KTT Purple Click vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the KTT Purple Click and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the KTT Purple Click and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp). The Purple Click switch is renowned for its high-pitched and satisfying click, providing a delightful tactile experience without overwhelming the user. With its light keystrokes and pronounced tactility, this switch strikes a perfect balance. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch is the ideal choice for those who desire both a tactile feel and a quieter typing experience, making it particularly suitable for noise-sensitive environments. This switch offers a medium bump and a padded bottom-out feel, coupled with subdued audio feedback. While these general attributes may give you an idea of which switch to choose, let's delve deeper into their specific features and characteristics so that you can make an informed decision based on your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Purple Click and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) share many similarities. Both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which creates a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics when using both switches.
However, the differences arise when we consider the bottom housings. The KTT Purple Click utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) uses the same material. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, the Purple Click can create a duller and rounder sound compared to the Silent T1 (Shrimp).
It is important to note that the characteristics of the top and bottom housings are distributed differently in these switches. The qualities of the bottom housing, which in this case is made of nylon, have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing, which is polycarbonate in both switches, plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, users can expect subtle differences in the typing experience and sound between the KTT Purple Click and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) due to the variations in their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, there are notable differences. The Purple Click has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, which falls in the medium-light range. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) has an actuation force that is currently unavailable and a bottom out force of 67 grams, indicating a medium-heavy feel. This makes the Purple Click lighter in terms of force required for both actuation and bottoming out, while the Silent T1 exerts a heavier force.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Purple Click would be a suitable choice as it allows for longer typing sessions without causing excessive fatigue. This would be beneficial for individuals who bring their keyboards to work or engage in marathon gaming sessions. On the contrary, individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel may prefer the Silent T1 with its heavier forces. The additional resistance offers a stronger push, resulting in a more satisfying tactile experience for those who appreciate the feedback. Despite their differences, both switches provide solid options for users with varying preferences, ensuring that a quality typing or gaming experience can be achieved regardless of the desired force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience a consistent travel distance of 4 mm. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of the tactile feedback and overall typing experience provided by both switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
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
In terms of sound, the KTT Purple Click switch is best described as having a crunchy and resonant sound profile. When typing on these switches, you can expect a satisfying click similar to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. Additionally, the keystrokes produce a clean and sharp sound with a higher-pitched profile, resulting in an immersive auditory experience.
On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch offers a muted sound compared to regular or clacky switches. These switches are specifically designed to minimize noise and create a softer and quieter typing experience. This makes them ideal for noise-sensitive environments where silence is a priority.
Moving on to feel, the KTT Purple Click switch provides an invigorating typing sensation. These switches offer pronounced feedback and a moderate to firm actuation force, giving them a snappy and reactive feel. They create an immersive typing experience that is both tactile and satisfying. Additionally, the Purple Click switches are described as stepped switches, meaning that they have a mild tactile feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel.
Similarly, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch is also classified as a stepped switch. This means that it provides a mild tactile feel with noticeable pre-travel and/or post-travel. It is also described as an accented switch, offering a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Furthermore, the Silent T1 switch is polished, resulting in a smooth and refined finish that enhances the typing experience by reducing friction and providing smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the KTT Purple Click switch is best known for its satisfying click sound and invigorating typing feel. It offers a balanced combination of light keystrokes, pronounced tactility, and a high-pitched click sound. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch is designed for a quieter experience, with a muted sound and a padded bottom-out feel. It provides a mild tactile feel with noticeable pre-travel and/or post-travel, offering a medium amount of tactility. Both switches have differing sound profiles and tactile feels, allowing users to choose based on their preferences and requirements.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch depends on your specific preferences and needs. If you are someone who enjoys a high-pitched, satisfying click sound and wants a light keystroke with pronounced tactility, the Purple Click switch would be a great fit for you. It provides an invigorating and immersive typing sensation, making it suitable for those who prefer a snappy and reactive feel. Additionally, if you enjoy the sound of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves and a clean, sharp sound profile, the Purple Click switch would be a great choice.
On the other hand, if you are in a noise-sensitive environment or simply prefer a quieter typing experience, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch is the way to go. It offers a medium bump and a padded bottom-out feel, providing a comfortable and gentle typing experience. The switch's subdued audio feedback ensures minimized noise, making it ideal for those who value a quieter mechanical keyboard. Additionally, if you appreciate a switch with a stepped feel, providing a mild tactility with noticeable pre-travel and/or post-travel, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch would be a suitable option.
In summary, if you prioritize a high-pitched, satisfying click and a light keystroke with pronounced tactility, the Purple Click switch is your best bet. However, if a noise-sensitive environment or a quieter typing experience is important to you, along with a medium bump and a stepped feel, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch would be the perfect choice. Assess your needs and preferences carefully to determine which switch will provide you with the most satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
