Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) vs. TKC Tangerine
An in-depth look at the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the TKC Tangerine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the TKC Tangerine offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Silent T1 is perfect for those looking for a tactile and silenced switch, making it an ideal choice for noise-sensitive environments. With its medium bump, padded bottom-out feel, and subdued audio feedback, it provides a pleasant typing experience without disturbing others. In contrast, the Tangerine is a linear switch that takes typing to the next level with its incredibly smooth feel. Each keystroke feels like a pleasure thanks to the rare UHWMPE housings, offering a frictionless and buttery typing experience. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you determine the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the TKC Tangerine switches differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Silent T1 features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material's stiffness contributes to a more clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a distinct auditory experience. In contrast, the Tangerine employs a UHWMPE top housing, a newer material that produces a very bright and resonant sound. Despite their differences, both the Silent T1 and Tangerine offer lively sound profiles that can enhance your typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Silent T1 utilizes a nylon material, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Compared to harder plastics, nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. As for the Tangerine, it incorporates a UHWMPE bottom housing, which amplifies its sound signature and delivers resonant clacks when typing. Although the bottom housing materials differ, they both contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switch when pressed down.
In summary, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the TKC Tangerine switches showcase distinct housing materials that impact their sound profiles. The polycarbonate top housing of the Silent T1 produces a sharper and crisper sound, while the UHWMPE top housing of the Tangerine delivers a bright and resonant auditory experience. Both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance typing satisfaction. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing of the Silent T1 creates a deeper sound, while the UHWMPE bottom housing of the Tangerine adds resonance to the clacks when typing. Despite their differences, both switches are designed to provide an engaging and enjoyable typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, some similarities and differences arise. Starting with the actuation force, the specific value for both switches is unavailable, meaning it is unknown which one requires a lighter touch to trigger a keystroke. However, it can be assumed that the actuation force would not differ significantly between the two switches, resulting in similar results when it comes to typing responsiveness.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Durock Silent T1 has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is categorized as medium-heavy. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 62 grams, which falls under the medium range. This indicates that the Tangerine switch would provide a slightly lighter typing experience compared to the Silent T1.
Considering weight as a factor, those who prefer a lighter feel for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions might lean towards the TKC Tangerine switch due to its lower bottom out force. This lighter force would require less effort and potentially reduce fatigue. However, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial and satisfying typing experience, the Silent T1 with its heavier bottom out force might be the preferred choice.
It is worth noting that since the actuation force is unknown for both switches, it's difficult to determine whether one switch is lighter or heavier in terms of triggering a keystroke. However, based on the available information regarding bottom out force, the TKC Tangerine is lighter while the Durock Silent T1 is heavier. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on personal preferences and desired typing experiences of the user.
Travel distance
The Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this regard. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. Both switches provide a satisfying amount of tactile feedback or smooth linear action, depending on the user's preference. So whether you choose the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) or the TKC Tangerine switch, you can expect a consistent and comfortable typing experience with similar results.
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 TKC Tangerine comes in at $6.30 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 Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch is described as producing a muted sound. This means that it is softer and quieter compared to regular or clacky switches, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine switch has a high-pitched sound profile. This results in a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, which may be preferable for those who do not like richer or bassier sound profiles. It should be noted that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch is described as a stepped and accented switch. Stepped switches have a two-stage tactile feel, offering some pre-travel and/or post-travel in the keystroke. Accented switches provide a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch is described as polished, resulting in a smooth and refined finish that reduces friction and provides a sleek typing experience.
In comparison, the TKC Tangerine switch is described as frictionless and buttery. Frictionless switches offer an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The buttery descriptor further emphasizes the smooth and fluid keystroke experience provided by these switches. Similar to the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch, the Tangerine switch is also described as polished, indicating reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Based on the available information, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and TKC Tangerine switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch provides a muted sound with a medium bump and padded bottom-out feel, making it a great choice for those who want a tactile and silenced switch. On the other hand, the Tangerine switch offers a high-pitched clack sound and an incredibly smooth feel, creating a pleasurable typing experience. Although they have different characteristics, both switches prioritize smoothness and polished finishes, resulting in a refined typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, either switch can be a suitable choice for a newcomer.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a switch that offers both tactile feedback and noise reduction, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) is the perfect choice. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, this switch provides a comfortable typing experience with a medium bump and a padded bottom-out feel. It is ideal for noise-sensitive environments, thanks to its muted sound profile. Additionally, the Silent T1 offers a stepped and accented feel, providing a medium level of tactility without being overwhelming. The switch is also polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prioritize an incredibly smooth typing experience, the TKC Tangerine linear switch is the way to go. With a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, this switch delivers a pleasurable typing sensation. The UHWMPE housings contribute to the Tangerine's frictionless and buttery feel, ensuring effortless and uniform keystrokes. While it does produce a high-pitched clack, it offers a unique sound profile for those who prefer sharper and crisper audio feedback. Like the Silent T1, the Tangerine is also polished, resulting in reduced friction and a sleek typing experience.
Ultimately, your choice between the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the TKC Tangerine will depend on your personal preferences. If you value both tactile feedback and noise reduction, the Silent T1 is the optimal choice. If a smooth and effortless typing experience is your top priority, the Tangerine is the switch for you. Both switches offer unique features and qualities that will elevate your typing experience.
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