Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the Dareu Snow offer unique characteristics catering to different preferences. The Silent T1 is renowned for providing a tactile and silent typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who value both feedback and quiet operation in noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow distinguishes itself with its use of POK material in the construction, offering a smooth linear feel with a deeper sound profile. While the Silent T1 excels in providing a medium bump and subdued audio feedback, the Snow boasts a bouncy and low-pitched typing experience. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and Dareu Snow both feature polycarbonate top housing materials, offering a sharp, crisp sound profile. However, the Snow boasts a POK top housing, known for its smoothness and exceptional durability compared to polycarbonate. While both materials provide clarity in sound, the Snow's POK material stands out for its wear resistance and shock resilience, making it a top choice for users seeking longevity and consistent performance.
In terms of bottom housing materials, both the Silent T1 (Shrimp) and Dareu Snow utilize nylon, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. Nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a rounder and duller sound that some users prefer for a quieter typing experience. With both switches featuring nylon bottom housings, users can expect a similar typing feel and sound profile that emphasizes the characteristics of nylon, offering a classic typing experience that is familiar and reliable.
While the materials of the top and bottom housings differ between the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and Dareu Snow, the overall impact on sound and feel remains consistent within each switch. The top housing material contributes to the sound when a key is released, while the bottom housing material influences the sound and feel when a key is pressed down. Whether you prefer the sharpness of polycarbonate or the smoothness of POK, or the depth of sound from nylon, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, there are notable differences. The Silent T1 (Shrimp) has an actuation force of None grams, making it very light, while its bottom out force is 67 grams, which is medium-heavy. On the other hand, the Snow has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, both of which are considered medium. The Silent T1 (Shrimp) offers a lighter typing experience due to its lower actuation force, making it suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Snow provides a slightly heavier actuation force for those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Snow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Snow has a shorter travel distance compared to the Silent T1. The difference may not seem significant, but it can affect the feel and performance of the switch when typing or gaming. Those who prefer a faster response time may lean towards the Snow with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may opt for the Silent T1 with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Dareu Snow has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Snow for $5.76.
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 Silent T1 (Shrimp) offers a muted experience, perfect for noise-sensitive environments where a softer and quieter typing sound is desired. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow provides a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, creating a deep and satisfying tone with each keystroke. The choice between the two will come down to personal preference for sound, with the Silent T1 offering a more subdued experience and the Snow delivering a richer and bass-heavy auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) boasts a stepped and accented tactile feedback, providing users with a medium bump and a polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow switch offers a bouncy sensation, characterized by a spring-like feedback that adds a lively feel to typing. While the Silent T1 offers a more nuanced and refined tactile experience, the Snow switch provides a more dynamic and elastic feel with each key press.
Overall, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) and Dareu Snow switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Silent T1 is ideal for those seeking a tactile and silenced typing experience, while the Snow switch stands out with its innovative use of materials for a deep and rich linear feel. Both switches provide distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choosing between the two will ultimately depend on whether you prioritize a muted and refined typing experience or a thocky and bouncy tactile feedback. Ultimately, both switches will provide a satisfying typing experience tailored to individual preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you prioritize a tactile and silenced typing experience in a noise-sensitive environment, the Silent T1 is the way to go with its medium bump, padded bottom-out feel, and subdued audio feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth linear switch with a deeper sound signature and innovative POK material construction, the Snow would be a great choice. Remember to factor in the bottom out force differences, with the Silent T1 requiring a slightly heavier 67 grams compared to the Snow's 60 grams. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the sound, feel, and typing experience that best suits your individual preferences and usage scenarios.
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