Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between tactile and linear can significantly influence your typing experience. The Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) stands out as a tactile switch, designed for users seeking a blend of feedback and quiet operation. With its medium bump and muted audio profile, it excels in noise-sensitive settings, making it an excellent option for office environments or shared spaces where sound can be a distraction. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai, a linear switch, offers a vastly different experience with its incredibly light actuation force and deep, rounded sound. This switch is perfect for those who favor a smooth and effortless typing feel, making it an ideal choice for fast-paced typists or gamers looking for seamless keystrokes. Each switch caters to distinct preferences and environments, ultimately enhancing your keyboard experience in unique ways. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and the TTC Yunhai present an interesting comparison when it comes to their housing materials, particularly in the top section of each switch. The Silent T1 employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and clarity, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This material is also translucent, making it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting, thereby enhancing visual aesthetics. In contrast, the Yunhai features a nylon top housing, a softer material that absorbs sounds and produces a deeper, fuller sound profile. This fundamental difference in materials means that when typing on the Silent T1, one experiences a crisper auditory feedback, while the Yunhai offers a more muted and rounded sound. Despite these differences, both switches can be tuned to satisfy a range of auditory preferences, provided users adjust their typing techniques and expectations accordingly.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Silent T1 and the Yunhai utilize nylon, a choice that creates a consistent auditory experience across the two models. Nylon is renowned for its ability to absorb sound, contributing to the deeper and fuller sound profile that typists often enjoy. With both switches featuring nylon in the bottom housing, users can expect a similar tactile feedback and muted acoustic response upon key bottoming out. This consistency in material means that while there may be variances in typing feel due to the differing top housing materials, the tonal character of both switches converges thanks to their shared nylon composition below.
Overall, the combination of materials used in the Durock Silent T1 and TTC Yunhai can significantly influence the typing experience. The polycarbonate top of the Silent T1 shines in producing a clear and bright sound, especially beneficial for RGB enthusiasts, while the nylon top of the Yunhai caters to those seeking a softer and more rounded auditory experience. Despite these differences, the shared nylon bottom housing allows for a steady foundation that balances and enriches the audible feedback, making both switches versatile choices for users wanting a unique typing experience with distinct auditory profiles.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch with the TTC Yunhai linear switch, there are distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent T1 has an unknown actuation force, but it features a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Yunhai switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that for typists who prefer a lighter touch, the TTC Yunhai would provide a more comfortable experience, especially during extended use, making it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel might lean towards the Silent T1 due to its heavier bottom out force. Overall, while the exact actuation force of the Silent T1 remains unspecified, the difference in bottom out forces demonstrates that the Yunhai is the lighter option, whereas the Silent T1 offers a heavier feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, there is a clear distinction between the two. The Silent T1 features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Yunhai comes in at a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Durock Silent T1 offers a deeper press, which some users may find more satisfying and less abrupt compared to the shorter 3.6 mm travel of the Yunhai switch. For gamers or users who favor quick responses, the shorter travel distance of the Yunhai may be more appealing as it allows for faster activation. However, if you prefer a more substantial feel with greater depth, the longer travel of the Silent T1 is the better choice. Ultimately, the preference between these two switches will come down to individual taste in depth versus 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 TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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 comparing the sound of the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Silent T1 is characterized by its muted sound profile, designed to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. This makes it particularly appealing for users in noise-sensitive environments, as it offers a softer auditory experience without the clacky notes often found in other switch types. On the other hand, the description of the Yunhai switch does not provide specific details about its sound profile. However, one can expect a distinct auditory character from linear switches, typically described as smoother without the pronounced auditory feedback of tactile switches. Ultimately, the choice between these switches regarding sound may depend on individual preferences and specific setups, as factors such as keycaps and keyboard construction can significantly influence sound output.
In terms of feel, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) features a stepped tactile design that presents a medium bump during actuation. This allows typists to perceive a gradual feedback through the keystroke, characterized by some pre-travel and post-travel sensations. It promotes a controlled typing experience, ideal for those who enjoy tactile feedback without overwhelming resistance. Conversely, the TTC Yunhai linear switch brings a feathery feel to the table, requiring minimal effort to actuate. This lightness makes it appealing for users who prioritize comfort and reduced finger fatigue during long typing sessions. While the Silent T1 emphasizes tactile engagement, the Yunhai focuses on effortless keypresses, delivering contrasting yet compelling experiences based on the penchant of the user.
In conclusion, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) and TTC Yunhai linear switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Silent T1 excels in providing a muted, tactile experience suitable for quiet environments, while the Yunhai offers a soft, easy keystroke ideal for comfort. Both switches deliver unique benefits depending on typing style and usage scenarios. Ultimately, choosing between them will hinge on whether one prefers a tactile response with minimal noise or a linear switch that allows for fluidity and ease during extensive periods of use.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your choice between the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the types of environments in which you will be using the keyboard. If you find yourself in a noise-sensitive setting or prefer a more controlled auditory experience, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is an excellent option. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force offers a satisfying tactile bump that provides feedback without excessive noise, making it ideal for both typing and gaming in quiet surroundings. Conversely, if you value a light touch and a smooth, effortless keystroke for extended typing sessions—be it for work, school, or casual gaming—the TTC Yunhai switch may be the better choice. Its feathery feel and low actuation force minimize finger fatigue, which can enhance your comfort over long durations. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize tactile feedback with muted sound or a light, linear feel that allows for rapid, unencumbered typing.
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