TTC Silent Brown vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Brown and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Silent Brown and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Silent Brown is widely praised for its comfortable typing experience, thanks to its light-medium level of resistance and satisfying rounded tactile bump. Additionally, its muted sound profile makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is specifically designed for individuals seeking both tactile feedback and noise reduction. This switch provides a medium bump, padded bottom-out feel, and subdued audio feedback, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments. However, let's delve deeper into the details to help you make the best decision when choosing your ideal switch.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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 Brown and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice of material provides several similar benefits. Firstly, polycarbonate creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer composition. This results in a more clear and resonant sound when typing on the switches. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency is ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, allowing for vibrant and visually appealing effects. Overall, users can expect comparable sound and lighting experiences with both the TTC Silent Brown and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches.
While the top housings of the TTC Silent Brown and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches are similar, their bottom housings differ in material. The Silent Brown employs a nylon bottom housing, whereas the Silent T1 (Shrimp) utilizes a nylon bottom housing as well. Nylon is known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches. This is because nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, switches with nylon bottom housings produce a duller and rounder sound. Both the TTC Silent Brown and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches benefit from the acoustic qualities brought about by their nylon bottom housings.
Considering the split housing design of these switches, the impact of each housing material is noticeable when pressing and releasing keys. The characteristics of the bottom housing, whether it be nylon or polycarbonate, have a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down. Conversely, the qualities of the top housing, primarily composed of polycarbonate, make a more significant impact on the sound produced when a key is released. Therefore, while the bottom and top housings of the TTC Silent Brown and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches differ, they still contribute to the overall sound profile and tactile experience of the switches in their respective ways.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, there are noticeable similarities and differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Silent Brown has a relatively lighter actuation force, requiring 45 grams of pressure to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is unavailable, making it difficult to determine if it is lighter or heavier. However, both switches share a similar medium-heavy bottom out force, with the Silent Brown requiring 63.5 grams and the Silent T1 (Shrimp) requiring 67 grams.
Considering weight, the Silent Brown may be favored by those who prefer a lighter typing experience, especially if they need to type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. The lower actuation force allows for a smoother and less fatiguing typing experience. On the other hand, users who enjoy a more substantial push feel during typing might lean towards the Silent T1 (Shrimp) or other switches with heavier forces. The higher bottom out force in these switches provides a satisfying tactile feedback and a sense of solidity while typing.
Overall, although the actuation force of the Silent T1 (Shrimp) remains unknown, both switches offer a medium-heavy bottom out force, implying a somewhat similar typing experience in terms of force required. However, potential buyers should consider their preferences for lighter or heavier switches based on the available information.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch is 3.8 mm, while the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Silent T1 being closer to the average. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times, making the Silent Brown a potentially popular choice in that regard. However, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to feel abrupt or lacking depth. For those seeking a more substantial key press, the Durock Silent T1's longer travel distance may be a better fit. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will boil down to personal preference regarding responsiveness and depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $3.68.
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 Brown and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches have a muted sound profile. This means that they produce softer and quieter sounds compared to regular mechanical keyboard switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Silent Brown switch is described as buttery, mild, and polished. A buttery switch provides a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, resulting in a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The mild characteristic of the switch offers a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Additionally, the polished finish of the switch contributes to a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch is described as stepped, accented, and polished. A stepped switch provides a tactile experience with two stages, where users can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel. The accented characteristic indicates a medium level of tactility that is prominent but not overwhelming or subtle. As with the Silent Brown, the polished finish of the Silent T1 switch ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel for a refined typing experience.
Overall, both the TTC Silent Brown and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches offer comfortable typing experiences with tactile feedback. While they may have slightly different tactile profiles, both switches are suitable for those who prefer a tactile and silenced typing experience. Additionally, their muted sound profiles make them ideal for noise-sensitive environments. Whether you choose the Silent Brown or the Silent T1, you can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel, providing a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch would be a great option for you. Its 63.5 grams bottom out force falls into the medium-heavy range, providing enough feedback without being too heavy. Additionally, the Silent Brown offers a muted sound profile, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards.
On the other hand, if you want a switch that combines both tactile feedback and silence, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch is the way to go. With a slightly higher bottom out force of 67 grams, it still falls within the medium-heavy range, providing a similar level of resistance as the Silent Brown. The Silent T1 offers a medium bump, padded bottom-out feel, and subdued audio feedback, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments.
In terms of sound, both switches offer a muted profile, resulting in softer and quieter typing compared to regular or clacky switches. This is beneficial for minimizing noise and creating a more pleasant typing experience.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Silent Brown is described as buttery, mild, and polished. This indicates a smooth and uniform typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Silent T1 is characterized as stepped, accented, and polished. This means it provides a mild tactile experience with some pre-travel and/or post-travel while maintaining a smooth typing feel.
Ultimately, choosing between the TTC Silent Brown and Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switches depends on your specific preferences and requirements. Consider factors such as the level of resistance, amount of tactile feedback, desired sound profile, and typing feel to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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