Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) can significantly influence your typing experience. The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is a linear switch celebrated for its medium-weight feel and smooth keystrokes, providing a satisfying thocky sound profile that appeals to users who appreciate auditory feedback without any tactile interruptions. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) stands out for its clever design, combining a tactile bump with a silenced performance, making it the ideal option for those in noise-sensitive environments who still crave a pronounced tactile sensation. While the Smoothie excels in creating fluid motion and immersive sound, the Silent T1 offers a more muted experience, catering to those who prioritize a quieter typing environment. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
48g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp), we see distinct differences in their housing materials that greatly influence their acoustic profiles. The Sea Salt Smoothie features a POM top housing, known for creating a deeper and more muted sound. This characteristic provides a unique auditory experience that is favored by users who enjoy a softer, less intrusive keypress. In contrast, the Silent T1 employs a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is both crisper and more resonant. This is largely due to polycarbonate’s stiffer nature, which amplifies the sound more effectively than POM. Thus, while both switches can deliver quality sound experiences, the Sea Salt Smoothie leans towards deeper tones, whereas the Silent T1 offers a brighter acoustic signature.
Diving deeper into the bottom housings, both switches also reflect contrasting material choices that affect their auditory characteristics. The Sea Salt Smoothie's POM bottom housing continues the trend of deeper, more muted sounds, enhancing the overall auditory experience by providing a pleasant, fuller sound with slower decay. On the other hand, the Silent T1's nylon bottom housing delivers a deeper and rounder sound profile, capitalizing on nylon's softer characteristics to absorb noise and create a sound that is less sharp and more subdued. This combination of POM and nylon in the spreads between the two switches suggests that users who prefer the Sea Salt Smoothie will find its more muted qualities to be more appealing, while those who appreciate a clear, higher-pitched sound may gravitate towards the Silent T1.
Ultimately, while the two switches utilize different materials for their housings, resulting in contrasting auditory experiences, both can be perceived as complementary depending on user preference. If a user were to mix and match or even use composites of either switch, they could achieve variations of sound profiles that blend the unique qualities of each housing material. For instance, utilizing the Silent T1’s polycarbonate top in conjunction with the Sea Salt Smoothie’s POM bottom could create a very appealing hybrid switch that merges the deeper tones of POM with the resonant clarity of polycarbonate. Similarly, keeping the top from the Silent T1 with its nylon bottom can enhance the softer sound profile while exploiting the clarity of the polycarbonate upper housing. Thus, the choices in materials not only define their distinct sound but also offer avenues for customization to suit varied auditory tastes.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, the differences in their actuation and bottom out forces present distinct typing experiences. The Sea Salt Smoothie features a known actuation force of 48 grams, indicating a relatively light touch ideal for long typing sessions or extended gaming marathons. In contrast, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) has an unknown actuation force, but its bottom out force is specified at 67 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy. As such, the T1 switch likely provides a more substantial typing experience, requiring more force to fully depress the key, which some users may prefer for a tactile feedback. While the exact actuation force of the Silent T1 remains unspecified, the combination of a heavier bottom out force suggests that the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is the lighter option, making it better suited for those who favor ease of use over resistance. Therefore, for a balanced typing experience that favors a lighter switch, the Sea Salt Smoothie would be the more comfortable choice, while those who appreciate a firmer push might lean towards the Silent T1.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, it is evident that the two exhibit different characteristics. The Sea Salt Smoothie has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is more aligned with traditional switch distances. This difference implies that users of the Gateron switch may experience a quicker response time, ideal for those who prefer a more responsive feel typical among gamers. Conversely, the Durock switch, with its longer travel distance, might appeal more to individuals who enjoy a more profound tactile experience without feeling too abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on personal preference regarding the depth and responsiveness of the switch feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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 Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie exhibits a thocky sound profile, which delivers a pleasant auditory experience characterized by a deeper and fuller tone upon actuation. This makes it ideal for users who appreciate a satisfying auditory feedback without producing excessive noise. In contrast, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) is designed with a muted sound, offering a subdued auditory feedback that minimizes the typical clacking sound associated with mechanical switches. This quality is particularly advantageous for those in noise-sensitive environments, allowing for a quieter typing experience without compromising on responsiveness.
When it comes to feel, the Sea Salt Smoothie features a smoothness that enhances the typing experience, demonstrating excellent key travel and minimal scratchiness. While specific descriptors for its tactile response aren't provided, the focus on smoothness suggests that users will enjoy a fluid typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) presents a stepped feel that offers a medium bump, providing a tactile response without being overwhelming. The tactile nature is further accentuated, striking a balance between a prominent feel and a polished typing experience, thanks to the refined materials and potential factory lubing that reduces friction.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Sea Salt Smoothie emphasizes a thocky sound and exceptional smoothness, making it appealing to those who enjoy a pronounced audio profile and refined keystrokes. In contrast, the Silent T1 offers a muted sound and a stepped tactile feedback that caters to users seeking a quieter yet tactile experience. Each switch brings its own unique qualities to the table, ensuring that newcomers have a diverse range of options to explore based on their personal typing requirements and preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you value a switch that delivers an exceptionally smooth feel and a satisfying thocky sound profile, the Sea Salt Smoothie is likely the right pick for you. It's especially suitable if you enjoy a lighter touch with an emphasis on fluid keystrokes, making it a great option for fast-paced typing or gaming scenarios. On the other hand, if you're in a noise-sensitive environment or simply prefer a more subdued audio experience, the Silent T1 shines with its muted sound and tactile feedback. The stepped and polished nature of the Silent T1 provides a balanced tactile sensation without being overly pronounced, making it perfect for a quieter workspace where you still want the satisfaction of a tactile bump. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style and the setting where you plan to use your keyboard.
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