HC Studio Roselle vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Roselle and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HC Studio Roselle and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) stand out for their unique features and characteristics. The Roselle is praised for its unmatched smoothness and low-pitched sound signature while being categorized as 'Bassy', 'Frictionless', 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', and 'Neutral'. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) offers a tactile experience with a silenced operation, making it an excellent choice for noise-sensitive environments. It features a medium bump, padded bottom-out feel, and subdued audio feedback, categorized as 'Stepped', 'Accented', 'Muted', and 'Polished'. Each switch has its own strengths and appeals, 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Y3
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The HC Studio Roselle and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) differ in their choice of housing materials. The Roselle utilizes a POM top and bottom housing, which results in a deeper, more muted sound profile when typing. In contrast, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) features a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound, while the nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. This difference in housing materials leads to distinct sound profiles for each switch.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Roselle and the Silent T1 (Shrimp) aim to provide an enjoyable typing experience. The POM top housing of the Roselle offers a unique sound profile that is pleasing to many users, while the Nylon bottom housing of the Silent T1 provides a deeper and fuller sound that is also appreciated by typists. While the materials may differ, the end goal of creating a satisfying typing experience remains consistent between the two switches.
In terms of aesthetics, the choice of housing material plays a role in the overall appearance of the switch. The translucency of polycarbonate used in the Silent T1 (Shrimp) allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switch. On the other hand, the use of POM in the Roselle may not offer the same level of customization with RGB lighting. However, both switches prioritize functionality and sound quality, ensuring that users will have a positive typing experience regardless of the housing material used.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HC Studio Roselle linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch differ in weight, with the Roselle being lighter and the Silent T1 being heavier. The Roselle has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it a medium-light option. In contrast, the Silent T1 has an actuation force of None grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, which falls into the medium-heavy category. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Roselle would be the better choice. Conversely, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel may find the Silent T1 to be more suitable. Both switches offer different typing experiences due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, providing users with options based on their preferences.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the HC Studio Roselle linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, the Roselle has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Silent T1 (Shrimp) has the longer travel distance of the two switches. A shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm may offer a faster response time, which could be preferred by gamers looking for quick keystrokes. On the other hand, the 4 mm travel distance of the Silent T1 (Shrimp) may provide a more deliberate and in-depth feel when pressing the keys, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for keyboard feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HC Studio Roselle has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Roselle for $4.70.
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 HC Studio Roselle linear switch is known for its low-pitched and bassy sound profile, offering a deep and rich typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch provides a muted sound, perfect for noise-sensitive environments where a quieter typing experience is preferred. When it comes to sound, users looking for a more immersive and bass-heavy typing experience may lean towards the Roselle, while those seeking a quieter and more subdued sound may opt for the Silent T1.
Moving on to feel, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch is praised for its frictionless typing experience, offering a smooth and effortless keystroke. Described as mild, the Roselle provides a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch offers a stepped and accented feel, providing a medium tactile experience without being overwhelming or subtle. Additionally, the polished finish of the Silent T1 ensures a sleek and refined typing experience with reduced friction. Users who prefer a smooth and frictionless typing experience may be drawn to the Roselle, while those looking for a tactile switch with a medium amount of tactility may prefer the Silent T1.
Overall, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Roselle excels in providing a deep and rich sound profile with a smooth and frictionless typing experience, the Silent T1 shines in providing a muted sound and a medium tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on the user's preference for sound, feel, and typing experience. Both switches offer high-quality performance and can deliver satisfying results depending on the user's specific needs and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the HC Studio Roselle linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, consider your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prioritize a lighter bottom out force, smooth and bassy sound profile, and a frictionless typing experience, the Roselle may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, muted sound profile, and a stepped, accented, or polished tactile feel, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what factors are most important to you before making your decision.
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