Everglide Sakura Pink vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the Everglide Sakura Pink and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Sakura Pink and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) are two popular options offering distinct features. The Sakura Pink is a linear switch, known for its feather-light 35g actuation force, making it a preferred choice for delicate typists. With a gliding type feel and frictionless operation, it provides an effortless typing experience. The Sakura Pinks also produce a playful popping sound, reminiscent of bubble wrap being popped. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is a tactile switch designed for those who desire both tactile feedback and silence. It offers a medium bump and a padded bottom-out feel, perfect for noise-sensitive environments. While the Sakura Pink is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Creamy', 'Easy-to-press', 'Frictionless', and 'Muted', the Silent T1 is known for being 'Stepped', 'Accented', 'Muted', and 'Polished'. Each switch has its own unique qualities, making the decision between the two a matter of personal preference. However, let's delve deeper into the intricacies of these switches to help you determine the best choice for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Everglide Sakura Pink and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) both feature polycarbonate top housings, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing results in a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for those who prioritize sound quality. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for users who plan to utilize RGB lighting, as it allows for enhanced lighting effects. Therefore, both switches offer similar qualities when it comes to their polycarbonate top housings.
However, the housings differ when it comes to their bottom housings. The Sakura Pink boasts a polycarbonate bottom housing, which provides similar benefits in terms of sound profile and clarity as the top housing. Conversely, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) utilizes a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. This means that typing on the Silent T1 will yield a different auditory experience compared to the Sakura Pink, with a focus on a deeper and more muffled sound.
When using switches with different top and bottom housings, the qualities of each material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and the feel when pressing down on the keys. In contrast, the top housing has a significant impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, users can expect variations in the sound and feel of the Sakura Pink and the Silent T1 due to their different housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, there are notable differences. The Sakura Pink switch has an actuation force of 35 grams, making it relatively light. In contrast, the actuation force of the Silent T1 switch is unavailable, indicating that we don't have specific information. However, its bottom out force measures at 67 grams, which falls into the medium-heavy range.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Sakura Pink switch would be a suitable choice as its lower actuation force allows for longer typing durations without fatigue. This makes it ideal for individuals who spend extensive amounts of time typing at work or engaging in lengthy gaming sessions. On the other hand, if a more substantial typing experience is desired, the Silent T1 switch with its heavier bottom out force could provide the desired push feel. This heavier force can enhance the tactile feedback and make typing more satisfying for those who prefer a stronger key press.
It's important to note that while the exact actuation force of the Silent T1 switch is unknown, the Sakura Pink switch can serve as a reference point. If the actuation force of the Silent T1 is similar to the Sakura Pink, users can expect comparable results in terms of a lighter typing experience. Alternatively, if the Silent T1 has a higher actuation force, it may provide a slightly heavier typing feel than the Sakura Pink. Ultimately, the weight of the switch is a personal preference that depends on individual typing habits and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. In terms of travel distance, these two switches offer equal results, ensuring a consistent typing experience. Whether you opt for the Sakura Pink linear switch or the Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, you can expect the same tactile feedback and responsive keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Sakura Pink has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura Pink for $3.89.
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, both the Everglide Sakura Pink and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches are described as muted, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Therefore, while the Sakura Pink and Silent T1 may both offer muted sound profiles, the specific sound you achieve may vary depending on your setup.
In terms of feel, the Sakura Pink switch offers a variety of descriptors. It is described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. It also has a creamy sensation, akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. The switch is easy to press, requiring minimal force to activate, making typing comfortable and reducing finger fatigue. Additionally, the Sakura Pink switch is frictionless, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch is described as stepped, providing a mild tactile feel with noticeable pre-travel and/or post-travel. It is also accented, offering a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Finally, the Silent T1 switch is polished, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Considering all the available information, it's clear that the Everglide Sakura Pink and Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches have distinctive subjective qualities. The Sakura Pink switch offers a feather-light actuation force, a gliding type feel, and a poppy sound that adds a playful touch to typing sessions. It provides a seamless and effortless typing experience with its buttery, creamy, easy-to-press, and frictionless attributes. On the other hand, the Silent T1 switch caters to those who desire both tactility and silence. It offers a stepped feel, accentuated tactility, and a polished finish for a refined typing experience. While the switches differ in terms of sound and feel, both provide unique characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience. Depending on your personal preferences, you can achieve similar results in either switch by carefully selecting your keyboard board and keycap combinations.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a feather-light actuation force and a smooth and effortless typing experience, the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch would be a great choice for you. With its gliding type feel and frictionless operation, it provides a delightfully poppy sound that adds a playful touch to your keyboarding sessions. Additionally, the Sakura Pink offers a muted sound profile, minimizing noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, if you want a tactile switch with a medium bump and a padded bottom-out feel, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) is the switch for you. It is perfect for noise-sensitive environments and provides subdued audio feedback. The Silent T1 also offers a stepped feel, providing a mild tactile experience without being overwhelming or too subtle. Ultimately, the choice between the Sakura Pink and Silent T1 comes down to personal preference, whether you prioritize a feather-light linear switch or a tactile switch with a medium bump.
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