Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Silent T1 and the HMX Swift offer distinct qualities to suit different preferences. The Silent T1 is perfect for those seeking a tactile and silenced switch, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. With a medium bump, padded bottom-out feel, and subdued audio feedback, this switch provides a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Swift stands out for its deep sound profile and silky smoothness, thanks to its full nylon housings and delicate 42g actuation force. While the Silent T1 is categorized as stepped, accented, muted, and polished, the Swift is labeled as clacky, easy to press, feathery, bouncy, and creamy. However, let's delve 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
42g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
In comparing the materials used for the housing of the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the HMX Swift, we can see that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer nature, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon housing. While both switches share this characteristic in their bottom housing, it is interesting to note that the Silent T1 (Shrimp) also incorporates polycarbonate in its top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This contrast in top housing materials may provide a unique typing experience for users of the Silent T1 (Shrimp) compared to the HMX Swift.
In terms of the sound produced by each switch, the housing materials play a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience. With the Silent T1 (Shrimp) featuring a polycarbonate top housing, users can expect a more resonant and clear sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting due to polycarbonate's translucency. On the other hand, the HMX Swift's nylon top housing will contribute to a deeper and fuller sound, creating a different auditory experience for typists. While both switches share a nylon bottom housing, the distinction in their top housing materials highlights how even subtle differences in housing materials can impact the sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Ultimately, whether a switch utilizes polycarbonate or nylon for its housing materials, the design choices made by manufacturers like Durock and HMX Swift can significantly influence the sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch. While the Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the HMX Swift may have different housing materials for their top and bottom housings, the split between these materials can create a balance in the typing experience, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affecting the sound upon key release. By understanding the qualities that each housing material brings to a switch, users can choose a mechanical keyboard switch that aligns with their preferences for sound and feel during typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, it is evident that the Swift switch is lighter in both categories. The Silent T1 has an actuation force of None grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes compared to the Swift's 42-gram actuation force. In terms of bottom out force, the Silent T1 requires 67 grams to fully press down, whereas the Swift only requires 50 grams, making it a lighter option for typing. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Swift switch for extended typing sessions or gaming, while those looking for a stronger push feel may opt for the Silent T1 for a more substantial typing experience. In terms of weight, the Swift switch is the lighter option, while the Silent T1 is the heavier option, providing users with different tactile experiences based on their preferences.
Travel distance
The Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the HMX Swift linear switch with a travel distance of 3.9 mm. While the 0.1 mm may not seem like a significant difference, it can impact the feel and responsiveness of the switches. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the slightly shorter travel distance of the Swift switch. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial and deliberate keypress may lean towards the Silent T1. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and how it affects typing or gaming experience.
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 HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift for $2.99.
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) offers a muted experience, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical switches. This makes it ideal for noise-sensitive environments where loud clacking noises can be a distraction. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch is described as clacky, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. The deeper sound profile of the Swifts, due to their full nylon housings, gives them a unique acoustical signature that some users may prefer for its crisp and bright characteristics.
Moving on to feel, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is described as having a stepped and accented tactile feel that offers a medium bump and padded bottom-out sensation. This two-stage feel provides a balanced tactile experience that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, the polished finish of the switch contributes to a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch is characterized as easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, and creamy. These qualities highlight the Swift's light actuation force, gentle resistance, lively feedback, and smooth typing experience, making it suitable for extended typing sessions without causing finger fatigue.
Considering all the available information, it is clear that the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the HMX Swift linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Silent T1 provides a quieter and more tactile typing experience, while the Swift delivers a snappier sound profile and a smoother, light-press feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound, tactile feedback, and typing experience, users can choose between the Silent T1 for a more subdued and refined experience or the Swift for a brighter and feathery typing sensation. Ultimately, both switches offer quality performance and can cater to different user preferences in mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, you should consider your preferences and needs. If you value a tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a muted sound profile for noise-sensitive environments, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a light bottom out force, a silky smooth typing experience with a feathery feel, and a deeper sound profile, the HMX Swift linear switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal typing style, sound preference, and tactile feedback preference. Choose the one that best fits your needs and enhances your overall typing experience.
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