Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the Wuque Studio WS Brown. The Silent T1 is perfect for those who desire both a tactile feel and a silenced switch, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. With its medium bump, padded bottom-out feel, and subdued audio feedback, this switch offers a comfortable and quiet typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Brown switches from Wuque Studio strike a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort with their medium-light actuation force. This makes them a great choice for those who are looking for fatigue-free typing during extended sessions. With a familiar nylon housing and POM stem combination, the WS Brown switches also offer a delightful auditory experience that enthusiasts appreciate. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
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-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the Wuque Studio WS Brown differ in terms of the materials used. The Silent T1 (Shrimp) features a polycarbonate top housing, while the WS Brown utilizes a nylon top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, providing a more clear and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the WS Brown produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its relatively softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. Despite these differences, both materials are suitable for switches with RGB lighting due to their translucency.
In terms of the bottom housings, both the Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the WS Brown utilize a nylon material. Similar to their top housings, the nylon material creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, offering a more rounded and duller typing experience. Nylon's unique ability to absorb sound makes it an ideal choice for switch housings, as it enhances the overall auditory feedback while typing. Thus, even though they may be from different brands, both switches yield comparable results in terms of bottom-out sound and feel.
When comparing the impact of the top and bottom housings on the sound profile, it becomes evident that the bottom housing plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and overall feel of the switch. This means that pressing down on the switch will primarily showcase the qualities of the bottom housing material. Conversely, the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key. So, users can expect a distinct sound profile and excellent tactile feedback from both the Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the WS Brown switches, albeit with slight variations depending on the specific housing materials used.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, there are some key differences to consider. Firstly, the actuation force of both switches is unknown, so it is difficult to directly compare them in this aspect. However, the bottom out force of the Silent T1 is 67 grams, which puts it in the medium-heavy range, while the WS Brown has a bottom out force of 55 grams, classifying it as medium-light.
Weight plays a significant role when it comes to typing preferences. For those who prefer a lighter feel, the WS Brown switch might be more appealing. With its lower bottom out force, it allows for smoother and more effortless keystrokes, making it suitable for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming activities. On the other hand, the Silent T1 offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force. This can provide a satisfying push feel for those who prefer a more pronounced tactile response while typing.
Although the actuation force of both switches is unknown, it is important to note that creating a similar typing experience can still be achieved. By considering the relative differences in bottom out force, individuals seeking a lighter switch may find similarities between the two options despite not having definitive numbers for actuation force.
Ultimately, the decision between the Durock Silent T1 and the Wuque Studio WS Brown will depend on personal preference. For those who desire a lighter typing experience, the WS Brown switch may be the preferred choice. Conversely, individuals seeking a heavier and more substantial feel may be inclined to choose the Silent T1. Regardless of the chosen switch, both options offer unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience based on individual preferences.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, there is a slight difference. The Silent T1 (Shrimp) has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Brown has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Silent T1 being more on the standard side and the WS Brown being slightly shallower. It is worth noting that shorter travel distances are becoming more prevalent, especially among gamers who seek faster response times. For those who prioritize responsiveness, the WS Brown with its slightly shorter travel distance may be preferable. On the other hand, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to feel too abrupt and prefer a switch with a longer travel distance, such as the Silent T1. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and desired typing experience.
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 Brown comes in at $3.50 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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) is best known for its muted characteristics. This means that it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, making it an excellent choice for noise-sensitive environments. The Wuque Studio WS Brown's sound qualities are not specified, so it is difficult to compare them directly. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. That being said, if you are looking for a more subdued audio feedback, the Silent T1 will likely provide similar results to the WS Brown.
In terms of feel, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) offers a stepped, accented, and polished experience. Stepped tactile switches have two stages of tactility, providing a more mild sensation compared to hypertactile switches. This means that you can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel when using the Silent T1. Additionally, the accented nature of the switch refers to its medium tactile feel, which is neither overwhelming nor subtle. As for the polished aspect, the switch is designed to have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Unfortunately, the specific feel characteristics of the Wuque Studio WS Brown are not mentioned, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this regard. However, based on its description, the WS Brown is praised for striking a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort. This suggests that it likely offers a comfortable typing experience, although the specific tactile qualities remain unknown.
In conclusion, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) stands out for its ability to provide both a tactile and silenced switch experience, making it well-suited for noise-sensitive environments. It offers a medium bump, padded bottom-out feel, and subdued audio feedback. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Brown is described as offering familiarity and innovation, with a medium-light actuation force for responsive and comfortable typing. While the specific sound and feel qualities of the WS Brown are unknown, it is reasonable to expect satisfying auditory experiences and a comfortable typing feel based on its overall description.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch that combines both a tactile feel and silenced operation, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) would be a great choice for you. With its medium bump, padded bottom-out feel, and subdued audio feedback, it is ideal for noise-sensitive environments. Additionally, the Silent T1 has a bottom out force of 67 grams, offering a medium-heavy typing experience. On the other hand, if you value a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch might be more suitable. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, these switches provide a medium-light actuation force, ensuring fatigue-free typing during long sessions. Although there isn't specific information about the sound and feel of the WS Brown in the given description, it is known to deliver a familiar and delightful auditory experience with its nylon housing and POM stem combination. Ultimately, your choice between the Silent T1 and WS Brown will depend on whether you prioritize a tactile yet silenced typing experience (Silent T1) or a balance between responsiveness and comfort (WS Brown).
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