Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the Akko V3 Silver Pro offer unique features and benefits to cater to different preferences. The Silent T1 is a tactile switch that provides a medium bump and padded bottom-out feel, making it ideal for those looking for a tactile yet silenced typing experience in noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro is a linear switch designed specifically for gamers, offering smooth keystrokes with a pleasing bassy sound, light actuation force, and shortened travel distance for quick response times. While the Silent T1 focuses on providing a tactile and quiet typing experience, the V3 Silver Pro prioritizes speed and responsiveness for gaming scenarios. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Gold-plated
Spring
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the Akko V3 Silver Pro, both keyboards feature polycarbonate top housings that create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. However, the nylon bottom housing of the Silent T1 (Shrimp) offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the V3 Silver Pro's nylon bottom housing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
While both keyboards share the same polycarbonate top housing material, the key difference lies in their nylon bottom housings. The Silent T1 (Shrimp) offers a deeper and fuller sound profile with its nylon bottom housing, while the V3 Silver Pro provides a slightly different sound experience due to its own nylon bottom housing. This split between housing materials affects the overall sound and feel of the switches, with the properties of the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both keyboards are likely to provide a satisfying typing experience with their unique housing materials.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in mechanical keyboards such as the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the Akko V3 Silver Pro plays a significant role in the sound profile and typing experience. While both keyboards feature polycarbonate top housings that offer a sharp and clear sound, the nylon bottom housing of each keyboard provides a distinct sound profile. The nylon bottom housing of the Silent T1 (Shrimp) produces a deeper and fuller sound, while the V3 Silver Pro's nylon bottom housing creates a slightly different sound experience. Overall, the combination of these housing materials results in a unique typing experience for users of each keyboard.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it is evident that they are quite different in terms of weight. The Silent T1 (Shrimp) has a heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro is much lighter with an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions and gaming. While the Silent T1 (Shrimp) offers a heavier typing experience, the V3 Silver Pro provides a lighter touch, catering to different preferences. Overall, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Akko V3 Silver Pro, while individuals who enjoy a heavier feel may lean towards the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp).
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it is clear that the Silent T1 has a longer travel distance at 4 mm compared to the V3 Silver Pro's 3.3 mm. The Silent T1's 4 mm travel distance offers a more traditional feel, ideal for those who prefer a deeper key press sensation. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro's 3.3 mm travel distance is slightly shorter, making it more suitable for those seeking a quicker response time, such as gamers. Both switches provide a different tactile experience, with the Silent T1 offering a deeper press and the V3 Silver Pro providing a quicker actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Akko V3 Silver Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Silver Pro for $3.10.
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 Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) offers a muted experience, perfect for noise-sensitive environments, with softer and quieter feedback. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro produces a high-pitched sound that is sharp and crisp, catering to gamers who prefer a more distinct auditory response. The sound produced by each switch is inherently different and can greatly impact the overall typing experience depending on personal preference and environmental factors.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) provides a stepped and accented tactile experience, with a medium bump that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, along with a polished finish for smooth key travel. Conversely, the V3 Silver Pro offers an easy-to-press and creamy linear feel, requiring minimal force to activate and offering a buttery typing sensation. The featheriness of the V3 Silver Pro also reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions, adding to the overall comfort and responsiveness of the switch.
In conclusion, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches offer distinctly different sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Silent T1 (Shrimp) excels in providing a muted sound and a tactile feel with a medium bump and polished finish, catering to those looking for a quieter and smoother typing experience. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro is designed for gamers seeking a high-pitched sound and an easy-to-press, creamy feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Depending on individual preferences and use cases, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience, ensuring that users will get similar results in terms of quality and performance.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, consider the specific needs and preferences you have for your keyboard. If you value a tactile and silenced switch with a medium bump, padded bottom-out feel, and subdued audio feedback, the Silent T1 is the ideal choice, especially if you work in noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, if you are a gamer looking for a switch engineered for speed and efficiency, the V3 Silver Pro with its light actuation force and shortened travel distance is the better option for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing experience you are looking to achieve, whether that be a more tactile and silent one or a smooth and efficient one for gaming.
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