Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The world of mechanical keyboards is vast and varied, offering a plethora of switch options to suit every user's preferences. Two standout switches in this realm are the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the Outemu Yellow Silver. The Silent T1 is perfect for those seeking a tactile and silenced switch, making it an excellent choice for noise-sensitive environments. With its medium bump, padded bottom-out feel, and subdued audio feedback, this switch provides both a satisfying tactile experience and a quiet typing session. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver from Outemu is highly regarded among gamers and typists for its light actuation force and neutral sound profile. This linear switch offers speediness and responsiveness, catering to those who crave swift keystrokes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the Outemu Yellow Silver are largely similar in terms of their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics when using either switch.
However, the key difference lies in their nylon bottom housings. The Silent T1 (Shrimp) features a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to nylon being a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the Yellow Silver also incorporates a nylon bottom housing material, resulting in similar sound characteristics. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound, allowing for a deeper typing experience.
Overall, while both switches have polycarbonate top housings that produce a sharp and resonant sound, it is in their nylon bottom housings where they differ. Users interested in a switch with a deeper and fuller sound profile may find the Silent T1 (Shrimp) more appealing, due to its nylon bottom housing. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver offers a similar experience with its own nylon bottom housing. Regardless of the choice, the bottom housing material significantly impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material plays a larger role in the sound when releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, it becomes apparent that there are significant differences between the two. The Silent T1 (Shrimp) has an actuation force that is unfortunately unknown, while the Yellow Silver requires 45 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. In terms of the bottom out force, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) requires a relatively heavier force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams, allowing for a smoother and potentially faster typing experience. It is evident that these switches cater to different preferences when it comes to weight. The Silent T1 (Shrimp) appeals to those who prefer a stronger push feel, ideal for individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Yellow Silver is suitable for those who prefer a lighter switch, as it enables them to type for longer periods of time without fatigue. Overall, these switches offer distinct options for users seeking different typing experiences.
Travel distance
The Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar tactile feedback and experience when pressed down. The travel distance refers to the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom, representing the amount of travel you can feel when pressing a key. Both switches offer a comfortable travel distance, ensuring a satisfying keystroke without excessive travel. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the Outemu Yellow Silver are equal, providing similar results and experiences for users.
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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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 known for its muted profile. This means that it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. The Silent T1 is an excellent choice for those who prefer a more subdued audio feedback, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switch has a neutral sound profile. With a moderate sound profile, it is suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or if you will be using it at home or work. It is worth noting that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch offers a stepped, accented, and polished feel. A stepped switch refers to tactile switches that have two stages, providing a milder tactile experience with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. The accented aspect of the Silent T1 means that it falls into the category of medium tactile switches, offering a noticeable and satisfying amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. Additionally, the polished feature of the switch indicates a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and a sleek typing experience. The Yellow Silver switch does not have a specific description provided for its feel, so it is unknown how it compares in terms of the feel of the keystrokes.
In conclusion, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the Yellow Silver switches offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Silent T1 provides a muted sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience in noise-sensitive environments. In terms of feel, the Silent T1 offers a stepped, accented, and polished sensation, providing a milder tactile experience with noticeable tactility and reduced friction. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switch has a neutral sound profile and its feel remains unknown based on the provided information. However, both switches offer unique qualities and can cater to different preferences. If you are looking for a tactile and silenced switch, the Silent T1 would be a suitable option, while the Yellow Silver might be more favorable for those who prefer a lighter linear switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who values both tactile feedback and a silent typing experience, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) is the switch for you. With its medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, it offers a satisfying medium bump and padded bottom-out feel, making it suitable for those who prefer a tactile typing experience. Its subdued audio feedback and muted sound profile are perfect for noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch is an excellent choice. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, it features a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile. This switch is favored by gamers and typists who value a speedy and responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on your personal preference for tactile feedback, typing sound, and typing style.
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