Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and Gateron Smoothie stand out as popular options with distinct characteristics. The Silent T1 is perfect for those looking for a tactile and silenced experience, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. With a medium bump, padded bottom-out feel, and subdued audio feedback, this switch falls into categories like 'Stepped', 'Accented', 'Muted', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie offers a thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch, thanks to its all-POM construction. Categorized as 'Buttery', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', 'Subdued', and 'Silky', it stands out for its unique features. Each switch has its own benefits, but diving deeper beyond generalities will help you make the best decision based on your preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the Gateron Smoothie both play a crucial role in shaping the sound profile of the switches. While the Silent T1 (Shrimp) features a polycarbonate top housing known for creating a sharper and crisper sound, the Smoothie utilizes a POM top housing that produces a deeper and more muted sound. This contrast in sound profiles can greatly impact the overall typing experience, with the Silent T1 (Shrimp) likely to provide a more tactile and distinct typing feedback compared to the Smoothie.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both switches also differ in their material choices. The Silent T1 (Shrimp) uses a nylon bottom housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition. In comparison, the Smoothie incorporates a POM bottom housing that contributes to the switch's overall deep and muted sound profile. While both materials bring unique qualities to the switches, the nylon bottom housing of the Silent T1 (Shrimp) may offer a more cushioned typing experience, absorbing more sound and creating a duller sound profile.
Overall, the housing materials of the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the Gateron Smoothie showcase the different ways in which material composition can impact the sound and feel of mechanical switches. While the Silent T1 (Shrimp) features a combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing for a sharper and fuller sound, the Smoothie incorporates POM housings for a deeper and more muted sound profile. Despite these differences, both switches aim to provide a unique typing experience, with the choice of housing material playing a significant role in shaping the overall sound and feel of the switches.
Weight
In comparing the actuation and bottom out force of the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, it is evident that the Smoothie is lighter in terms of actuation force at 40 grams, while the Silent T1 does not require any specific force for actuation. On the other hand, the Silent T1 has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is considered medium-heavy, whereas the bottom out force of the Smoothie is not available. The actuation force is essential for triggering keystrokes, with some preferring a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, ideal for work or gaming, while others may favor a heavier push for a more substantial typing experience. Bottom out force measures the pressure required for pressing all the way down, impacting the overall typing feel. Depending on personal preference, one may lean towards the lighter actuation force of the Smoothie or the heavier bottom out force of the Silent T1 for their desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Smoothie the shorter option of the two. The Silent T1 provides a slightly longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more pronounced keypress. Gamers looking for quick response times may lean towards the Gateron Smoothie with its shorter travel distance. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences based on their respective travel distances, so choosing between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style. Ultimately, whether you opt for the shorter or longer distance, both switches are designed to provide a satisfying 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 Gateron Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie for $2.60.
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 and subdued audio feedback, perfect for noise-sensitive environments where a quieter typing experience is desired. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie provides a thocky, low-pitched sound signature that is deep, rich, and satisfying when pressed, offering a different auditory experience. Depending on personal preference and the surrounding environment, one may prefer the softer sound of the Silent T1 or the deep thock of the Smoothie.
Moving on to feel, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) provides a stepped and accented tactile experience with a medium bump and padded bottom-out feel. This offers a balance between tactile feedback and a smoother keystroke, providing a polished typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie is described as buttery, creamy, and silky, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with reduced friction and effortless typing sensation. Depending on whether one prefers a more pronounced tactile feel or a smoother, uniform keystroke, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in tactile response.
In conclusion, both the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the Gateron Smoothie offer unique qualities in sound and feel that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. The Silent T1 is ideal for those seeking a tactile and silenced switch with a medium bump and subdued audio feedback, perfect for noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie provides a thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch, appealing to those who enjoy a deep, rich sound and a buttery smooth typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, consider your priorities. If you value a combination of tactile feedback and quiet operation, the Silent T1 is a perfect choice with its medium bump and padded bottom-out feel, ideal for noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and thocky typing experience without the tactile bump, the Gateron Smoothie shines with its lightweight touch and remarkable smoothness, offering a unique sound signature that is both deep and satisfying. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize tactile feedback and silence or smoothness and sound characteristics in your mechanical keyboard switch.
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