Sarokeys Purple Sakura vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the Sarokeys Purple Sakura 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 to consider are the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp). The Purple Sakura is praised for its tactile feedback, with a snappy response and a smooth downstroke that strikes a perfect balance of tactility without being overwhelming. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) offers a unique combination of tactile feedback and silence, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. It features a medium bump and padded bottom-out feel, providing a more subdued audio feedback. Both switches have their own distinct characteristics and advantages, catering to different preferences and needs. 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
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
22mm lengthened single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, leading to clearer and more resonant sound characteristics. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the overall design of the keyboard. In this aspect, both switches will offer similar results in terms of sound and appearance.
While the top housings of both switches are made of polycarbonate, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura features a nylon bottom housing, while the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound due to its softer nature compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. Both switches will likely offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound due to the shared bottom housing material of nylon.
The distribution of housing materials in a switch can affect its overall sound and feel. The qualities of the bottom and top housing materials will each have their impact on different aspects of the typing experience. The bottom housing material, such as nylon in this case, will influence the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the top housing material, like polycarbonate in these switches, will have more of an impact on the sound when releasing a key, creating a well-rounded typing experience with a combination of different characteristics from the housing materials.
Weight
The Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams compared to the Purple Sakura's 60 grams. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range of force required for typing. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Purple Sakura for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may prefer the heavier bottom out force of the Silent T1 for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for force feedback during typing.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, it is evident that the Purple Sakura has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm compared to the 4 mm travel distance of the Silent T1 (Shrimp). The Purple Sakura's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Silent T1's longer travel distance might provide a more substantial feel for those who prefer deeper key presses. Both options offer their own advantages, so choosing between the two would depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience. Ultimately, the difference in travel distance between the two switches can cater to a variety of typing styles and preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Sarokeys Purple Sakura has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Sakura for $3.15.
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 it comes to sound, the Purple Sakura offers a neutral experience with a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for various environments without being too loud. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) provides a muted sound that is softer and quieter, perfect for noise-sensitive settings where a quieter typing experience is preferred. Ultimately, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Purple Sakura switch delivers a buttery and mild typing experience with a snappy response, creating a smooth and fluid keystroke that is gentle yet responsive. In contrast, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) offers a stepped and accented feel, providing a medium amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. Additionally, the polished finish of the Silent T1 ensures a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches offer a unique tactile sensation that caters to different preferences.
In conclusion, while the Purple Sakura and Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches differ in their sound and feel characteristics, both are excellent choices for tactile switch enthusiasts. Whether you prefer a neutral sound profile with a buttery downstroke like the Purple Sakura or a quieter typing experience with a stepped and accented feel like the Silent T1, you'll get a satisfying tactile response and performance. Ultimately, the best choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when it comes to choosing between the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, you should consider a few key factors. If you're looking for a switch with a medium bottom out force, a buttery and mild typing experience, and a neutral sound profile, the Purple Sakura may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a medium-heavy bottom out force, a stepped and accented tactile feel, and a muted sound profile for noise-sensitive environments, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing needs.
Mentioned in this article
