Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) vs. Wuque Studio WS Yellow
An in-depth look at the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow 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), a tactile switch, and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow, a linear switch. The Silent T1 is perfect for those who want both a tactile feel and a quieter typing experience, making it an excellent choice for noise-sensitive environments. With its medium bump, padded bottom-out feel, and subdued audio feedback, this switch offers a comfortable and discreet typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Yellow linear switches boast a timeless fusion of classic materials and cutting-edge engineering. With a 22mm double-stage spring, these switches deliver a satisfying bounce, resulting in a delightful typing experience. Additionally, their material blend provides a familiar sound signature that enthusiasts adore. Designed to be lightweight, the WS Yellow switches offer effortless keystrokes, ensuring a smooth and fluid typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
53g
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 Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow differ in their choice of housing materials for both the top and bottom housings. The Silent T1 (Shrimp) features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffer plastic allows for a more clear and resonant sound when typing, making it a popular choice for users who prefer a distinct sound. In contrast, the WS Yellow opts for a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, producing a duller and rounder sound. While they differ in sound characteristics, both switches benefit from their respective top housing materials when using RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate and nylon allows for a more visually appealing experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both switches once again select nylon as their material of choice. This classic switch housing material enhances the typing experience by eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Due to its relatively softer nature, nylon is excellent at absorbing sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This is particularly noticeable when bottoming out keys, as the bottom housing has a significant impact on the resulting sound and feel. Both the Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the WS Yellow utilize nylon in their bottom housings to provide users with a satisfying typing experience characterized by a deeper and fuller sound.
While the top and bottom housings differ for these switches, they both prioritize the sound characteristics imparted by their respective housing materials. The Silent T1 (Shrimp) achieves a crisper and sharper sound profile with its polycarbonate top housing, while the WS Yellow offers a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon top housing. Similarly, both switches benefit from the sound-enhancing properties of nylon for their bottom housings. The choice of housing material influences the sound when pressing down and releasing keys, ensuring a well-rounded and enjoyable typing experience for users. Although their sound profiles may vary, both switches excel in delivering high-quality sound experiences based on their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, there are notable differences. The Silent T1 has an actuation force of unavailable grams, while the WS Yellow's actuation force is also unavailable. Therefore, it is difficult to directly compare them in terms of actuation force. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Silent T1 requires 67 grams of force, making it medium-heavy, while the WS Yellow requires 53 grams, making it medium-light.
Considering weight is essential as it affects the typing experience for different individuals. Those who prefer lighter switches may enjoy the Silent T1 as it allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. This makes it a suitable option for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who desire a more substantial typing experience may opt for the WS Yellow, which requires a slightly heavier bottom out force. This provides a stronger push feel and can enhance the overall typing sensation.
Overall, while the actuation force comparison is unavailable for the two switches, the Silent T1 offers a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, while the WS Yellow has a lighter bottom out force of 53 grams. Selecting between the two ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch is 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, the Silent T1 falls within the more standard range at 4.0 mm, while the WS Yellow is on the shallower side with its 3.8 mm travel distance. Shorter travel distances have become increasingly popular, especially among gamers who value faster response times. If you prioritize a more responsive typing experience, the WS Yellow with its shorter travel distance may be a better option for you. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt. If you prefer a more substantial keypress feel, the Silent T1 with its slightly longer travel distance would be a suitable choice. Ultimately, it depends on your personal preference and typing style.
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 Yellow 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 Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch is best described as muted. This means that it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, effectively minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, there is no specific information available about the sound of the WS Yellow switch. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
When it comes to feel, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch can be described as stepped, accented, and polished. Stepped switches refer to tactile switches that feel like they have two stages, providing a mild amount of tactility with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Accented switches, often associated with a medium tactile experience, offer a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. Finally, a polished switch indicates a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the WS Yellow switch is described as creamy, mild, and polished. Creamy switches provide a smooth and buttery typing experience, likely due to lubricant applied at the factory or specific materials. Mild switches offer a gentle typing experience, standing in a safe middle-ground zone in terms of sound and feel. Like the Silent T1, the WS Yellow switch also features a polished finish for reduced friction.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch provides a medium bump, padded bottom-out feel, and subdued audio feedback. It is an excellent choice for individuals who desire a tactile and silenced switch to use in noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the WS Yellow switch showcases a timeless fusion of classic materials and cutting-edge engineering. With its double-stage spring core, it delivers a delightful typing experience characterized by satisfying bounce. Although specific information about the sound of the WS Yellow switch is unknown, its creamy, mild, and polished qualities suggest a smooth and gentle typing experience. While these switches offer different subjective qualities, both can deliver satisfactory typing experiences depending on personal preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and muted sound, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) would be an excellent choice. It is particularly suitable for noise-sensitive environments, as it provides a padded bottom-out feel and subdued audio feedback. The Silent T1 offers a stepped and accented feel, providing a medium amount of tactility without being overwhelming. Additionally, its polished finish ensures a smooth and refined typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a creamy feel, the Wuque Studio WS Yellow is the way to go. These switches are crafted to be lightweight, providing effortless keystrokes and ensuring a smooth and fluid typing experience. With their mild characteristics and polished finish, the WS Yellow switches offer a gentle and silky sensation while typing.
Ultimately, the decision between the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch will depend on your specific preferences. Consider the desired bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel to choose the switch that best complements your typing style and environment.
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