Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) vs. Wuque Studio WS Onion
An in-depth look at the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, it's important to consider your personal preferences and the specific features that matter most to you. Two popular options to consider are the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the Wuque Studio WS Onion. The Silent T1 stands out for its unique combination of a tactile switch and silent operation, making it perfect for those who desire a quieter typing experience in noise-sensitive environments. With its medium bump, padded bottom-out feel, and subdued audio feedback, the Silent T1 offers a comfortable and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Onion excels in providing a buttery smooth keystroke feel. With a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, these switches offer a luxurious and satisfying typing experience. Additionally, the WS Onion offers a crisp and responsive feel, along with a neutral sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
WS CL635 Gold Plated Stainless Spring
Housing materials
The Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the Wuque Studio WS Onion both use polycarbonate as the material for their top housings. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize the auditory experience of typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the use of RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the switches. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and appearance from both the Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the WS Onion.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon as the material. Nylon is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is due to its softer nature, which allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, the sound produced by the switches is duller and rounder, providing a different auditory experience than that of the top housing. Users who appreciate a more immersive and muted sound while typing will find satisfaction in the nylon bottom housing of both the Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the WS Onion.
When considering the overall typing experience, it is important to note that the qualities brought by the top and bottom housings are split between the two for these switches. As you press down on a key, you will feel the impact and experience the sound characteristics influenced by the bottom housing. On the other hand, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound when you release a key. This division of qualities between the top and bottom housings adds depth and complexity to the overall typing experience, allowing users to appreciate the unique characteristics of both the Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the WS Onion.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, we find that the actuation force of both switches is currently unknown. Therefore, it is difficult to draw a direct comparison in terms of actuation force. However, we can compare the bottom out force of the two switches.
The Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which can be considered medium-heavy. On the other hand, the WS Onion has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 63.5 grams, also falling into the medium-heavy range. While the exact actuation forces are unavailable for both switches, it is likely that they will have similar actuation forces as well.
When it comes to weight, some individuals prefer a lighter switch as it allows for longer typing sessions, making it suitable for work or extended gaming. On the contrary, others prefer a heavier push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, for those seeking a heavier typing experience, either the Durock Silent T1 or the WS Onion would be suitable options.
In conclusion, while the actuation forces of both the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the WS Onion switches are unknown, they both have a medium-heavy bottom out force. Thus, users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience and may choose between them based on other factors such as switch type and personal preference.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results.
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 Onion has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Onion for $5.53.
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 producing a muted sound. This means that it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical switches, making it an ideal choice for noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Onion switch offers a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate sound level, suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, both switches offer different sound characteristics, but they provide satisfactory results in their respective categories.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch is described as stepped, accented, and polished. A stepped switch refers to a tactile switch that feels like it has two stages, providing some pre- and/or post-travel. Accented switches, on the other hand, offer a medium amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. Lastly, the polished finish of the Silent T1 ensures smooth and refined key travel with reduced friction. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Onion offers a buttery and polished feel. The buttery characteristic implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing seamless and effortless typing sensation. Additionally, the polished finish of the WS Onion ensures a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches offer different tactile qualities, allowing users to choose between a stepped, accented, and polished feel or a buttery and polished feel.
Considering all the available information, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch is best known for its medium bump, padded bottom-out feel, and subdued audio feedback. It is a popular choice for those who seek both tactile feedback and silence, making it suitable for noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Onion switch is sought after for its buttery smooth keystroke feel and crisp, responsive sensation. Although they offer different sound and feel characteristics, both switches excel in their respective categories. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch with similar sound and feel qualities as the Silent T1 or WS Onion, you can expect to achieve similar results by choosing a switch that shares their respective descriptors, such as a muted switch for sound or a polished and buttery switch for feel.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you prioritize a tactile and silenced switch for noise-sensitive environments, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) would be the ideal choice for you. With its medium bump, padded bottom-out feel, and subdued audio feedback, this switch provides a satisfying typing experience without disturbing others. On the other hand, if you value a buttery smooth keystroke feel and a neutral sound profile, the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch would be more suited to your preferences. These exquisite switches offer a crisp and responsive feel, along with a moderate actuation force requirement and sound profile that make them suitable for various purposes. Ultimately, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is best for those seeking a tactile and silenced experience, while the WS Onion excels in providing a smooth and satisfying linear typing sensation.
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