KTT Pine vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the KTT Pine and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, you may want to consider the KTT Pine and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp). The KTT Pine is a linear switch that is best known for its medium-heavy weight and buttery smooth typing experience. With a polished, factory-lubed finish, these switches minimize friction and allow for effortless key travel. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) is a tactile switch that offers both a satisfying bump and a silenced typing experience, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments. It provides a medium bump and a padded bottom-out feel for a comfortable and quiet typing experience. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your individual preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.90 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
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The KTT Pine and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) share similar characteristics in terms of their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate, a relatively stiffer plastic that provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate is particularly advantageous for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows for a visually appealing showcase of colors. Therefore, users can expect comparable results when it comes to the sound and aesthetic aspects of the top housing for both switches.
However, the housing materials differ when it comes to the bottom housing. The Pine features a polycarbonate bottom housing, offering similar qualities to its top housing. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) incorporates a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer plastic composition. It has the ability to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Therefore, users can anticipate a subtle contrast in the sound experience between the two switches, with the Silent T1 (Shrimp) providing a more muffled and rounded sound on bottom-out.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Pine and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) may depend on personal preferences for sound and feel. If a sharper and crisper sound profile is desired, both switches offer the benefits of polycarbonate in their top housing. However, if a deeper and fuller sound profile is preferred, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) stands out with its nylon bottom housing. Whether the focus is on the sound when pressing down on a key or the sound upon releasing a key, understanding the impact of the different housing materials can help individuals make an informed decision based on their desired typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Pine linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, there are noticeable similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, the Pine requires a lighter 45 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the force required for the Silent T1 is unavailable, making it uncertain whether it is lighter, heavier, or equal to the Pine. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Pine requires 58 grams of force, which is still considered medium. In contrast, the Silent T1 is slightly heavier with a bottom out force of 67 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy range.
Considering weight is important for keyboard users for various reasons. Those who prefer a lighter actuation force may opt for the Pine, as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it suitable for work or prolonged gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience might favor the Silent T1 due to its potentially heavier actuation force. While the specific actuation force of the Silent T1 is unknown, it is likely to provide a stronger push feel than the Pine, enhancing the typing experience for those who prefer a heavier switch.
In conclusion, the Pine offers a medium actuation force and a medium bottom out force, providing a balanced typing experience. Meanwhile, the Silent T1, with its potentially heavier actuation force and medium-heavy bottom out force, offers a more robust and impactful typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on an individual's preference for lighter or heavier actuation forces and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Pine linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, the travel distance of the Pine and Silent T1 switches are equal, ensuring similar results in terms of the tactile experience when typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $4.15.
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.
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 considering the sound qualities of the KTT Pine linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, the Pine switch is known for its bassy and low-pitched sound profile. These switches produce a deeper and richer sound during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch offers a muted sound experience. These switches are designed to minimize noise and create a softer and quieter typing sound compared to regular mechanical switches. It is important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the KTT Pine linear switch is described as buttery and creamy. A buttery switch provides a smooth, fluid keystroke experience, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation. This is achieved through a polished, factory-lubed finish that minimizes friction and ensures smooth key travel. Similarly, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch has a stepped, accented, and polished feel. Stepped switches provide a tactile experience with two stages, offering a mild bump and allowing users to feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel. The accented feature of these switches refers to a medium tactile feel that is prominent but not overwhelming or subtle. Lastly, the polished finish of the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch contributes to a smooth and refined typing experience, reducing friction and ensuring smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the KTT Pine linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities. The Pine switch is known for its bassy sound profile and buttery, creamy feel, providing a deeper and richer typing experience with smooth and effortless keystrokes. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch offers a muted sound and a stepped, accented, polished feel, providing a softer and quieter typing experience with a medium bump and smooth key travel. It is worth noting that individual preferences play a significant role in selecting the right switch, and the choice of keyboard board and keycaps can further influence the overall sound and feel. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring an enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a medium-weight and buttery smooth linear switch, the KTT Pine would be a great choice. Its factory-lubed finish minimizes friction and provides a seamless typing experience. Additionally, the Pine offers a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, which can add depth and richness to your typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile and silenced switch, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) would be the right option. It offers a medium bump and padded bottom-out feel, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. The Silent T1 provides a muted sound, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Furthermore, the switch's stepped, accented, and polished feel gives you a distinct and refined typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between the KTT Pine and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) will depend on your preference for linear or tactile switches, as well as your desire for smoothness or silence in your typing experience.
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