Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) vs. Bsun Tomcat
An in-depth look at the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the Bsun Tomcat switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and Bsun Tomcat present two distinct options that cater to different typing preferences and environments. The Silent T1 stands out as a tactile switch, skillfully designed for those who appreciate the feel of a tactile bump while also requiring a quieter typing experience. With its muted audio feedback and medium bump, it’s ideal for noise-sensitive spaces where discretion is key. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat offers a linear experience characterized by its Ly stems, providing an exceptionally smooth typing feel without the tactile interruption of a bump. This makes it a favorite for fast typists and gamers who prefer an uninterrupted flow. Each switch offers unique advantages: the Silent T1 for those seeking a well-rounded tactile feel with low noise, and the Tomcat for users who prioritize speed and smoothness in their keystrokes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
54g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 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
Ly
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
Extended spring
Housing materials
Both the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the Bsun Tomcat employ polycarbonate for their top housings, which results in notably similar auditory characteristics for both switches. The choice of polycarbonate contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its inherent stiffness compared to other plastics. This resonates particularly well with those who value the aesthetic advantages of RGB lighting, as polycarbonate’s translucency allows for effective light diffusion. As a result, users looking for a clean and vibrant aesthetic will find both switches provide comparable performance in this regard, making them an excellent choice for visually striking setups.
The bottom housing materials of both switches, nylon, further enhance their acoustic profiles but in a significantly different manner. Nylon is known for its softer composition, which absorbs sound rather than amplifying it, leading to a fuller and deeper sound when typing. This characteristic makes the typing experience feel rounder and more substantial. While both the Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the Tomcat deliver this deeper sound profile, the synergy between the soft nylon bottom and hard polycarbonate top in both switches ensures that users can achieve a well-rounded audio experience that balances sharpness with depth.
While the materials in the top and bottom housings vary, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the Bsun Tomcat exhibit a complementary blending of sonic qualities. The contrasting nature of the hard polycarbonate top and the soft nylon bottom means that users will experience the agility and clarity of the top housing when releasing a key, while the bottom housing contributes to a more muted and full sound upon bottoming out. This unique juxtaposition allows both switches to stand out in their own right, despite their similarities, as they provide distinct tactile feedback and auditory signatures that cater to a range of preferences among typists.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Silent T1 has an unspecified actuation force, but it does have a bottom out force of 67 grams, classified as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Tomcat features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a lower bottom out force of 54 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. As a result, the Silent T1 requires more force when fully pressed down, making it feel heftier, which might be preferred by users seeking a substantial typing experience. Conversely, the Tomcat is lighter and likely more suitable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, offering a gentler push feel. Therefore, if you seek a switch that requires less force for actuation, the Tomcat would be the better choice, while the Silent T1 would appeal to those who appreciate a heavier touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, a notable difference is evident. The Silent T1 boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, which is more aligned with traditional switch profiles and offers a deeper, more substantial feel when pressed. In contrast, the Tomcat switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, catering to those who prefer a more responsive keypress, often favored by gamers seeking quicker activation. Because the Silent T1 has a longer travel distance, it may provide a more immersive typing experience for users who enjoy a tactile feedback, while the Tomcat's shorter distance could be perceived as more abrupt, appealing to those who prioritize speed. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for depth versus 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 Tomcat comes in at $2.99 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
When comparing the sound profiles of the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the Bsun Tomcat linear switches, a distinct difference emerges. The Silent T1 is characterized by its muted audio feedback, making it especially suitable for noise-sensitive environments where sound minimization is essential. This switch produces a softer, quieter sound that appeals to those seeking a more discreet typing experience. In contrast, the Tomcat’s specific sound profile is not detailed; however, the inherent characteristics of linear switches typically lend themselves to a smoother and sometimes more resonant sound when compared to tactile switches, but without further distinguishing features detailed, we can only speculate on the unique auditory qualities of the Tomcat.
In terms of tactile feel, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) offers a nuanced experience with its stepped and accented characteristics. Users will notice a medium tactile bump that provides a clear distinction during the keystroke without overwhelming the typing experience. It's smooth and polished, resulting from high-quality materials and finish, lending itself to an overall refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Tomcat switches emphasize a super smooth feel due to their Ly stems, suggesting a seamless keystroke that is characteristic of linear switches. While the Silent T1 provides tactile feedback, the Tomcat focuses on a silky typing sensation without tactile bumps, appealing to those who prioritize smoothness over feedback.
Ultimately, both the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the Bsun Tomcat present unique offerings that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard experiences. The Silent T1 excels in environments where sound control is paramount and delivers a distinguished tactile feedback, while the Tomcat offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience as a linear alternative. Users will discover a rich range of options between tactile and linear switches, which can meet various needs depending on their typing style and preferences. Whether one desires the soft, muted feedback of a tactile switch like the Silent T1 or the fluid motion of the Tomcat, each switch brings its own strengths to the table, ensuring that typists can find an ideal match for their keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing environment. If you find yourself in a noise-sensitive area where minimizing sound is crucial, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is an excellent choice. Its muted sound profile combined with a medium-heavy tactile bump offers both the tactile feedback many enthusiasts enjoy and a padded bottom-out feel that ensures a quieter experience. On the other hand, if you're looking for a smoother, linear typing experience, the Tomcat switch delivers with a lower actuation force, making it easier to type for extended periods without fatigue. Its resonant sound profile and super smooth Ly stems provide an enjoyable and fluid keystroke, appealing to those who prioritize speed and comfort. Ultimately, consider your environment and typing style: the Silent T1 for a serene setting with tactile feedback, and the Tomcat for a more seamless, linear experience.
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