TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) 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 TTC Silent Bluish White and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp). The Silent Bluish White is a tactile switch that offers a "medium tactile" feel, providing a satisfying level of resistance and ensuring a precise and comfortable typing experience. What sets these switches apart is their ability to remain quiet despite their tactile nature, making them a great choice for office or shared living spaces. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is ideal for those who desire both a tactile switch and a silenced experience, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments. With a medium bump, padded bottom-out feel, and subdued audio feedback, the Silent T1 offers a balanced combination of tactile feedback and noise reduction. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch option that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The TTC Silent Bluish White and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) share similarities in their housing materials. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows for vibrant and customizable lighting effects. Therefore, users can expect similar sound and aesthetic results from both switches when it comes to their top housings.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, the TTC Silent Bluish White features a nylon material, while the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for its ability to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its relatively softer plastic composition. It absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, users can expect a similar sound experience when typing on both switches due to the shared nylon bottom housing.
It's important to note that the split between the top and bottom housings affects the overall sound and feel of the switch. When pressing down on either switch, the impact of the bottom housing will be more noticeable, as it greatly influences the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing will have a more significant impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. Understanding this difference can be essential for users seeking specific sound characteristics from their switches.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Bluish White requires a light actuation force of 42 grams, meaning it only takes a gentle press to register a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is unknown, but it can be assumed to be heavier than 42 grams since it has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. The bottom out force represents the amount of force needed to fully press the switch down, providing a more substantial typing experience. In terms of weight, the Silent Bluish White is lighter overall, allowing for comfortable and prolonged typing sessions. However, for those seeking a stronger push feel, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) would be the better choice due to its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on individual preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Silent Bluish White has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Silent T1 (Shrimp) has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Silent Bluish White.
In terms of preferences, the shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm on the Silent Bluish White may be favored by gamers who prioritize faster response times. With a shorter travel distance, they can quickly actuate the switch and achieve faster keystrokes. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming may opt for the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) with its longer travel distance of 4 mm. The extra 0.5 mm provides a bit more depth and may be preferred by those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback.
Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing or gaming style. Both switches offer their unique advantages and can provide a satisfying typing or gaming experience. Whether one chooses the shorter or longer travel distance, they can expect similar results in terms of overall functionality and performance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Bluish White (V2) for $5.15.
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 TTC Silent Bluish White and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches are described as muted, meaning they produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. Muted switches like these minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. However, it's worth noting that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Silent Bluish White is described as having a buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished sensation. A buttery switch implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. With its mild characteristics, the Silent Bluish White offers a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. The stepped tactile feel provides a slight pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation, giving a more mild tactile feedback. Additionally, the subtle resistance and polished finish of the switch contribute to a light typing feel and reduced friction, resulting in a sleek typing experience.
Similarly, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch is described as having a stepped, accented, and polished feel. The stepped tactile feel also provides a more mild feedback with some pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation. The accented attribute indicates that it offers a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or too subtle. And like the Silent Bluish White, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch features a polished finish, delivering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction.
Based on the available information, it can be concluded that both the TTC Silent Bluish White and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches provide similar subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. They are both described as muted switches for a quieter typing experience and offer a stepped tactile feel with a polished finish for smooth and refined keystrokes. Users can expect a comfortable and precise typing experience with these switches, making them suitable for noise-sensitive environments like offices or shared living spaces.
Conclusion
In summary, if you prioritize a precise and comfortable typing experience with a medium tactile feel, and if you value a keyboard switch that is as quiet as possible for office or shared living space use, the TTC Silent Bluish White is the ideal choice for you. These switches offer a muted sound, a buttery and mild feel, and a polished finish that ensures smooth key travel. On the other hand, if you want both a tactile and silenced switch, especially for noise-sensitive environments, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) is the perfect option. With its medium bump, padded bottom-out feel, and subdued audio feedback, this switch provides a stepped and accented tactile experience coupled with a polished finish. Additionally, both switches offer a muted sound, making them suitable for shared spaces. Ultimately, the decision between the TTC Silent Bluish White and Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) depends on your preference for bottom out force, tactile feel, and typing environment.
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