Jwick Semi-Silent Linear vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp). The Semi-Silent Linear, a linear switch, is renowned for its innovation and unique characteristics. With its whisper-quiet topping-out sound and clacky bottom-out sound, this switch offers a distinct typing experience. Its silky smooth type feel, without being overly polished, makes it a pleasure to use. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp), a tactile switch, is perfect for those seeking both a tactile feel and a silenced switch. Particularly suitable for noise-sensitive environments, it provides a medium bump, padded bottom-out feel, and subdued audio feedback. While both switches have their merits, it's essential to delve deeper beyond these general descriptions to determine which one is the best fit for your individual preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) both use polycarbonate for the top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced by these switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it perfect for incorporating RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to these switches. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch with a clear housing and plan to use RGB lighting, both the Semi-Silent Linear and the Silent T1 (Shrimp) would provide similar results in terms of sound profile and aesthetics.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Semi-Silent Linear utilizes nylon while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) also employs nylon as the material for its bottom housing. Nylon is known to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This characteristic of nylon creates a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches. Therefore, whether you choose the Semi-Silent Linear or the Silent T1 (Shrimp), you can expect a similar typing experience with a deep and full sound profile, thanks to the nylon bottom housing in both switches.
Since the top and bottom housings impact different aspects of the switch, the differences in housing materials between the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) can be observed in the bottom-out sound and feel, as well as the sound when you let go of a key. The bottom housing, being responsible for the bottom-out sound and feel, will contribute to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the top housing will have a greater influence on the sound produced when you release a key. Therefore, depending on your preference for the bottom-out sensation and the sound upon key release, you may find slight variations in the typing experience between the Semi-Silent Linear and the Silent T1 (Shrimp) due to their different housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, we find some similarities and differences. The actuation force for both switches is unavailable, so we cannot directly compare them in this aspect. However, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is considered medium, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, classified as medium-heavy.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer lighter switches as they allow for longer typing sessions, making them suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. However, others prefer a stronger push feel to enhance the tactile typing experience, opting for switches with heavier forces. In terms of weight, it can be inferred that the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear is lighter than the Silent T1 (Shrimp), given that the bottom out force of 62 grams is lighter than the Silent T1's 67 grams.
In summary, while the actuation forces are unknown for both switches, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) has a slightly heavier medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams. Consequently, those seeking a lighter switch for prolonged typing may favor the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, while those desiring a more substantial typing experience might lean towards the Silent T1 (Shrimp).
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, we can see that there is a difference in their distances. The Semi-Silent Linear has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Silent T1 has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Semi-Silent Linear.
In terms of preferences, a travel distance of 4.0mm is considered the most traditional, while a distance of 3.0mm is the most shallow. However, with the increasing popularity of gaming, shorter travel distances have become prevalent. Gamers, in particular, prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. So, if you prioritize quick and responsive keystrokes, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear with its shorter travel distance would be a suitable choice.
On the other hand, some individuals may find short travel distances to feel too abrupt. If you prefer a more substantial and satisfying depth when pressing down on a key, the Durock Silent T1 with its slightly longer travel distance may be more appealing to you. It is important to note that both switches provide a similar typing experience in terms of the distance traveled, but the slight variation may make a difference depending on personal preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a shorter travel distance for faster response times or a longer travel distance for a more substantial keystroke feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is best known for its innovative design that combines a whisper-quiet topping-out sound with a clacky bottom-out sound. This switch provides a subdued sound when pressed, offering a more subtle and dampened sound profile compared to most switches. It falls under the category of neutral switches, which means it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile. This makes it suitable for both beginners and advanced users, as well as for use in various environments like home or work. The type feel of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is described as silky smooth, providing a gentle typing experience without being over-polished. It offers a safe middle-ground feel that most users will find approachable.
On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch is ideal for those who desire both a tactile experience and a silenced switch. This switch is perfect for noise-sensitive environments, as it produces a muted and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical switches. The Silent T1 provides a medium bump, offering a noticeable amount of tactility without being overwhelming. It falls under the category of accented switches, providing a prominent amount of tactility that is neither too strong nor too subtle. The Silent T1 switch also shares the polished feel with the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Semi-Silent Linear switch provides a clacky bottom-out sound with a subdued and more subtle topping-out sound. Its type feel is silky smooth, offering a gentle and approachable typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent T1 switch provides a muted and quieter sound, along with a medium bump for a noticeable amount of tactility. It shares the polished feel with the Jwick switch, resulting in smooth and refined key travel. These switches cater to different preferences and usage scenarios, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their needs. However, if a quieter and softer sound is desired, both switches can deliver similar results, although the specific feel may vary.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium bottom out force and want a smooth and clacky typing experience with a subdued sound, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. This switch offers a silky smooth type feel and a whisper-quiet topping-out sound, making it perfect for environments where noise is a concern but you still want a satisfying tactile feedback.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a slightly heavier bottom out force and want both a tactile feel and silenced sound, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch would be the ideal option. This switch provides a medium bump and a padded bottom-out feel, delivering a more pronounced tactile feedback while minimizing the noise associated with mechanical keyboards.
In terms of sound, the Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a more subtle and dampened sound compared to most switches. It is not completely silent, but it provides a quieter sound signature. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch produces a softer and quieter sound, effectively reducing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards.
When it comes to the typing feel, the Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a mild and snappy typing experience. It is smooth and buttery, providing a seamless and effortless keystroke. Additionally, its polished finish ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch provides a stepped and accented tactile feedback, offering a moderate amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. It also features a polished finish for a sleek typing experience.
Ultimately, your choice between the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch will depend on your preferences and needs. Consider factors such as the desired bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel to make an informed decision. Whether you prioritize a clacky typing experience with a subdued sound or a more pronounced tactile feedback with a muted sound, both switches offer unique advantages that cater to different preferences and environments.
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