Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and Gateron Weightlessness both present compelling options for tactile switch enthusiasts, albeit for different reasons. The Silent T1 is particularly suited for those seeking a quiet typing experience, featuring a medium bump and a cushioned bottom-out that minimizes noise—making it an excellent choice for noise-sensitive environments, such as shared offices or late-night gaming. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness offers a balanced sound profile with its subtle to moderate tactile feedback, appealing to users who appreciate a satisfying tactile response without the overt noise that often accompanies more pronounced switches. While both switches cater to tactile preferences, the Silent T1 leans towards a quieter operation, while the Weightlessness provides a more traditional tactile experience. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the Gateron Weightlessness, notable differences arise, particularly in the composition of their top housings. The Silent T1 utilizes polycarbonate for its upper housing, which lends a sharper and crisper sound profile, attributed to the stiffer nature of this material. This characteristic will likely lead to a more resonant acoustic experience, especially beneficial if RGB lighting is in use, as the translucence of the polycarbonate enhances the visual effects. In contrast, the Weightlessness opts for a nylon top housing, a classic material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound. The softness of nylon absorbs sound waves more effectively, resulting in a more muted auditory experience. This fundamental variation highlights how the material choice directly influences the sound profile each switch generates during operation.
Despite the difference in the top housing materials, the bottom housings of both switches share a commonality, as both utilize nylon. With both the Silent T1 and the Weightlessness featuring nylon as their bottom housing material, the result is a similar fuller and rounder typing experience. This means that on both switches, the qualities of the nylon contribute significantly to the feedback felt during key presses, ultimately affecting the bottom-out sound and feel of both models. The consistency in the bottom housing material suggests that while they each offer unique auditory experiences based on their top housings, the core tactile sensation provided by the bottom housing remains comparable.
In summary, while the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and Gateron Weightlessness utilize different materials for their top housings, both switches employ nylon for their bottom housings, allowing for a degree of similarity in tactile and auditory feedback during typing. The Silent T1’s polycarbonate top produces a bright and sharp sound suitable for visually accentuated setups, while the Weightlessness delivers a more subdued auditory experience with its nylon top. Nonetheless, the nylon bottom housing maintains a uniformity in the deep sound profile and feel that both switches produce when bottoming out. This distinction in materials highlights how different housing compositions can complement one another within the overall design of mechanical switches, providing users with varied auditory experiences while keeping some tactile characteristics aligned.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent T1 has a bottom out force of 67 grams, indicating a medium-heavy feel, but its actuation force is unknown. In contrast, the Weightlessness switch features a defined actuation force of 50 grams, which is lighter and caters to those who prefer a more gentle typing experience, ideal for long sessions at work or gaming. However, the bottom out force for the Weightlessness switch is also unknown, leaving a gap in direct comparisons. Consequently, while the Silent T1 offers a heftier feedback at the bottom out stage, the Weightlessness switch encourages a lighter touch during actuation. Thus, if you prioritize typing comfort and prolonged use, the Gateron Weightlessness may be the better choice, whereas if you prefer a more substantial typing feel, the Durock Silent T1 may suit you better.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, it’s clear that they differ, with the Silent T1 featuring a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Weightlessness measures 3.4 mm. This makes the Silent T1 the longer option, appealing to those who prefer a more traditional and pronounced keypress feel. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Weightlessness may attract gamers seeking a quicker response time for their fast-paced actions. This difference highlights varying user preferences: the Silent T1 offers a hearty depth that some may find comforting, while the Weightlessness caters to those who might prefer a more abrupt feel for rapid inputs. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual taste and the intended use of the keyboard.
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 Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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) is notable for its muted profile, making it ideal for use in noise-sensitive environments. This switch produces a softer and quieter sound compared to traditional mechanical switches, minimizing the usually pronounced noise that accompanies keystrokes. Unfortunately, the Gateron Weightlessness switch lacks a detailed sound profile description; thus, it's unknown how it compares directly in terms of auditory feedback. However, knowing that sound is also influenced by factors like the keyboard construction and keycap material can help users achieve desired noise levels with either switch.
In terms of feel, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is characterized as having a stepped, accented, and polished feel. This means that it offers a medium tactile bump that is neither too harsh nor too soft, providing a smooth typing experience with a refined finish. The stepped design allows users to feel both pre-travel and post-travel sensations, enriching the tactile feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness is said to have a subtle to moderate tactile feel, but without further details, it's difficult to pinpoint how its tactile characteristics compare to those of the Silent T1. This variance in tactile sensation can significantly affect typing comfort and efficiency.
In conclusion, if you are seeking a switch that prioritizes a quieter typing experience, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) stands out as an excellent choice with its muted sound and versatile tactile features. Meanwhile, while specifics about the Gateron Weightlessness may remain unknown, it is designed to offer a different tactile experience that leans toward subtleness. Ultimately, both switches have qualities that cater to tactile enthusiasts, yet the Silent T1 excels in environments where noise reduction is a priority. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, either switch may suit your needs, but the Silent T1 is the more defined choice for a silenced tactile experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switches depends on your specific typing environment and preferences. If you find yourself in a noise-sensitive setting, such as an office or shared space, the Silent T1 is an excellent choice due to its muted sound profile and tactile feedback that remains discreet yet noticeable. The medium-heavy bottom-out force of 67 grams provides a sufficient tactile bump without being overwhelming, making it perfect for those who appreciate a blend of quiet operation and tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a more balanced tactile experience with subtle nuances in feel and sound, the Gateron Weightlessness may be more suited to you. Although the specifics on its bottom-out force are unavailable, this switch is recognized for its moderate tactile feel and pleasant sound profile, which can enhance your typing experience without the intrusive noise. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you prioritize noise reduction and pronounced feedback or a more moderate and balanced tactile sensation. Evaluate your typing habits and environment to make the choice that best suits your needs.
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