Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference and the intended use of the keyboard. The Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) stands out as a tactile switch designed for those who prioritize a quieter typing experience without sacrificing feedback. With its medium bump and subdued audio output, it's particularly well-suited for noise-sensitive environments or shared workspaces. Conversely, the HMX Vintage Citrus is a linear switch crafted specifically for gamers, boasting an impressive actuation force of just 1mm, which makes it perfect for rapid-fire keystrokes and fast-paced gaming sessions. Its clacky sound profile and smooth key press add an element of excitement to gameplay, appealing to those who thrive on the auditory feedback of their mechanical switches. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the HMX Vintage Citrus, it's clear that they utilize different plastic compositions in their top housings, which significantly influences the acoustic characteristics of each switch. The Silent T1 features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and crisper sound profile, attributable to polycarbonate’s stiffer nature. This stiffness allows for a more resonant sound that can enhance any RGB lighting effects because of its translucency. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus utilizes a nylon top housing, which inherently yields a deeper and fuller sound. As nylon is a softer plastic, it absorbs sound and contributes to a more subdued acoustic profile, setting it apart from the crisper experience of the Silent T1.
Interestingly, both switches employ nylon for their bottom housings, which helps create a deeper typing experience regardless of the differences in their top housing materials. The nylon utilized in both switches absorbs sound effectively, leading to a more rounded and softer bottom-out sound. This shared material creates a consistent acoustic foundation that complements their overall performance, ensuring that while the top housing may vary in sound response, the bottom housing retains a familiar tactile sensation and sound quality for users of both switches. Thus, regardless of the top housing, the typing experience remains anchored by the properties of nylon in the bottom housing.
Ultimately, the distinctiveness of the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches can be attributed directly to the materials used in their top housings. The “sharp and clear” sound of the polycarbonate top in the Silent T1 creates an engaging auditory experience that emphasizes high frequencies, whereas the “deeper and fuller” quality delivered by the nylon housing of the Vintage Citrus provides a more muted, bass-rich sound. Since the bottoms of both switches have the same nylon composition, anyone using either will find similarities in the overall feel and bottom-out acoustics. This blend of contrasting materials allows enthusiasts to select a switch based on their preferred sound profile while still experiencing certain acoustic consistencies across both models.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there is a notable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent T1 does not specify an actuation force but has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which categorizes it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, deeming it medium-light. This means that users who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions will likely favor the Vintage Citrus, while those who enjoy a more substantial feel may be more inclined towards the Silent T1. Consequently, the Silent T1 can be considered the heavier option, while the Vintage Citrus is the lighter one, making their tactile experiences quite distinct for typists based on personal preference.
Travel distance
The Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch present a notable difference in travel distance, with the former having a distance of 4 mm and the latter 3 mm. This means that the Silent T1, with its longer travel distance, offers a more traditional and pronounced feel when pressed, which some users may appreciate for its depth and tactile feedback. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus features a shorter 3 mm travel distance, appealing to those who favor quicker response times often preferred by gamers. While both switches can deliver satisfying performance depending on personal preference, the Silent T1 is the choice for a more substantial feel, whereas the Vintage Citrus aims for nimbleness and responsiveness with its shorter activation distance.
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 Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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) stands out with its muted audio profile, making it an excellent choice for noise-sensitive environments. This switch minimizes the typical clack associated with mechanical keyboards, offering a hushed experience during use. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch features a bright, clacky sound profile, appealing to users who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback during typing or gaming. The differing acoustic qualities reflect their design intentions: the Silent T1 for discretion and the Vintage Citrus for an engaging and energetic sound.
In terms of feel, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is characterized by its stepped tactile response, giving typists a clear, yet mild, bump that allows for a comfortable typing experience without overwhelming tactile feedback. This medium tactile sensation is accentuated by a polished finish, which ensures smooth key travel and reduces friction. On the other hand, the feel of the Vintage Citrus switch is not explicitly described, but its low actuation force of just 1mm suggests that the movement would be very smooth, likely catering to gamers who favor rapid key presses for quick actions. Despite lacking detailed descriptors, one can infer that the Vintage Citrus aims for a fluid experience suitable for high-speed gameplay.
In summary, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch excels in being quiet and tactile with its muted sound and stepped feel, ideal for users in quiet settings. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch stands out with its clacky sound and smooth action tailored for gamers seeking quick response times. Each switch serves distinct preferences; if you are looking for a quieter experience without sacrificing interactivity, the Silent T1 offers a great option. However, if you desire a more lively auditory feedback and quick actuation, the Vintage Citrus is the way to go.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch will largely depend on your typing environment and your specific preferences for feel and usage. If you find yourself in a noise-sensitive space, the Silent T1 is a fantastic option. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force and muted sound profile make it perfect for quiet typing sessions, allowing you to enjoy a satisfying tactile bump without disturbing those around you. The polished finish applies a smooth feel that can make long typing sessions more comfortable. On the other hand, if you are a gamer looking for speed and responsiveness, the Vintage Citrus switch is likely the better choice. With a lower actuation force and a very short 1mm travel for quick inputs, this switch is tailored for high-action gaming, complemented by its bright, clacky sound profile, ensuring that every keystroke feels lively. Ultimately, your selection should align with whether you prefer a silenced tactile experience or a fast, smooth linear action for gaming dominance.
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