Akko Rosewood vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the Akko Rosewood and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a significant role, and two popular options—Akko Rosewood and Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)—exemplify this diversity. The Akko Rosewood, characterized as a linear switch, is celebrated for its deep, satisfying "thocky" sound, which is enhanced by a factory-applied lubricant that provides a smooth, engaging typing experience right from the box. This makes it an excellent choice for those who enjoy audible feedback and fluid keystrokes, creating an immersive typing atmosphere. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) offers a unique blend of tactile and muted sensations, featuring a medium bump and padded bottom-out feel that appeals to users in noise-sensitive environments. Its design minimizes sound without sacrificing the satisfying feedback of a tactile switch, making it ideal for those who seek a quieter experience without losing the enjoyable tactile interaction. Each switch caters 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
40g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Rosewood and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp), a distinct contrast emerges between their top housings. The Akko Rosewood features a nylon top housing, renowned for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials. In contrast, the Durock Silent T1 has a polycarbonate top housing, known for generating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The inherently stiffer qualities of polycarbonate lead to a more resonant sound, giving typists a clearer auditory feedback. This difference in material characteristics suggests that while both switches fulfill similar functional roles, they cater to different auditory preferences: one luxuriates in warmth and depth, while the other offers clarity and precision.
Turning to the bottom housing, both switches employ nylon, thus establishing a common ground in this aspect. The nylon bottom housing in both the Akko Rosewood and Durock Silent T1 contributes to a more profound and rounder sound profile when the key is bottomed out. Given that the bottom housing plays a significant role in the feel and acoustic signature upon key activation, the nylon's inherent cushioning properties create a soft and cushioned typing experience for both switches. This shared element means both switches can deliver a comfortable tactile interaction despite the differences found in their top housings.
In summary, the materials used in the top and bottom housings of the Akko Rosewood and Durock Silent T1 juxtapose their strengths and weaknesses, allowing enthusiasts to experience different sound profiles based on their preferences. While the nylon bottom housing provides a consistent feel and sound dampening effect in both switches, the top housings differentiate the overall auditory experience. Therefore, those looking for a fuller sound might gravitate towards the Akko Rosewood, while those preferring a crisper tone may favor the Durock Silent T1. Despite the differences in the top housing, with both switches featuring nylon on the bottom, a similar plush typing feeling is preserved, proving that functionality can harmonize with individual auditory desires.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, we find a notable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Rosewood switch boasts a light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Durock Silent T1 switch has an unknown actuation force but a higher bottom out force of 67 grams, positioning it in the medium-heavy category. This difference in bottom out force means that users who opt for the Silent T1 will experience a more substantial push feel, which can enhance the typing experience for those who appreciate a stronger feedback. Thus, while the Rosewood is the lighter option, providing ease for prolonged use, the Silent T1 appeals to users seeking a more robust tactile response. Overall, these switches cater to differing preferences based on desired typing comfort and feedback.
Travel distance
The Akko Rosewood linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch both have identical travel distances of 4 mm, meaning that users will experience the same amount of travel when pressing down on either key. This equal travel distance results in similar feedback and typing experiences, making both switches a viable choice for those seeking consistent keystrokes. Since both switches offer the same travel distance, users can expect a comparable performance in terms of key responsiveness and feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko Rosewood has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rosewood for $3.11.
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 Akko Rosewood linear switch produces a deep, satisfying thocky sound that many enthusiasts find appealing. This characteristic is enhanced by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant that enriches the acoustic profile. In contrast, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) offers a muted experience, significantly softer than typical mechanical switches. Its design aims to minimize noise, making it particularly suitable for noise-sensitive environments, where the clack and pop of more traditional mechanical switches might be unwelcome. While the Rosewood offers a richer auditory experience, the Silent T1 focuses on providing a cleaner, quieter keystroke, allowing users to enjoy a more peaceful typing atmosphere.
When it comes to feel, the Akko Rosewood linear switch provides a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke without any tactile feedback, ideal for those who appreciate a fluid typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) features a medium bump, making it a stepped tactile switch. This gives it a more discernible feedback during key presses, providing a tactile cue without being overly jarring. The Silent T1’s structure helps create a mild sensation through the keystroke, appealing to users who enjoy a gentle tactile response without the extra noise.
In conclusion, both the Akko Rosewood and Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Rosewood excels in producing a deep thocky sound with a smooth linear feel, making it ideal for enthusiasts who prioritize audio feedback during typing. In contrast, the Silent T1 appeals to those who seek a quieter and more tactile experience, perfect for environments where noise reduction is crucial. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prefer the immersive sound profile and smoothness of the Rosewood or the muted, tactile experience of the Silent T1.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch largely depends on your specific typing preferences and the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard. If you favor a lighter switch with a satisfying thocky sound and a smooth keystroke, the Rosewood is likely the better fit for you. It's an excellent choice for those who enjoy the pure linear feel without interference from tactile bumps, making it ideal for a more responsive typing experience, especially during prolonged typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you are in a noise-sensitive setting, such as an office or shared living space, and you appreciate a tactile feedback paired with reduced noise, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) would be the way to go. Its medium-heavy actuation force and muted sound profile provide a comfortable typing experience with the benefit of tactile feedback, all while keeping the noise level down. Therefore, your decision should be guided by whether you prioritize sound and feel or a quieter, more discrete typing experience.