Outemu Silent White vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent White 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 White, a linear switch, and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp), a tactile switch, offer distinct advantages for different preferences. The Silent White is best known for its smooth and quiet key presses, making it a great option for those who value a noise-free typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) stands out for its tactile feedback and unique combination of a tactile feel with a silenced operation, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments. The Silent T1 offers a medium bump, a cushioned bottom-out feel, and subtle 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
1.60 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
Polycarbonate
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 terms of housing materials, both the Outemu Silent White and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material’s stiffness. This makes them ideal options for users looking for a more resonant typing experience. However, while both switches offer similar sound profiles, the aesthetics differ as the polycarbonate top housing of the switches allows for RGB lighting utilization.
On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Silent White and Silent T1 (Shrimp) provides a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. Both switches benefit from the classic nature of nylon as a housing material, providing users with a tactile typing experience that focuses on the depth and resonance of the sound produced.
When considering the overall typing experience, the qualities of the bottom housing have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. The top housing, on the other hand, affects the sound when releasing a key. Whether it's the polycarbonate top housing delivering a sharp and clear sound or the nylon bottom housing offering a deeper and fuller sound, both materials play a crucial role in shaping the auditory experience of the switch. Ultimately, choosing between the Outemu Silent White and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) will depend on personal preferences regarding sound profile and aesthetic considerations.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent White linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, we see some similarities and differences. The Silent White has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) has an actuation force of None grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams. This makes the Silent White lighter in terms of actuation force, but the Silent T1 heavier in terms of bottom out force. Both switches provide a medium to medium-heavy typing experience, with the Silent T1 offering a slightly heavier feel when pressing all the way down. The choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference, with lighter switches being better for longer typing sessions and heavier switches providing a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Durock Silent T1 has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Outemu Silent White. In general, a longer travel distance may provide a more tactile and satisfying typing experience, while a shorter travel distance is preferred by those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their travel distance, so it ultimately depends on personal preference as to which switch would be the better choice for an individual's typing needs.
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 White 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 White and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) offer different experiences. The Silent White switch is known for remaining silent without any specific sound characteristic mentioned, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is labeled as producing a muted sound. This means that the Silent T1 will provide a softer and quieter typing experience compared to the Outemu switch. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by factors like the keyboard build and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Outemu Silent White switch does not have any specific tactile information provided, while the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) is described as having a stepped, accented, and polished feel. This indicates that the Silent T1 offers a tactile typing experience with two stages of feedback, providing a moderate amount of tactility that is not overwhelming but still noticeable. Additionally, the polished finish of the switch contributes to a smoother and more refined keypress, reducing friction and enhancing the overall typing feel.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Silent White switch focuses on maintaining silence without detailed sound or feel characteristics, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) offers a tactile typing experience with a muted sound profile. If you are looking for a quiet yet tactile switch, the Silent T1 would be a suitable option for noise-sensitive environments. Both switches provide their own unique qualities, so choosing between them would depend on whether you prioritize silence or tactile feedback in your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Silent White linear switch or the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, you should first think about your priorities. If you are looking for a medium bottom out force and a linear switch without any specific standout features, the Silent White may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, want a tactile switch that is ideal for noise-sensitive environments, and enjoy a muted sound with a stepped, accented, and polished feel, then the Silent T1 (Shrimp) would be a better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing needs.
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