Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact typing experience and sound dynamics. The Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) stands out as an excellent option for those who enjoy a tactile feedback while also requiring quiet operation, making it particularly suitable for noise-sensitive environments like offices or shared spaces. Its medium bump and padded bottom-out sensation offer a satisfying yet subdued feedback, allowing for a comfortable typing experience without excessive noise. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte presents itself as a prime choice for users who prioritize smoothness in each keystroke. This linear switch is crafted using the latest molds from Huano, resulting in a balanced sound profile that manages to be neither too quiet nor overly resonant. Each switch caters to different preferences: the Silent T1 for those desiring tactile feedback with minimal noise, and the Strawberry Latte for smooth and silent operation. 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
45g
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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the Huano Strawberry Latte, it's essential to note the differences and similarities between their top housings. The Silent T1 features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer design. This quality not only enhances the clarity of the sound produced but also makes the switch more conducive to RGB lighting effects thanks to its translucency. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte uses a POK (polyketone) top housing, which, while not as common as polycarbonate, offers a smooth tactile experience due to its low coefficient of friction. POK's performance lies in its durability and wear resistance, suggesting smoother actuation rather than the clarity provided by polycarbonate. Therefore, while the Silent T1 is optimized for sharp sound profiling, the Strawberry Latte offers a smoother typing experience, highlighting the functional differentiation between the two materials.
Despite these differences in the top housing, both switches share a similar bottom housing material: nylon. Both the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and Huano Strawberry Latte utilize nylon for their bottom housings, taking advantage of nylon's classic switch characteristics. Known for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile, nylon contributes significantly to the overall sound experience of both switches by absorbing noise and reducing the clackiness sometimes associated with stiffer materials. As a result, while the top housing influences the clarity and sharpness of the sound, the nylon bottom housing in both cases creates a rounded sound profile that conveys a sense of depth, making it a shared strength in their audio output.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in these switches means that users will experience different sound signatures based on the strengths of each material. The distinct sound qualities of the polycarbonate top housing in the Silent T1 will deliver a more resonant and clear sound, particularly when releasing keys, while the POK top housing of the Strawberry Latte will provide a smoother experience during actuation. However, the nylon bottom housing in both switches ensures that the deeper, fuller sounds persist, allowing each switch to retain similar sound characteristics despite the varied top housing materials. Ultimately, users can select their preferred switch based on the type of sound profile and tactile feedback they desire, knowing that both options leverage nylon's classic qualities for a rich auditory experience.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Silent T1 lacks a specified actuation force buthas a bottom out force of 67 grams, which categorizes it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This makes the Strawberry Latte a preferable choice for those seeking a lighter typing experience, ideal for extended use during work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Silent T1 may cater to users who prefer a more substantial push feel, given its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, users looking for a softer touch should lean towards the Huano Strawberry Latte, while those favoring a stronger feedback experience might find the Durock Silent T1 more suitable.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, we find notable differences. The Silent T1 features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is more traditional and may appeal to those who favor a deeper, more tactile feel while typing. On the other hand, the Strawberry Latte has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option. This reduced travel distance could cater to gamers and those who prioritize faster response times, as it allows for quicker actuation. While both switches are designed for different preferences, the Silent T1’s greater depth may provide a more satisfying typing experience for individuals who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke, whereas the Strawberry Latte might feel more abrupt but offers a snappier response for users who favor speed. Ultimately, the choice between these switches revolves around individual preference for either a more tactile depth or a quicker actuation.
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 Huano Strawberry Latte has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Latte for $3.29.
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) excels in providing a subdued audio profile, making it an excellent choice for noise-sensitive environments. Its muted characteristics result in a softer sound signature, minimizing the typical clatter associated with mechanical switches. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte offers a balanced sound profile; it is neither overly quiet nor excessively resonant, striking a middle ground that can be pleasing in various settings. While subjective perception plays a significant role in how each switch sounds, the Silent T1’s design and purpose cater specifically to those seeking to lessen auditory distractions, whereas the Strawberry Latte allows for a more pronounced but still moderate auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) provides a unique tactile experience with its stepped design. Users will notice a medium bump that is accentuated yet not overpowering, allowing for a refined tactile feedback that facilitates comfortable typing. The polished nature of the switch contributes to smooth key travel, enhancing the overall experience. In contrast, the specific tactile qualities of the Strawberry Latte are not detailed in the provided information, making it hard to draw direct comparisons. However, it is known for its smoothness, which suggests that it may focus more on ease of actuation rather than tactile feedback, appealing to those who prefer linear switches.
In conclusion, while the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) is tailored for users seeking a quiet and pleasant typing experience with tactile feedback suitable for noise-sensitive environments, the Huano Strawberry Latte offers a smooth experience with a balanced sound profile that caters to those who enjoy a refined linear switch. Depending on your sound and feel preferences, both switches present unique qualities that can cater to different typing needs, indicating that the right choice will depend on your specific requirements for tactile feedback and noise levels. If you enjoy a muted sound with a tactile bump, the Silent T1 is favorable, while those who appreciate a smooth key press might prefer the Strawberry Latte.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you are in a noise-sensitive area, such as an office or library, and you appreciate a tactile feedback with a muted sound profile, the Silent T1 is the ideal option for you. Its medium-heavy actuation force and stepped tactile feel provide a satisfying typing experience while ensuring minimal disruption to those around you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother keystroke with a light actuation force, the Strawberry Latte may suit you better. Its super smooth linear action lends itself well to rapid typing or gaming, and its balanced sound profile makes it versatile without being overly loud or clacky. By considering factors such as sound dampening, tactile feedback, and actuation force, you can select the switch that best aligns with your typing style and environmental needs.
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