie in the choice of bottom housing material. The Silent Green's polycarbonate bottom housing offers a clear and resonant sound, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp)'s nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound experience. The combination of housing materials in each switch impacts both the sound and feel of typing, showcasing the importance of housing material selection in customizing mechanical keyboards.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Green linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, it is evident that the Silent Green is the lighter option with an actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Silent T1's unknown actuation force. However, the Silent T1 has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams compared to the Silent Green's 60 grams. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, providing a balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback. The actuation force determines the force required to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures the pressure needed to press the key all the way down. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Green linear switch and Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing their travel distances, it can be observed that both switches offer the same typing experience in terms of how far the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of key press feel and overall typing experience when using either of these switches. Therefore, whether you choose the Outemu Silent Green or the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp), you can rest assured that the travel distance will be consistent and provide a satisfying typing experience.
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 Silent 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 it comes to sound, the Outemu Silent Green switch does not have a specific descriptor, meaning its sound profile is not well-known. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch is known for producing a muted sound. This means that the Silent T1 switch will provide a softer and quieter typing experience compared to the Outemu Silent Green switch. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Silent Green switch does not have a specific descriptor, so its tactile feedback is not as well-documented. On the contrary, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch is described as stepped, accented, and polished. This means that the Silent T1 switch offers a two-stage tactile experience with a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, the polished finish of the switch contributes to a smooth and refined typing feel with reduced friction.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a linear switch with potentially undefined sound characteristics, the Outemu Silent Green switch could be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a tactile switch with a muted sound profile, a medium bump, and a polished feel, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch may be the better option for you. Keep in mind that personal preference plays a significant role in choosing the right switch for your mechanical keyboard setup, so experimenting with different switches is recommended to find the perfect match for your typing style.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a smooth, quiet linear switch with a medium bottom out force, the Outemu Silent Green would be a good choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a bit more weight and want a combination of tactility and silence, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) would be more suitable for you. The Silent T1 (Shrimp) provides a mild, accented tactile feel and is ideal for noise-sensitive environments. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your preference for linear vs. tactile switches and the level of sound and tactile feedback you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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