SP-Star Polaris Gray vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that cater to different preferences are the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp). The Polaris Gray stands out for its bouncy typing experience and clean, clacky sound profile. With a low-pitched, neutral, mild, thocky, and polished categorization, it offers a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is perfect for those who desire both a tactile feel and silenced operation, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. This switch provides a medium bump, a padded bottom-out feel, and subdued audio feedback. Categorized as stepped, accented, muted, and polished, it gives a unique typing experience. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision based on your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Gold plated
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) both have polycarbonate top housings, providing them with similar qualities. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, both switches feature a translucent top housing, making them ideal for use with RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect a similar experience in terms of sound and aesthetics when comparing these two switches.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, there is a significant difference between the two. The Polaris Gray utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) features a nylon bottom housing. The nylon housing of the Silent T1 provides a distinct typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Consequently, users can expect a noticeable difference in sound when bottoming out the keys between these two switches.
It's important to note that the qualities brought by the top and bottom housing materials are distributed differently in each switch. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. On the other hand, the top housing influences the sound when letting go of a key. Therefore, despite having different bottom housings, the overall typing experience and sound profile of both switches will still be influenced by the combination of their top and bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, we find that both switches have an actuation force of unavailable grams. Therefore, the actuation forces of these switches are similar, and users can expect similar results in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. However, when considering the bottom out force, the Polaris Gray has a weight of 67 grams, which falls under the medium-heavy category. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) also has a bottom out force of 67 grams, indicating that it shares the same weight as the Polaris Gray. Therefore, both switches provide a medium-heavy typing experience, which may be preferred by users who desire a more substantial push feel. However, it is worth noting that the weight of a switch is subjective and can vary depending on individual preferences. Some users may prefer a lighter switch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, while others may prefer the heavier option for a more satisfying typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom is the same for both switches. Whether you opt for the Polaris Gray or the Silent T1, you can expect to feel the same amount of travel distance when pressing down on a key. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches offer similar results.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Polaris Gray has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Gray for $5.00.
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
The SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch is known for providing a bouncy typing experience. It has a clean and clacky sound profile, with low-pitched characteristics that offer a bass-heavy and mellow tone. This switch is also described as thocky, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed and released. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch is ideal for those seeking a tactile and silenced typing experience. It offers a medium bump, providing a mild amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The sound of this switch is muted, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular clacky switches.
In terms of feel, the Polaris Gray switch offers a mild and approachable typing experience. It falls in a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of its characteristics. Additionally, it is described as polished, featuring a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. This switch has reduced friction and smooth key travel, enhancing the overall feel. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch has a stepped feel, offering two stages of tactility. It provides a mild amount of pre-travel and/or post-travel, giving users a unique tactile feedback. Similar to the Polaris Gray, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch is also described as polished, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Taking all the available information into account, the Polaris Gray linear switch is best suited for individuals who prefer a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile. Its low-pitched and thocky characteristics offer a deep and satisfying sound. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch is perfect for those seeking a combination of tactile feedback and a silenced typing experience. Its muted sound and medium bump provide a softer and quieter typing experience. Although they have different sound and feel profiles, both switches offer polished finishes, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Depending on your preferences, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, if you prefer a bouncy typing experience with clean and clacky sound, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch is the way to go. These switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a satisfying resistance. Additionally, the Polaris Gray switches have a low-pitched, neutral sound profile, which produces a deep and mellow tone. In terms of feel, they offer a mild typing experience and a polished finish, resulting in smooth and refined key travel.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a tactile and silenced switch, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) is your best choice. These switches also have a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, ensuring a comfortable typing experience. The Silent T1 switches provide a medium bump and padded bottom-out feel, accompanied by subdued audio feedback, making them perfect for noise-sensitive environments. They have a muted sound profile, which minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards.
Ultimately, your choice between the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) will depend on whether you prioritize a bouncy linear switch with a clean and clacky sound or a tactile and silenced switch. Consider your typing preferences, environment, and desired sound and feel to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Mentioned in this article
