Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the Bsun Taichi can fundamentally shape your typing and gaming experience. The Silent T1 is a tactile switch that strikes a balance between feedback and discretion, making it an excellent choice for noise-sensitive environments. With its medium bump and muted audio feedback, it caters to those who appreciate tactile sensations without the annoying clacking sounds typical of traditional switches. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi, a linear switch, focuses on providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience, featuring a long-pole stem and extended springs that create a mesmerizing high-pitched bottom-out sound. This switch is perfect for users who prioritize fluidity and rapid key presses, often favored by gamers who need precise and quick responses. While both switches have their unique advantages—the Silent T1 for quiet yet tactile feedback, and the Taichi for smooth and unhindered keystrokes—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
N/A
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
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
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the Bsun Taichi both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which enhances their acoustic properties by producing a sharper and more resonant sound profile. This stiffer plastic material allows for higher-pitched sounds, creating a crisp typing experience that is favored by many mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enables RGB lighting to shine through effectively, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of both switches. Thus, users of either the Silent T1 or Taichi can expect similar brightness and vibrancy from their keyboard's lighting, contributing to an engaging visual experience.
In contrast to the top housing, both switch models feature nylon for their bottom housing, which leads to a distinctly different auditory experience when typing. Nylon's relatively softer nature allows for sound absorption, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that is warmer than that of polycarbonate. This complementing contrast means that while the top edging of each switch delivers clarity and precision, the nylon bottom softens the impact sound, providing a more rounded auditory signature. As such, users can achieve a harmonious balance of crisp and deep sounds while typing, benefitting from the unique strengths of each material.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housings in both the Durock Silent T1 and the Bsun Taichi allows for a well-rounded typing experience. The sharpness provided by the polycarbonate top enhances the release sound of the switch, while the nylon bottom cushions the bottom-out noise, creating a pleasing and effective synergy. In essence, even though the materials are the same in their respective categories for both switches, the final outcome in terms of sound and feel is shaped by their interplay, ensuring that both Durock and Bsun Taichi deliver enjoyable and consistent performance to users.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Silent T1 has an actuation force that is unknown, while its bottom out force measures 67 grams, indicating a medium-heavy feel when fully pressed down. In contrast, the Taichi has a specified actuation force of 40 grams, making it lighter and potentially more suitable for users who prefer easier keystrokes for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Taichi is also unknown, which leaves a gap in understanding how it would feel when pressed all the way down. Consequently, while the Silent T1 may offer a more substantial resistance at the bottom of the keystroke, the Taichi's lighter actuation force may cater to those seeking a gentler typing experience. Therefore, users can expect a different tactile feedback between these two switches, depending on personal preferences for actuation and overall keystroke weight.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Silent T1 has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option and providing a deeper, more tactile feel that some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the Taichi features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, which may appeal to gamers and those seeking faster response times due to its quicker actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences—if you favor a more pronounced tactile feedback, the Silent T1 is the better option, while the Taichi might be ideal for users who prioritize speed and responsiveness.
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 Bsun Taichi has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taichi for $2.25.
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) excels in quieter environments, producing a muted audio profile that minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards. This makes it an excellent choice for noise-sensitive settings, as the subdued audio feedback allows for quiet typing without disturbing others. In contrast, while the sound characteristics of the Bsun Taichi linear switch are not detailed, it is noted for its "enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound." This suggests that the Taichi could produce a more pronounced acoustic experience, likely contributing a lively sound during key presses, especially upon bottoming out.
In terms of feel, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch offers a unique tactile experience characterized by a medium bump that is designed to be both noticeable and comfortable. It features a stepped feel that allows for a gentle sense of pre-travel and post-travel, which many users find appealing. The switch is also described as accented, providing a prominent yet not overwhelming tactile response, paired with a polished finish that ensures smooth key travel. The Bsun Taichi's feel characteristics are unknown, but linear switches like the Taichi are often associated with a smooth and consistent keystroke without tactile feedback, which stands in contrast to the tactile sensation offered by the Silent T1.
In summary, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) is ideal for those desiring a quiet, tactile switch that balances feedback and sound, making it suitable for both personal enjoyment and shared environments. The Bsun Taichi linear switch, while lacking specific details on its feel, appears to offer a lively sound profile that might provide an engaging typing experience, although this may come at the cost of the tactile feedback that tactile enthusiasts often seek. Ultimately, individuals will choose between these switches based on their preference for sound and feel—those desiring a muted and tactile switch will gravitate towards the Silent T1, while those who enjoy a smooth and potentially more acoustic experience might find the Bsun Taichi appealing.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and use cases. If you find yourself in a noise-sensitive environment or are working late at night, the Silent T1 is your best bet. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force, combined with the subdued sound profile and tactile feedback, makes it ideal for typing quietly while still providing a satisfying feel. The stepped and polished characteristics ensure a pleasant typing experience without attracting attention. Conversely, if you prioritize smoothness and the auditory pleasure of a pronounced bottom-out sound, the Bsun Taichi linear switch could be more suitable for you. With its long-pole stem and extended springs designed to enhance stability, this switch appeals to those looking for an exhilarating typing experience, particularly in gaming or productive settings where the sound isn’t a concern. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you value a quieter tactile feedback experience or a more dynamic and smooth typing sensation.
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