Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)
An in-depth look at the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch that fits your typing style, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) represent two distinct yet appealing options. The Silent T1 stands out as a tactile switch perfect for noise-sensitive environments, offering a medium bump and a silenced action that minimizes audio distractions while providing satisfying feedback. Its muted profile makes it an ideal choice for office settings or late-night gaming sessions where quiet operation is preferred. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) embraces a hall effect mechanism, delivering a smooth and polished keystroke that many enthusiasts crave. Revered for its pleasing "thock" sound signature and reduced wobble thanks to its dustproof stem, this switch offers a refined typing experience that balances tactile sensation with a delightful auditory feedback. While both switches cater to different preferences—silence versus tactile richness—they each provide unique benefits that can enhance your overall typing satisfaction. 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
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
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 Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, establishing a shared foundation that impacts their acoustic output significantly. Polycarbonate is recognized for its stiffness, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This material's clarity allows for a more resonant sound when the key is activated, enhancing the overall typing experience. Furthermore, both switches use clear polycarbonate for their top housings, making them particularly suitable for RGB lighting applications. The translucency of the polycarbonate means that backlighting will shine through vibrantly, illuminating the aesthetic appeal of the switches in a keyboard setup.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of both switches differ, with the Silent T1 featuring nylon and the Sticky Rice (V2) also employing nylon. This consistent choice of material creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's relatively softer nature absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics like polycarbonate. This sound-absorbing characteristic results in a duller and rounder acoustic signature, providing a contrast to the sharper high-end frequencies produced by the polycarbonate top. As such, both switches will offer a refined auditory experience, albeit one that balances the higher pitches of the top housing with the rounded tones from the nylon bottom.
Ultimately, while both the Silent T1 (Shrimp) and Sticky Rice (V2) switches share polycarbonate top housings that contribute to their clear sound, the nylon bottom housings play a significant role in defining their overall character. The specific combination of materials results in unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. Users can expect a more pronounced and defined sound upon key release from the polycarbonate top, while the impact of bottoming out will feel substantial yet refined due to the nylon base's sound dampening qualities. This carefully designed interplay between the materials ensures that both switches, while having similar components, deliver nuanced audio experiences that cater to various typing styles and preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch with the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, there is a notable contrast in their force characteristics. The Silent T1 has an unknown actuation force but features a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This difference indicates that the Sticky Rice (V2) is the lighter option, making it more suitable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming marathons where less force is preferred. Conversely, the Silent T1 may appeal to those who favor a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force. As a result, users can expect a softer feel from the Sticky Rice (V2) while achieving a firmer typing sensation with the Silent T1.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, it's clear that they offer different experiences. The Silent T1 has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional depth, providing a heftier feel under the fingers. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) features a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, catering to those who favor quicker response times, particularly gamers who prefer a more tactile and faster keystroke. Therefore, if you’re looking for a switch that provides a deeper actuation and a more deliberate typing experience, the Silent T1 is the better option. Conversely, if you prioritize snappiness and a lighter touch, the Sticky Rice (V2) might be the ideal choice for you. Overall, while the Silent T1 offers a longer travel distance, the Sticky Rice (V2) provides a shorter travel option, resulting in distinctly different tactile experiences.
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 Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sticky Rice (V2) for $6.79.
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) presents a muted character that excels in noise-sensitive environments, making it a perfect choice for users who prioritize discretion. This subdued audio feedback minimizes the typical clack associated with mechanical keyboards, creating a quieter typing experience. In stark contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) features a low-pitched sound profile that appeals to enthusiasts, as it produces a mellow tone reminiscent of the coveted "thock." Although both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, the Silent T1’s focus on silence and the Sticky Rice’s low-frequency resonance are likely to satisfy different user preferences depending on their environments.
In terms of feel, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is characterized by its stepped tactile response, allowing for a two-stage feel that contributes to a thoughtful typing experience. This means that typists can anticipate the feedback during both pre-travel and post-travel, making it suitable for those who enjoy a more moderate tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) boasts a polished and silky typing feel with minimal resistance, largely aided by a dustproof stem that reduces wobble. The overall typing experience is described as mild yet buttery, which appeals to users who appreciate a smooth and effortless keystroke. While the Silent T1 offers a more pronounced tactile feedback, the Sticky Rice provides a refined, smooth experience, catering to different typing preferences.
In conclusion, both the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches offer unique attributes that cater to particular typing needs. While the Silent T1 excels in noise reduction with its muted sound and stepped tactile feel, the Sticky Rice stands out with its richly textured low-pitched sound and exceptionally smooth key travel. By understanding these key differences, newcomers can make an informed choice based on their personal preferences for sound and feel, resulting in a typing experience tailored to their specific environment and style.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch ultimately hinges on your specific needs and preferences. If you find yourself in a noise-sensitive environment or if you simply prefer a quieter typing experience without sacrificing tactile feedback, the Silent T1 is an excellent option with its medium-heavy actuation force and muted sound profile. Its stepped tactile feel provides a reassuring bump, making it ideal for focused typing sessions or late-night work when you want to minimize distractions. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and refined typing experience with an enjoyable tactile sensation, the Sticky Rice (V2) might be the way to go. Its light actuation force and polished, silky feel will appeal to those who appreciate a gentle touch while typing and enjoy a low-pitched, “thock”-like sound. Whichever switch you choose, let your typing style and environment guide your decision to ensure you have the most satisfying experience possible.
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