Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Durock Silent T1 tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific needs. The Silent T1 is perfect for those seeking a tactile and silenced typing experience, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. With its medium bump, padded bottom-out feel, and subdued audio feedback, it offers a unique typing experience characterized by its stepped, accented, muted, and polished qualities. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver linear switch is known for its lightning-fast actuation due to a short travel distance. It features a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch, making it highly responsive. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the Gateron Smoothie Silver both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Silent T1 features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile compared to the Gateron Smoothie Silver's POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. While the polycarbonate top housing allows for RGB lighting due to its translucency, the POM top housing of the Smoothie Silver offers a pleasing and unique sound experience.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) utilizes a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. Similarly, the Smoothie Silver's POM bottom housing contributes to a pleasing and unique sound profile that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. Both bottom housing materials provide a different tactile experience for the user, with nylon offering a duller and rounder sound compared to the POM's deeper sound.
While the top and bottom housings of the Silent T1 and the Smoothie Silver differ in material, they each play a crucial role in determining the overall sound profile of the switch. The bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when the key is released. Despite their differences in materials, both switches offer a unique and enjoyable typing experience that reflects the qualities of their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, we can see that the Smoothie Silver is lighter in terms of actuation force at 45 grams compared to the Silent T1's None grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Silent T1 is heavier at 67 grams while the Smoothie Silver's force is unknown. This means that the Silent T1 provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, while the Smoothie Silver offers a lighter actuation force for those who prefer a lighter touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Shrimp switch has a longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a deeper key press sensation and more substantial feedback. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers seeking a quicker response time. Both switches provide a different tactile experience due to their distinct travel distances, catering to a variety of preferences. If you prefer a more responsive feel, the Smoothie Silver would be the better choice, whereas if you enjoy a more substantial key press, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) would be the ideal option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the type of typing or gaming experience desired.
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 Silver 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 Silver 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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) offers a muted experience, producing a softer and quieter sound ideal for noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver is known for a thocky sound, providing a unique auditory experience with unparalleled smoothness. Both switches offer distinct sounds that cater to different preferences, so the choice between them would depend on personal sound preference in conjunction with factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is described as having a stepped and accented tactile feel, offering a medium bump and padded bottom-out sensation that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The switch also provides a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel for a refined typing experience. Conversely, information on the tactile qualities of the Gateron Smoothie Silver is unknown, but it is recognized for its all-POM construction, short travel distance, and feather-light touch. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences, with the Silent T1 catering to those who prefer a tactile and cushioned typing feel and the Smoothie Silver focusing on quick actuation and light touch.
In conclusion, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and Gateron Smoothie Silver switches each offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Silent T1 provides a muted sound with stepped, accented tactility and a polished finish for a refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver offers a thocky sound with a focus on lightning-fast actuation and a feather-light touch. Whether you prefer a tactile and silenced switch or an all-POM linear switch, both options provide unique characteristics to cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that offers both tactile feedback and a silenced typing experience, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) is an excellent choice. It is ideal for those in noise-sensitive environments who still want a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with lightning-fast actuation and a feather-light touch, the Gateron Smoothie Silver is the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize tactile feedback and silence or smooth, linear keypresses. Both switches have their own strengths and it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style.
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