Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear. The Silent T1 is a tactile switch that is perfect for those who desire both a tactile feedback and a silenced typing experience, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. It offers a medium bump and a padded bottom-out feel, ensuring a comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear is a linear switch that provides a smooth and high-pitched typing experience. Its transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing allow for maximum RGB lighting customization, making it visually appealing. With a lightly lubed POM stem, the WS Aurora Clear ensures minimal friction and a satisfyingly smooth keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities, so you can ultimately decide on the best switch that aligns with your preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Double-staged stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear, specifically their polycarbonate top housing, share similar characteristics. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which contributes to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics when using these switches.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the WS Aurora Clear differ in their materials. The Silent T1 (Shrimp) features a nylon bottom housing, while the WS Aurora Clear utilizes UHWMPE. Nylon has long been a traditional choice for switch housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. On the other hand, the UHWMPE material in the WS Aurora Clear's bottom housing creates a newer, brighter sound signature, producing resonant clacks during typing.
It's worth noting that the qualities brought by the housing materials are distributed between the top and bottom of the switches. When pressing down on a switch, the characteristics of the bottom housing, whether nylon or UHWMPE, will be felt the most, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing, made of polycarbonate in both switches, will have a more notable impact on the sound when releasing a key. So while there may be differences in the bottom housing materials, the shared polycarbonate top housing will still contribute to similar sound experiences when typing.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Silent T1 has an actuation force that is currently unavailable, while the WS Aurora Clear requires 53 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Silent T1 has a heavier weight of 67 grams compared to the WS Aurora Clear's 63.5 grams.
Considering weight, some users prefer a lighter switch like the WS Aurora Clear, as it allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. This makes it a great option for those who use their keyboard for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Silent T1 with its heavier bottom out force provides a stronger push feel, offering a more substantial typing experience. This choice would be ideal for individuals who prefer a bit more resistance and feedback while typing.
It is worth noting that without information on the actuation force of the Silent T1, it is difficult to make a direct comparison in terms of actuation forces between the two switches. However, both switches fall under the medium-heavy range in terms of their bottom out force, providing a similar level of resistance when fully pressed. Therefore, if actuation force is not a key factor in the decision-making process, users can expect comparable results in terms of the force required to fully depress the keys.
Travel distance
The Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch have slightly different travel distances. The Silent T1 (Shrimp) has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Aurora Clear has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) falls closer to the average 4 mm mark, while the WS Aurora Clear is slightly shorter with its 3.8 mm travel distance.
For gamers or those seeking faster response times, the WS Aurora Clear may be the preferred choice due to its shorter travel distance. This allows for quicker keypresses and potentially faster response times in gaming scenarios. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced feel and a deeper keypress, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) with its longer travel distance may be more suitable.
Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and specific use cases. Both switches offer distinct travel distances that cater to different needs - the WS Aurora Clear with its shorter, snappier feel and the Silent T1 (Shrimp) with its slightly deeper and more traditional travel 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 Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear comes in at $8.00 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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch is known for its muted qualities. This means that it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switch is described as high-pitched, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. If you prefer a more rich and bassy sound profile, the WS Aurora Clear might be the better choice for you. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch offers a stepped and accented tactile experience. Stepped switches have two stages of tactility, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Accented switches, on the other hand, provide a medium amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. Additionally, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch is described as polished, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. This is thanks to either the materials used or factory lubing, which reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel.
The WS Aurora Clear switch, in contrast, is known for providing a buttery and mild typing experience. Buttery switches offer a smooth and fluid keystroke, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Mild switches, on the other hand, offer a more gentle typing experience compared to those with more pronounced characteristics. They strike a middle-ground zone, making them approachable for most users. Similar to the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch, the WS Aurora Clear also boasts a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch excels in providing a muted sound and a stepped, accented, and polished feel. It is ideal for those who want a tactile and silenced switch for noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switch offers a high-pitched sound and a buttery, mild, and polished feel. Both switches prioritize smooth and refined typing experiences, ensuring minimized friction and satisfying key travel. Depending on your preferences, you can expect similar results in terms of smoothness and refinement from both switches.
Conclusion
In closing, to determine whether you should choose the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch or the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, you need to consider your preferences and requirements. If you prioritize a tactile and silenced typing experience in a noise-sensitive environment, then the Silent T1 is the perfect choice for you. It offers a medium bump, padded bottom-out feel, and subdued audio feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and high-pitched typing experience with maximum RGB lighting customization, the WS Aurora Clear is an excellent option. It features a transparent polycarbonate top housing, UHMWPE bottom housing, and a lightly lubed POM stem for minimal friction and satisfyingly smooth keystrokes. Sound-wise, the Silent T1 offers a muted sound profile, minimizing the noise associated with mechanical keyboards, while the WS Aurora Clear produces a sharp and crisp high-pitched sound. In terms of feel, the Silent T1 is described as stepped, accented, and polished, providing a mild and refined typing experience with reduced friction, while the WS Aurora Clear is described as buttery, mild, and polished, delivering a smooth, gentle, and polished feel. Consider these factors carefully to make the right choice based on your personal preferences and typing needs.
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