Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, you may want to consider the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the KTT Wine Red. The Silent T1 is perfect for those who desire both a tactile feel and a silent typing experience, making it an excellent choice for noise-sensitive environments. With its medium bump and padded bottom-out feel, along with subdued audio feedback, this switch offers a comfortable and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Wine Red switch from KTT is known for its pillowy light touch and a deep, rich sound profile when typing. Its bassy and low-pitched characteristics provide a unique and pleasant typing experience. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
44g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the KTT Wine Red share some similarities. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, providing a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate top housing allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, making it a popular choice for those seeking a visually appealing keyboard setup.
However, where these switches differ is in the material used for the bottom housing. The Silent T1 (Shrimp) opts for a nylon bottom housing, which lends itself to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing. In contrast, the Wine Red utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, mirroring the properties of the top housing. This results in a sharper and crisper sound, similar to that of the top housing.
When it comes to the overall sound and feel of the switch, the combination of the different housing materials affects different aspects. Pressing down on the switch will predominantly showcase the qualities of the bottom housing, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Meanwhile, releasing a key will be influenced more by the properties of the top housing. Nonetheless, both switches offer unique sound profiles and can deliver satisfying typing experiences depending on one's preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, it is evident that they have varying weights. The Silent T1 has an actuation force that is unknown, while the Wine Red requires 44 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, the Silent T1 has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is considered medium-heavy, whereas the Wine Red has a bottom out force of 55 grams, placing it in the medium-light category.
Considering weight as an important factor, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Wine Red switch more suitable. With its lower actuation force, it allows for effortless keystrokes, enabling longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. This makes it an ideal choice for individuals who use their keyboards extensively at work or during extended gaming sessions.
On the other hand, for those who prefer a more substantial and pronounced typing experience, the Silent T1 switch could be the preferred option. Although the exact actuation force is unavailable, its heavier bottom out force of 67 grams provides a stronger push feel, resulting in a more satisfying typing experience. This can be appealing to users who appreciate a tactile feedback that requires slightly more effort.
Overall, while the Silent T1 and Wine Red switches differ in their actuation and bottom out forces, they cater to different preferences. The Silent T1 offers a heavier typing experience, ideal for those who seek a more substantial push, whereas the Wine Red provides a lighter touch, suitable for longer typing sessions. By considering their differences in force requirements, individuals can make an informed decision based on their desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience a consistent and equal distance of 4 mm. Therefore, the travel distance of both switches is identical, ensuring similar results in terms of the feeling and functionality of the switches.
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 KTT Wine Red comes in at $2.71 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
In terms of sound, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch is known for its muted sound. This means that it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. The Silent T1 is specifically designed to minimize the noise that is typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red switch is described as having a bassy sound profile. This means that it offers a deeper and richer sound during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, the Wine Red switch is also low-pitched, which means it has a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch provides a stepped, accented, and polished experience. Stepped switches have a two-stage feel, where there is noticeable pre-travel and/or post-travel, creating a more mild tactile experience compared to hypersensitive switches. Accented switches, in the case of the Silent T1, offer a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. This provides a prominent amount of tactile feedback without being scratchy. Additionally, the polished finish of the Silent T1 switches results in a smooth and refined typing experience. This smoothness is achieved through either the materials used or factory lubing, reducing friction and ensuring smooth key travel. Unfortunately, there is no specific information available about the feel of the KTT Wine Red switch.
In conclusion, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and KTT Wine Red switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Silent T1 provides a muted sound, perfect for noise-sensitive environments, while the Wine Red offers a bassy and low-pitched sound profile. In terms of feel, the Silent T1 has a stepped, accented, and polished experience, allowing for a medium amount of tactility and smooth key travel. The specific feel of the Wine Red switch is unknown. If you are looking for a quiet and tactile switch, the Silent T1 is a great option. Similarly, if you prefer a switch with a rich sound profile and a pillowy light type feel, the Wine Red switch may be a good choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a switch that offers a tactile feel and is suitable for quiet environments, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) is the way to go. With its medium-heavy bottom out force and subdued audio feedback, this switch provides a satisfying typing experience without disturbing those around you. Additionally, its stepped and accented feel adds a touch of tactility without being overwhelming. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a deep and rich sound profile, the KTT Wine Red is a great option. With its medium-light bottom out force and pillowy light typing feel, this switch offers a comfortable typing experience. Its bassy and low-pitched sound adds a pleasing auditory aspect to your typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and KTT Wine Red depends on your preferences for tactile feel, noise level, and sound profile.
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