Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the Jwick Splash Brothers are two popular mechanical keyboard switches with distinct characteristics. The Silent T1 is a tactile switch known for its quietness, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. It offers a medium bump and a padded bottom-out feel, providing a satisfying typing experience. These switches are categorized as 'Stepped', 'Accented', 'Muted', and 'Polished', which contribute to their overall smooth and refined performance. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers are linear switches that boast a shorter activation combined with a long pole stem, resulting in a fantastic typing feel. These switches have a 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Snappy', 'Bouncy', 'Subtle', and 'Polished' categorization. They also offer a creamy sound signature that enhances the overall typing experience. Both switches have their unique advantages, catering to different preferences and needs. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the Jwick Splash Brothers share many similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the switches, making them suitable for those who prioritize sound quality. Additionally, both switches feature a translucent polycarbonate top housing, making them ideal for individuals who plan to incorporate RGB lighting into their setups.
However, the main point of differentiation lies in the bottom housing material. The Silent T1 (Shrimp) uses nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the Splash Brothers also utilize nylon for their bottom housing, offering a similar deep and full sound experience.
When it comes to the overall experience of pressing down on the switches, the characteristics of the bottom housing play a significant role. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is fully depressed. On the other hand, the top housing has a more noticeable impact on the sound produced when a key is released. Therefore, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the Jwick Splash Brothers may differ in their housing materials, the resulting sound experiences will be fairly similar.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, there are notable differences to consider. The Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch has an actuation force that is currently unknown, but its bottom out force is measured at 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers linear switch has an actuation force that is also unknown, but its bottom out force is lighter at 48 grams.
Considering weight is important for various reasons. Those who prefer a lighter switch might appreciate the ability to type for extended periods without fatigue, making it ideal for work or long gaming sessions. Alternatively, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience might opt for a switch with a heavier force, providing a stronger and more deliberate keystroke.
While the exact actuation forces for both switches are unavailable, it is worth noting that the Durock Silent T1 and the Jwick Splash Brothers likely offer different weights. The Silent T1 is described as having a medium-heavy bottom out force, suggesting it may require a more substantial push to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Splash Brothers has a lighter bottom out force, indicating it may provide a more effortless typing experience.
In conclusion, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch is likely heavier in weight due to its medium-heavy bottom out force, while the Splash Brothers linear switch is lighter with its lower bottom out force. Although the actuation forces are unknown, individuals seeking similar results can choose the lighter force of the Splash Brothers for a more effortless typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch is 4.0mm, while the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5mm. Both switches offer a noticeable difference in travel distance. The Silent T1 provides a traditional travel distance of 4.0mm, offering a slightly deeper key press experience. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5mm, which may be preferred by gamers seeking a faster response time. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference. If you prioritize a more responsive key press, the shorter travel distance of the Splash Brothers may be ideal for you. However, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial key press, the Silent T1 with its longer travel distance may be the better choice.
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 Jwick Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49 per 10 switches.
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 Silent T1 (Shrimp) is best described as offering a muted sound profile. This means that it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical switches, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers have a neutral sound profile, which means it has a moderate sound with no extreme characteristics. Both switches offer different sound experiences, with the Silent T1 providing a more subdued audio feedback and the Splash Brothers having a creamy sound signature. Ultimately, the choice of board and keycaps will also influence the sound of the switches.
When it comes to feel, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is a stepped and accented switch. This means that it offers a mild tactile experience with two stages of feedback. It provides a prominent amount of tactility that is noticeable but not overwhelming. Additionally, the switch is polished, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers offer a mild and subtle typing experience. The switches have a gentle resistance, making them approachable to most users. They are also snappy and bouncy, providing a responsive and lively feel during typing. Like the Silent T1, the Splash Brothers are also polished, ensuring smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and Jwick Splash Brothers switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Silent T1 provides a muted sound profile, ideal for noise-sensitive environments, and a stepped and accented feel with a polished finish. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers have a neutral sound profile suitable for various purposes and a mild and subtle feel that is snappy, bouncy, and polished. While they offer distinct experiences, choosing either switch will result in similar polished and smooth typing experiences. Ultimately, it comes down to individual preferences in terms of sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a switch that provides a tactile feedback while minimizing noise in noise-sensitive environments, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) is the perfect choice for you. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, it offers a medium bump and a padded bottom-out feel, giving you a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, it is described as having a muted sound signature, making it ideal for shared spaces. On the other hand, if you prefer a light switch with a creamy sound signature, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch is a great option. With a bottom out force of 48 grams, it offers a shorter activation and a long pole stem, resulting in a snappy and bouncy typing feel. Whether you are a beginner or advanced user and regardless of your typing environment, the Splash Brothers will provide a pleasant and approachable typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preference for either a tactile and silenced switch (Silent T1) or a linear switch with a creamy sound signature (Splash Brothers). Consider your typing style, noise sensitivity, and desired feel when making your decision.
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