Outemu Silver vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silver and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silver and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) offer distinct features that cater to different preferences. The Silver is a linear switch that is best known for its smooth and consistent keystrokes. On the other hand, the Silent T1 is a tactile switch that provides a satisfying bump and quiet operation, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. While the Silver is great for users who prefer a straightforward typing experience, the Silent T1 is perfect for those who value a tactile feedback without the noise. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.60 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Outemu Silver and Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is known for being a stiffer plastic that produces a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, while both switches have a nylon bottom housing, typing on nylon switches produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer compared to polycarbonate, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound.
One point of comparison between the Outemu Silver and Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) is that they both utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, resulting in a similar sharp and crisp sound profile. This consistency in top housing material ensures that users can expect a comparable sound experience from both switches. However, the difference in bottom housing material, with the Silver featuring nylon and the Silent T1 using nylon as well, provides a distinguishing factor in the sound profiles. The softer nature of nylon in the bottom housing gives each switch its unique deeper and fuller sound profile.
In terms of practical use, the housing materials of the Outemu Silver and Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) play a significant role in how the switches sound and feel during typing. While the bottom housing material affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, the top housing material has more impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. This means that the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the different parts of the switches contributes to the overall typing experience, offering a mix of sharp, crisp sounds from the top housing and deeper, fuller tones from the bottom housing.
Weight
The Outemu Silver linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force of 67 grams, giving them a medium-heavy feel. When it comes to weight, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Silver switch for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may enjoy the slightly heavier bottom out force of the Silent T1 for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, both switches offer a medium-heavy feel with slight variations in actuation force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Silver linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, users will experience a similar amount of travel from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance indicates that in terms of key feel and typing experience, users can expect comparable results from both switches. It is noteworthy that both switches offer the same travel distance, ensuring that users will not notice a difference in key press depth between the Outemu Silver linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch.
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 Silver 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 Silver switch is known for being relatively quiet compared to some of its counterparts. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch is specifically designed to provide a muted sound profile, making it an excellent option for those working in noise-sensitive environments. The muted sound of the Silent T1 is achieved through specialized design features that reduce noise during typing, offering a softer and quieter typing experience overall.
Moving on to the feel of these switches, the Outemu Silver switch lacks specific descriptors related to its tactile feel, leaving the exact feel up to personal interpretation. In contrast, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch is described as being both stepped and accented. This means that users can expect a tactile experience with distinct stages during the keystroke, providing a satisfying level of feedback without being overly pronounced. Additionally, the polished finish of the Silent T1 ensures a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and seamless key travel.
Overall, while the Outemu Silver and Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches offer different sound profiles and tactile feels, users can expect similar results in terms of quality and performance. The Silver switch provides a quieter typing experience, while the Silent T1 offers a satisfying tactile feel with minimized noise output. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, with both options guaranteeing a premium typing experience.
Conclusion
Therefore, when choosing between the Outemu Silver linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 tactile switch, consider your priorities. If you prioritize a smooth, linear feel with a medium-heavy bottom out force and do not mind the sound, the Outemu Silver may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a tactile switch with a medium bump, padded bottom-out feel, and subdued noise level for a quieter typing experience, then the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) is the switch to go for. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize feel and noise level over other factors when selecting your mechanical keyboard switch.
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