Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile offer unique and enticing features for enthusiasts. The Silent T1 is tailored for those who desire a combination of a tactile bump and a silenced switch, making it an excellent option for noise-sensitive environments. With its medium bump and padded bottom-out feel, typing on the Silent T1 provides a satisfying keystroke experience without disturbing others. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch delivers a captivating journey with its profound and pronounced tactile bump. Typing on these switches, which offer a tactile force of 70g, creates a satisfying resistance that engages users. Additionally, Wuque Studio's nylon housings produce a pleasing "thocky" sound profile, further enhancing the typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision based on your personal preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile offer distinct differences in sound profiles and aesthetics. The Silent T1 (Shrimp) features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that are intended to use RGB lighting. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile utilizes a nylon top housing, producing a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon's ability to absorb sound results in a duller and rounder sound profile. While both materials have their own advantages, these differences contribute to the unique auditory experience of each switch.
Moving to the bottom housing, both the Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the WS Heavy Tactile incorporate nylon. Nylon is known as a classic switch housing material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound. The relatively softer plastic of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. Therefore, despite using the same material, the slightly different design and structure of each switch may still contribute to variations in sound and feel during typing.
It is important to note that the top and bottom housings of a switch play different roles in determining the overall sound and feel. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. Therefore, even if the top and bottom housings of the Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the WS Heavy Tactile differ, the qualities of each housing material will still have a notable effect on the respective sound and feel of the switches, creating a distinct experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, it is important to note that the specific actuation force for both switches is unavailable. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Durock Silent T1 has a heavier force with 67 grams, while the WS Heavy Tactile has a lighter force of 45 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the WS Heavy Tactile switch would be a suitable choice. With its lower bottom out force, typing for extended periods of time or engaging in long gaming sessions becomes more comfortable. The lighter force allows for quicker and easier actuation, making it ideal for those who prioritize speed and agility in their typing or gaming.
On the other hand, some individuals prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience. For them, the Durock Silent T1 switch provides a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams. This heavier force creates a more satisfying tactile feedback, providing a sense of stability and precision during typing or gaming sessions.
While the actuation force remains unknown for both switches, it is important to mention that similar results can be achieved with both options. If the actuation forces are similar or within a desirable range for the user, they can expect comparable levels of responsiveness when triggering keystrokes.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches comes down to personal preference. Those looking for a lighter typing experience may opt for the WS Heavy Tactile, while those who enjoy a heavier and more substantial feel may prefer the Durock Silent T1.
Travel distance
The Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is a more traditional distance. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. This shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers who prioritize faster response times. However, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to feel abrupt. If you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) with its longer travel distance would be a suitable choice.
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 Heavy Tactile 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 known for producing a muted sound. This means that the switch generates a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. The WS Heavy Tactile, on the other hand, has a clacky sound profile. It produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, which can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. The WS Heavy Tactile also offers a resonant sound profile, providing a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard's board and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is classified as a stepped and accented switch. Stepped switches have two stages of tactility, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel, whereas accented switches offer a medium amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. Additionally, the Silent T1 has a polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile is also described as an accented switch, providing a prominent amount of tactility. It is also characterized as bouncy, offering a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation and a lively feel with rebound when pressed. Moreover, the WS Heavy Tactile is known for its invigorating and sharp tactile feedback, making each keypress distinct and providing a reactive typing experience. It is also considered snappy due to its super responsiveness, which can be attributed to longer or dual-staged springs.
Taking all the available information into account, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the WS Heavy Tactile offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Silent T1 provides a muted sound with a medium bump and a padded bottom-out feel, suitable for noise-sensitive environments. Meanwhile, the WS Heavy Tactile offers a clacky and resonant sound profile with a profound and pronounced tactile bump, a satisfying resistance of 70g, and a captivating auditory feedback. Both switches have an accented tactile feel, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. However, the WS Heavy Tactile offers additional qualities such as bounciness, invigorating feedback, sharp tactile bump, and snappy responsiveness. If a user is looking for a similar experience to the WS Heavy Tactile but with a quieter sound, the Silent T1 can be a suitable alternative.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a tactile switch that provides both a satisfying tactile bump and a quieter typing experience, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) would be the ideal choice. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, it offers a medium bump, padded bottom-out feel, and subdued audio feedback. The Silent T1 is perfect for those who want a tactile and silenced switch, making it suitable for noise-sensitive environments.
On the other hand, if you prioritize an immersive typing experience with pronounced feedback and a captivating sound profile, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 45 grams, it offers a profound and pronounced tactile bump, providing satisfying resistance to each keystroke. The nylon housing of the Wuque Heavy Tactile Switches contributes to a "thocky" resonance, resulting in a captivating auditory feedback.
In terms of sound, the Silent T1 produces a muted sound, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a crisp, bright, and percussive typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Silent T1 has a stepped and accented feel, providing a medium tactile experience with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Its polished finish also ensures a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch offers an accented, bouncy, invigorating, sharp, and snappy feel, creating a lively and reactive typing sensation.
Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on your specific preferences and priorities. If you value a quieter typing experience and a medium-heavy tactile feel, the Silent T1 is the ideal choice. However, if you enjoy a more immersive typing experience with a captivating sound profile and pronounced tactile feedback, the WS Heavy Tactile switch would be the better option.
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