Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two excellent options to consider are the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the HMX Twilight. The Silent T1 is renowned for its combination of tactile feedback and noise reduction, making it an exceptional choice for those who work or game in noise-sensitive environments. With its medium bump and padded bottom-out feel, users can enjoy a satisfying typing experience without disturbing others. In contrast, the HMX Twilight linear switch appeals to those who appreciate smooth key presses and an extended 3.85mm travel distance. This switch maintains a quieter operation while still providing the signature clacky characteristics of its HMX lineage, catering to users who may prefer a more fluid response without tactile interruptions. Ultimately, the choice between a tactile and linear switch often depends on personal preference and usage environment; however, 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
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
3.85 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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the HMX Twilight, a notable difference lies in the material used for their top housings. The Silent T1 features a polycarbonate top, which is well-regarded for its rigidity and translucency. These properties result in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that resonates clearly, making it particularly effective for setups with RGB lighting. In contrast, the HMX Twilight is equipped with a nylon top housing, which introduces a markedly different auditory experience. Nylon, being a softer material, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound and leading to a more muted resonance. This fundamental difference creates distinct auditory outputs when typing—sharper and crisper from the Silent T1 (Shrimp) versus fuller and more solid from the Twilight.
Moving to the bottom housings, both the Silent T1 and the HMX Twilight utilize nylon, which plays a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switches. Since both switches share this material, they impart similar characteristics in terms of sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile during typing. This means that when pressing down, the qualities of nylon's softness contribute to a deeper auditory experience for both models. Nevertheless, while their bottom housings produce analogous tonal effects, the overall acoustic profile of each switch is still affected by their differing top housing materials. Consequently, even with shared bottom housings, the perceptual differences from the top materials persist.
In essence, the combination of polycarbonate in the Silent T1's top housing and nylon in both switches' bottom housings creates a unique blend of sound profiles. The crispness from the polycarbonate top housing provides a contrast to the fullness of the nylon bottom, whereas the HMX Twilight achieves a more cohesive rounded sound due to its uniform nylon construction. If you're seeking a balance of crispness and depth, utilizing a switch like the Silent T1 (Shrimp) with its polycarbonate upper may be beneficial, especially for typing dynamics that prioritize clarity when releasing keys. Conversely, the HMX Twilight's approach with nylon for both housings will yield a more consistent auditory experience, perfect for those who desire a full, enveloping sound across all key actions.
Weight
The Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch exhibit notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force, which can significantly influence user experience based on individual preferences. The Silent T1 has an unknown actuation force, but it features a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, indicating a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Twilight linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming due to its reduced resistance. Consequently, while the Silent T1 may appeal to those who prefer a heavier tactile sensation, the HMX Twilight offers a more effortless keystroke, ideal for users who prioritize speed and comfort. Therefore, the Silent T1 can be characterized as the heavier switch, while the Twilight is decidedly lighter.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, the Silent T1 offers a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Twilight has a slightly shorter distance of 3.85 mm. This makes the Silent T1 the longer of the two switches, catering to users who appreciate a more pronounced depth when pressing a key. On the other hand, the Twilight, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to those seeking quicker response times, a feature often favored by gamers. Both switches provide distinct gameplay experiences; the Silent T1 is suited for those who prefer a more tactile feel and depth, whereas the Twilight caters to users who lean towards speed and a more abrupt keypress.
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 Twilight has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Twilight for $3.29.
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) switch is characterized by its muted audio feedback, making it an excellent choice for noise-sensitive environments. This switch produces a softer and quieter sound, minimizing the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards. In contrast, the HMX Twilight linear switch, while described with an extended travel distance, does not offer specific sound characteristics beyond its quieter operation. However, due to its linear nature, it is expected to avoid the clackiness often found in tactile or clicky switches, contributing to a relatively serene typing experience. Nonetheless, the exact sound profile could vary depending on the keyboard's construction and keycap material.
In terms of feel, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch presents a refined tactile experience that's characterized by a medium bump, providing a pleasant and noticeable feedback without being overwhelming. It features a stepped design, delivering a smooth transition that enhances the typing experience while also being polished for reduced friction. This results in a sleek and satisfying keystroke that many users find appealing. The Twilight switch, however, is not detailed in terms of tactile feel, leaving questions about its overall experience. As a linear switch, it would be expected to provide a more consistent keystroke without the tactile bump, which may appeal to those who prefer smoothness over tactility.
In conclusion, both the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the HMX Twilight switches offer distinct attributes tailored to different preferences. If you prioritize a tactile, muted experience suited for quiet environments, the Silent T1 is an excellent option with its noticeable yet gentle bump. Conversely, the linear Twilight allows for quieter operation combined with extended travel, though it may lack the tactile feedback that some typists enjoy. Ultimately, your choice should align with your typing style and desired sound profile, as both switches can offer unique experiences depending on your preference for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch largely depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you value a tactile feel and are often in noise-sensitive environments, the Silent T1 is an excellent choice. With its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 67 grams and its muted sound profile, it effectively balances tactile feedback with quiet operation, making it perfect for both typing and working in shared spaces. The stepped and accented tactile feel provides a satisfying typing experience without overwhelming your fingers, while the polished finish ensures smooth key travel. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a more fluid keypress, the HMX Twilight linear switch may be the better option. With a light bottom-out force of 50 grams and an extended travel distance, it offers a quieter keystroke while still maintaining the clacky characteristics that linear enthusiasts enjoy. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize tactile feedback and noise reduction or a lighter, linear feel for a smoother typing experience.
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