Huano Sakura vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the Huano Sakura and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often comes down to personal preferences in feel and sound, exemplified by the Huano Sakura and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp). The Sakura switch is celebrated for its feather-light touch and medium acoustics, making it an excellent choice for those who value a smooth, linear experience during long typing sessions. In contrast, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) offers a tactile bump with a muted sound profile, appealing to users in noise-sensitive environments who desire both feedback and discretion in their typing. While the Sakura provides an effortless keypress that can enhance speed and comfort, the Silent T1 combines the pleasure of tactile feedback with sound dampening for a more subdued experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
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
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Sakura and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp), notable differences emerge, particularly in the top housing. The Sakura features a POK top housing, known for its exceptional durability and smoothness, with a coefficient of friction of 0.04, which is marginally higher than LY's coefficient of 0.03. This makes the Sakura one of the smoothest switch options available, culminating in a “clacky” and responsive feel when typing. In contrast, the Silent T1 uses polycarbonate for its top housing, creating a sound profile that is sharper and crisper. Being a stiffer plastic, the polycarbonate enhances the sound clarity, especially notable when the switch is released. While both materials serve to provide a different auditory experience, the POK's wear resistance and shock absorption mean it is built for longevity and smooth operation, showcasing a more robust performance over time compared to polycarbonate.
On the other hand, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing, which is made from nylon. This classic material is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer texture, which absorbs sound rather than amplifying it. While the top housings are designed with different sound and tactile outcomes in mind, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches elicit a similarly muted and rounded sound signature. Given that the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out feel and sound, users of both the Huano Sakura and Durock Silent T1 can expect a satisfying typing experience marked by a dampened auditory feedback.
Ultimately, the interaction between the top and bottom housing materials in both switches creates a unique typing experience. The Sakura, with its POK top housing, excels in providing a smooth and durable feeling, while the Durock Silent T1's polycarbonate imparts a crisper sound signature. Users may choose either based on preference for sound profile and tactile feedback — whether they favor the resilience and smoothness of POK or the bright clarity of polycarbonate. However, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches deliver that desirable cushioned and soft bottom-out feel, allowing for similar results in overall tapping experience despite the material divergence in the top housings.
Weight
The Huano Sakura linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch differ significantly in their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different typing preferences. The Sakura features an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a light switch that is well-suited for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, as it reduces finger fatigue. In contrast, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) has an unknown actuation force but a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This heavier feel can provide a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a stronger feedback with each key press. Consequently, users seeking a lighter experience should opt for the Sakura, while those who enjoy a more pronounced actuation should consider the Silent T1. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences regarding typing feel and comfort during extended use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Sakura linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, we find a notable difference. The Huano Sakura features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Durock Silent T1 offers a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This means that users looking for a quicker response time might favor the shorter Huano Sakura switch, which could provide a more immediate feedback during key presses. Conversely, those who appreciate a more substantial feel when typing or gaming may prefer the Silent T1, as its longer travel distance allows for a deeper key press before registering an action. Overall, the choice between these switches will hinge on personal preference for responsiveness versus tactile depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Sakura has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura for $3.29.
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 Huano Sakura linear switch has a medium acoustic output, making it suitable for those who enjoy a balanced auditory experience during typing or gaming sessions. This characteristic allows it to be neither overly loud nor completely silent, providing a pleasant middle ground that can invigorate the typing experience without being disruptive in shared spaces. In contrast, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch presents a more muted sound profile, designed specifically for environments where noise sensitivity is essential. Its subdued feedback minimizes the typical sounds associated with mechanical switches, making it an excellent choice for users who are conscious of their auditory surroundings, such as in offices or study areas.
When discussing feel, the Sakura switch is best known for its feather-light touch, promoting effortless key presses that facilitate prolonged typing sessions without the fatigue that heavier switches can induce. This light and smooth experience can be particularly appealing for typists who favor speed and fluidity. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) provides a distinct tactile sensation with its stepped bump. This switch includes a moderate tactile feedback that is pronounced yet not overwhelming, making it enjoyable for those who appreciate a tactile response without harsh interruptions. Additionally, the polishing of the Silent T1 enhances its smoothness, contributing to a refined feel that pairs well with its tactile characteristics.
In summary, the Huano Sakura linear switch delivers a medium sound profile and a feather-light touch, making it favorable for extended use without sacrificing auditory feedback. Meanwhile, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) excels in quieter environments due to its muted sound and offers a well-balanced tactile feel that is both accented and polished. Each switch has its unique appeal based on user preference for sound and feel, allowing you to tailor your mechanical keyboard experience to your specific needs, whether it be speed in typing or tactile satisfaction in a noise-sensitive setting.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Sakura linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, it's crucial to match the switch to your specific typing needs and environment. If you tend to type for long hours and prefer a lighter touch, the Sakura's 45-gram bottom-out force makes it an excellent choice. Its medium acoustics strike a balance between a satisfying typing experience and a relatively subdued sound profile, which is great for both gaming and everyday tasks. On the other hand, if you're in a noise-sensitive environment and value a cushioned feel when typing, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is the clear winner. With its 67-gram bottom-out force and a medium tactile bump, this switch provides a more pronounced, yet muted tactile experience, making it ideal for situations where you don’t want to disturb those around you. Ultimately, your choice should depend on whether you prioritize a lighter, more fluid keystroke for extended use or a tactile feel combined with a quieter performance for peaceful environments.
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