Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) vs. Gazzew U4Tx
An in-depth look at the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the Gazzew U4Tx switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're on the hunt for a mechanical keyboard switch that combines both a tactile feel and reduced noise, look no further than the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp). This switch is perfect for those who find themselves in noise-sensitive environments and want to enjoy both a satisfying tactile bump and a quieter typing experience. With a medium bump and a padded bottom-out feel, the Silent T1 provides a muted and polished typing experience. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch with a refined sound profile, the Gazzew U4Tx might be the one for you. Combining the deep, resonant "thock" sound when bottoming out with the whisper-quiet stealth when topping out, the U4Tx offers a luxurious and acoustically pleasing typing experience. With a sharp, satisfying tactile bump, this switch provides the best of both worlds. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the Gazzew U4Tx have distinct characteristics that offer different sound profiles. The Silent T1 (Shrimp) features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This stiffer plastic produces a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for users who prefer a brighter typing experience. In contrast, the U4Tx utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, known as "boba plastic." This softer material delivers a rich and deep sound profile, giving users a more mellow and rounder typing sensation.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) utilizes a nylon material. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness. The flexibility of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Gazzew U4Tx employs a proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, also referred to as "boba plastic," which contributes to a rich and deep sound profile. The softness of this material enhances the switch's acoustic properties, providing users with a pleasant typing experience.
Although the top and bottom housings of the switches possess different materials, both provide distinct sound profiles based on their characteristics. Differences arise in the sound and feel when pressing down on the switch and releasing the key. The bottom housing's impact on the bottom-out sound and feel is more pronounced, while the top housing influences the sound when the key is released. Consequently, users can expect similar results in terms of sound quality, but with slight variations depending on individual preferences and typing style.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, there are some similarities as well as differences. Unfortunately, the exact actuation force for both switches is unknown. However, the bottom out force of the Silent T1 is slightly heavier at 67 grams, while the U4Tx comes in at 65 grams, both falling under the medium-heavy category.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the weight of a switch is an important factor. A lighter switch allows for longer typing sessions, which is great for those who use their keyboard extensively at work or during long gaming sessions. In this case, both switches would provide a similar outcome since the actuation force is unknown. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel and prefer a stronger push, they might be inclined to choose options with heavier forces. In this scenario, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) with its 67-gram bottom out force could be seen as slightly heavier compared to the U4Tx with its 65-gram bottom out force, although both are still categorized as medium-heavy.
Overall, while the actuation forces of both switches remain unclear, the bottom out forces offer a slight difference with the Silent T1 being slightly heavier. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference regarding the typing experience desired - lighter for longer sessions or heavier for a more substantial feel.
Travel distance
The Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Silent T1 has a longer travel distance compared to the U4Tx, which means that when pressing down on a key equipped with the Silent T1, you will feel a slightly deeper sensation. On the other hand, the U4Tx offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers who prioritize faster response times. However, it's important to note that personal preference plays a significant role in determining the ideal travel distance for each individual. So, if you prefer a more responsive feel, the U4Tx would be a suitable choice, while if you prefer a deeper and more substantial keystroke, the Silent T1 with its longer travel distance would be the better option.
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 Gazzew U4Tx comes in at $6.50 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
The Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch is best known for its medium bump and padded bottom-out feel, providing a satisfying tactile experience. It also offers subdued audio feedback, making it a great choice for noise-sensitive environments. The sound of the Silent T1 is described as muted, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches. This switch has a stepped feel, meaning it has two stages of tactility with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. It is also accented, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming. The Silent T1 has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx switch offers a refined sound profile with a deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out and whisper-quiet topping out. This switch provides a sharp and satisfying tactile bump, ensuring a luxurious typing experience. The sound of the U4Tx is described as bassy, offering a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. It also has a muted sound characteristic, reducing noise associated with mechanical keyboards. The U4Tx is known for its sharp tactile feedback, with a strong and crisp bump that can be distinctly felt with each keypress.
In conclusion, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) and Gazzew U4Tx switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Silent T1 has a muted sound and provides a medium bump with a padded bottom-out feel, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. Its polished finish ensures a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the U4Tx has a bassy and muted sound profile, along with a sharp tactile bump for a satisfying typing experience. While they differ in sound and feel, both switches offer a satisfying tactile experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch that offers both a tactile bump and a silenced typing experience, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) is an excellent choice. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, this switch provides a padded bottom-out feel and subdued audio feedback, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. In terms of sound, the Silent T1 offers a muted profile, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Additionally, the Silent T1 offers a stepped and accented feel, providing a medium tactile experience with some pre-travel and/or post-travel.
On the other hand, if you are seeking a tactile switch that combines a satisfying tactile bump with a refined, clean sound profile, the Gazzew U4Tx is a fantastic option. With a similar medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, the U4Tx produces a deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out and a whisper-quiet sound when topping out. The switch offers a sharp tactile bump, ensuring a luxurious typing experience that is both acoustically pleasing and tactile. In terms of sound, the U4Tx possesses a bassy profile, characterized by a lower frequency range that resembles the depth and richness associated with bass tones.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the Gazzew U4Tx comes down to your specific preferences and needs. If you prioritize a silenced typing experience and a stepped, accented feel, the Silent T1 is the way to go. However, if you value a refined sound profile and a sharp tactile bump, the U4Tx will provide an exceptional typing experience. Both switches offer their own unique advantages, so consider your desired typing experience and sound profile when making your decision. In the end, you can't go wrong with either choice as they both provide high-quality tactile switches for your mechanical keyboard.
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