Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue

Overview

The Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue are both mechanical keyboard switches, but they offer distinct features and advantages. The Silent T1 is perfect for those who seek a tactile and silenced switch, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. It provides a medium bump with a padded bottom-out feel, ensuring a comfortable typing experience. Additionally, its subdued audio feedback prevents any distracting noises. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switches offer a deep and thocky sound profile, immersing you in a satisfying typing experience. With a lengthened single-stage spring, they provide a bouncy feel with each keystroke. The Tourmaline Blues strike a balance with their standard spring weight, making them enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision on which switch suits your preferences.

By the numbers

Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) Tactile

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$7.00

$5.57 per 10

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue share similar characteristics when it comes to their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate, a relatively stiff plastic, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for the integration of RGB lighting, making it visually appealing. Therefore, users of both switches can expect a clear and resonant sound profile, especially when releasing a key.

While the top housing of the Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the Tourmaline Blue are similar, their bottom housings differ. The Silent T1 (Shrimp) features a nylon bottom housing, which offers a distinct typing experience. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the relatively softer nature of the material. Nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, aligning with the characteristics of its top housing. As a stiffer plastic, the polycarbonate contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience.

It is important to note that the bottom and top housings of a switch play different roles in the overall sound and feel. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down, while the top housing influences the sound when the key is released. This means that the Silent T1 (Shrimp) will offer a deeper and fuller bottom-out sound due to its nylon bottom housing, while maintaining a sharp and resonant sound upon key release thanks to its polycarbonate top housing. Similarly, the Tourmaline Blue will deliver a consistently sharp and crisp sound both during key press and release, as both its top and bottom housings utilize polycarbonate.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, there are some similarities and differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. First, the actuation force of the Silent T1 is unavailable, while the Tourmaline Blue has an actuation force of 59 grams. This means that the Tourmaline Blue requires less force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Silent T1, but since the exact actuation force of the Silent T1 is unknown, it is difficult to determine how they truly compare in this aspect.

Moving on to the bottom out force, both the Silent T1 and the Tourmaline Blue have a similar bottom out force of 67 grams, which is medium-heavy. This means that when typing or gaming, users can expect some resistance and a more substantial feel with both switches.

Considering weight, the Silent T1 and Tourmaline Blue do not differ significantly in this aspect. However, it's worth noting that the lighter weight of a switch can be preferable for those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, as it reduces fatigue. On the other hand, some individuals may prefer a heavier actuation force for a more pronounced and satisfying typing experience. Thus, it ultimately depends on personal preferences and the intended usage scenario.

In conclusion, while the actuation force of the Silent T1 remains unknown, both switches have a similar bottom out force of 67 grams. The Tourmaline Blue has a lower actuation force compared to the Silent T1's unknown force. Weight preferences should be considered, with lighter switches being suitable for prolonged use, while heavier switches provide a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, personal preferences and usage requirements will dictate which switch is preferred.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch is 4 mm, which is the same as the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch. Both switches have an equal travel distance of 4 mm, providing users with a consistent tactile feedback when pressing down on a key. Therefore, regardless of whether you choose the Silent T1 or Tourmaline Blue, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance you feel when using these switches.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) offers a muted sound profile, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical switches. This is ideal for those who prefer a more subdued audio feedback, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue has a neutral sound profile, with a moderate sound level that is suitable for most purposes. The Tourmaline Blue provides a deep and thocky sound, immersing you in a satisfying typing experience. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.

In terms of feel, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) offers a stepped and accented tactile experience. The switch has a mild bump, providing a noticeable but not overwhelming amount of tactility. This makes it suitable for users who prefer a medium tactile switch that offers a prominent amount of tactility without being too intense. Additionally, the Silent T1 has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and a smooth key travel, enhancing the typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue offers a buttery and easy-to-press linear feel. These switches provide a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The Tourmaline Blue has a light actuation force, making it easy and comfortable to type on, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Overall, the Tourmaline Blue offers a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users.

In conclusion, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and Everglide Tourmaline Blue offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Silent T1 provides a muted sound profile and a stepped, accented tactile feel, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments and users who prefer a medium tactile switch. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue offers a deep thocky sound profile and a buttery, easy-to-press linear feel, providing a satisfying and low-impact typing experience. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. However, it is important to consider other factors such as keyboard board and keycaps to fully determine the sound and feel of each switch. Overall, users can achieve similar results of a quiet and tactile experience with the Silent T1 or a satisfying and smooth typing experience with the Tourmaline Blue.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that combines tactility and silence, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch is the right choice for you. This switch offers a medium bump, padded bottom-out feel, and subdued audio feedback, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, if you prioritize a deep and thocky sound profile and enjoy a bouncy feel with each keystroke, then the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch is the one to go for. With its standard spring weight and balanced characteristics, it provides an enjoyable and accessible typing experience for a wide range of users. In terms of sound, the Silent T1 produces a muted sound, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, while the Tourmaline Blue has a neutral sound profile, suitable for most purposes. In terms of feel, the Silent T1 is described as stepped, accented, and polished, offering a mild tactile experience and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue is described as buttery, easy-to-press, and mild, providing a smooth and fluid typing experience with minimal force required. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preferences for tactility, sound, and feel, so consider these factors carefully to find the perfect switch for your needs.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) Tactile

$7.00

$5.57 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn more