Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) vs. Wuque Studio WS Red
An in-depth look at the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the Wuque Studio WS Red are two distinct mechanical keyboard switches, each offering unique benefits for different types of users. The Silent T1 is perfect for those who desire a tactile switch with reduced noise, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. With its medium bump, padded bottom-out feel, and subdued audio feedback, this switch provides a satisfying typing experience while minimizing distractions. On the other hand, the WS Red offers a linear switch experience with a 22mm double-stage spring, resulting in a bouncy and responsive typing feel. Despite its linear nature, the WS Red retains a familiar sound signature due to its classic material blend. Additionally, its heavier actuation force adds a touch of weight to each keystroke, delivering a satisfying and substantial typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision and choose the best switch for your personal preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
67g
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 Red switches differ in terms of their impact on the sound profile and feel. The Silent T1 (Shrimp) features a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for RGB lighting. On the other hand, the WS Red utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Silent T1 (Shrimp) and WS Red employ nylon. This nylon material brings about a similar effect on sound profile as in the top housing. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, both switches offer a consistent sound experience when it comes to the impact and feel of the bottom-out sound.
While the two switches differ in their top housing materials, they share similarities in the impact of the bottom and top housing on sound and feel. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be more noticeable, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. However, the sound experienced when releasing a key will be influenced more by the top housing. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent T1 (Shrimp) allows for the use of RGB lighting, while the opaque nylon top housing of the WS Red focuses more on the deeper sound profile rather than visual effects. Ultimately, these switches offer distinct options based on individual preferences for sound and lighting.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, we find that they have unavailable actuation forces. This means that both switches require a force that is unknown to trigger a keystroke. However, both switches have a bottom out force of 67 grams, which places them in the medium-heavy category.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer lighter switches as it allows them to type for longer periods of time, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. In this aspect, both the Silent T1 (Shrimp) and WS Red switches may offer similar results as their actuation forces are unknown.
On the other hand, there are users who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. For these individuals, they should opt for switches with heavier forces. In terms of heaviness, both the Silent T1 (Shrimp) and WS Red switches exhibit the same bottom out force of 67 grams, making them equally suitable for those seeking a more substantial typing experience.
In summary, while the actuation forces of the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and Wuque Studio WS Red switches are unavailable, they both share a bottom out force of 67 grams, placing them in the medium-heavy range. This makes them potentially suitable for individuals looking for a more substantial typing experience. However, those who prefer lighter switches for longer typing sessions may find similar results with both switches due to the unknown actuation forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches offer a satisfying tactile feedback and are suitable for different preferences. The Silent T1 provides a more traditional travel distance, which can be preferred by those who enjoy a deeper keystroke and a more pronounced feeling when pressing down on the keys. On the other hand, the WS Red offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers who prioritize faster response times and prefer a more sensitive and nimble keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for depth and responsiveness.
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 Red 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
In terms of sound, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch is best described as muted. This means that it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to a regular or clacky switch. It is designed to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, there is no specific description available for the sound of the Wuque Studio WS Red switch. However, it is 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 the feel of the switches, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is characterized as a stepped, accented, and polished switch. Stepped switches refer to tactile switches that provide a two-stage feel, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Accented switches, in this context, describe a medium tactile switch that offers a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or too subtle. In addition, the polished nature of the switch indicates a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. As for the WS Red switch, no specific information is available about its feel.
Considering the available information, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch is ideal for those who desire both tactile feedback and a silenced typing experience in noise-sensitive environments. It offers a medium bump and a padded bottom-out feel. The switch's sound is described as muted, suggesting a softer and quieter typing experience. In contrast, the WS Red switch is known for its bouncy and responsive typing experience, thanks to a 22mm double-stage spring. While its sound description is unknown, it retains a familiar sound signature due to its classic material blend and may provide a more substantial typing feel due to its heavier actuation force.
Ultimately, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences and typing needs. If you are seeking a quiet and tactile experience, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch would be an excellent choice. The WS Red switch, on the other hand, provides a bouncy and responsive typing feel but lacks specific information on sound and feel. It is worth noting that individual preferences and the overall keyboard setup, including the keyboard board and keycaps, can also influence the subjective qualities of these switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that combines both tactile feedback and a silenced typing experience, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) is a great choice. It offers a medium bump and a padded bottom-out feel, ideal for those who prefer a more gentle tactile experience. Additionally, its muted sound ensures a quieter typing session, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, if you prioritize a bouncy and responsive typing feel with a touch of weight in each keystroke, the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch is worth considering. Its double-stage spring and heavier actuation force provide a satisfying and substantial typing experience, while still maintaining a familiar sound signature due to its classic material blend. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your preference for tactile feedback and typing sound.