TTC Silent Red vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Red and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in search of a mechanical keyboard switch that prioritizes a quiet typing experience, the TTC Silent Red and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) are two excellent options to consider. The Silent Red is renowned for its smooth and seamless typing experience, devoid of any disruptive noise. This makes it an excellent choice for environments such as offices or shared living spaces where noise reduction is crucial. With a consistent and buttery feel throughout, the Silent Red also provides a padded bottom-out feel for optimal comfort. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) offers a unique combination of tactility and silence. It is perfect for those who desire both a tactile feedback and a reduction in noise levels. The Silent T1 features a medium bump, ensuring a noticeable tactile response while maintaining a padded bottom-out feel and subdued audio feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Silent Red and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches exhibit several similarities. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches that utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar sound and aesthetic results from both switches due to their shared polycarbonate top housing.
Regarding the bottom housing, both the Silent Red and the Silent T1 employ a nylon material. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Consequently, users can anticipate a similar typing experience when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel of both switches due to the shared nylon bottom housing.
Despite these similarities, it is important to note that the qualities brought by the housing materials are split between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the impact of the bottom housing material is more noticeable, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing material has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Thus, while the Silent Red and the Silent T1 may have identical or similar housing materials, the way these materials influence the user experience can vary depending on the specific design and construction of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, we can observe some similarities and differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Silent Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a relatively light touch to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is currently unknown. However, in terms of bottom out force, both switches exhibit a medium-heavy pressure. The Silent Red requires 63.5 grams of force to bottom out, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) demands 67 grams. Therefore, both switches offer a similar level of resistance when pressed all the way down.
Considering weight as an essential factor, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Silent Red. Its lower actuation and bottom out force make it a suitable choice for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming sessions. Conversely, those seeking a more substantial and pronounced keystroke may find the Silent T1 (Shrimp) more appealing. Although the actuation force of the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is currently unavailable, its higher bottom out force suggests a heavier push feel, providing a more robust typing experience.
Overall, while the actuation and bottom out forces vary between the TTC Silent Red and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp), they both offer a medium-heavy pressure when fully depressed. The Silent Red leans towards a lighter touch, making it ideal for extended use, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) potentially provides a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the TTC Silent Red linear switch is 3.7 mm, while the travel distance of the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch is 4 mm. This means that the Silent T1 has a slightly longer travel distance than the Silent Red. The traditional travel distance for switches is usually around 4.0 mm, so both of these switches fall within that range.
For gamers or those looking for faster response times, the shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm in the Silent Red may be more appealing. The shorter travel distance allows for quicker key presses and responses, which can be beneficial in gaming scenarios. On the other hand, some individuals may prefer a switch with a longer travel distance for a more substantial and satisfying keystroke. In this case, the 4 mm travel distance of the Silent T1 would be a better choice.
Ultimately, the decision between the Silent Red and the Silent T1 will depend on personal preferences and typing style. Both switches offer different experiences in terms of travel distance, allowing individuals to choose the one that suits their needs and preferences the best.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 Red and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches are described as muted. This means that they produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, making them ideal for noise-sensitive environments such as offices or shared living spaces. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Silent Red switch is often described as buttery, mild, and polished. A buttery switch offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Additionally, the mild characteristic of the Silent Red makes for a gentle typing experience that most users would find approachable. 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 often described as stepped, accented, and polished. A stepped switch refers to a tactile switch that has two stages of tactile feedback. This means that there is some pre-travel and/or post-travel in the keystroke, giving a more mild tactile experience compared to switches with a more pronounced bump. The term "accented" is used to describe a medium tactile switch that provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. Similar to the Silent Red, the Silent T1 also has a polished finish, resulting in smooth and refined key travel.
Despite their differences in tactile feedback, both switches provide a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort. This implies that they offer a cushioned sensation when the key is fully pressed down, minimizing strain on the fingers and enhancing overall typing comfort.
In conclusion, the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch offer similar qualities in terms of sound and feel. Both switches are muted, providing a softer and quieter typing experience. Additionally, they both feature a padded bottom-out feel for enhanced comfort. However, the Silent Red has a buttery and mild feel, while the Silent T1 has a stepped and accented tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for a linear or tactile feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a smooth and seamless typing experience without all the noise, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is the perfect choice for you. With a muted sound profile, these switches are ideal for office or shared living spaces. The Silent Red switch has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is medium-heavy, providing a comfortable typing experience. It is described as a buttery switch, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. The Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, on the other hand, is perfect for those who want both a tactile and silenced switch. It is ideal for noise-sensitive environments. The Silent T1 has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is also medium-heavy. It offers a medium bump, padded bottom-out feel, and subdued audio feedback. Both switches have a muted sound profile, providing a softer and quieter typing experience compared to regular switches. In terms of feel, the Silent Red switch is described as buttery, mild, and polished, while the Silent T1 switch is described as stepped, accented, and polished. Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 tactile switch depends on whether you prioritize a smooth and seamless typing experience (Silent Red) or a tactile and silenced switch (Silent T1) for your specific needs and preferences.
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