HMX EMO vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX EMO and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) stand out for their unique features and characteristics. The HMX EMO is a linear switch that offers a lively and clacky typing experience with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force. Known for its factory-lubed design, the EMO delivers a bouncy and smooth typing experience that is both satisfying and effortless. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is a tactile switch that is perfect for those seeking a combination of tactility and silence. With a medium bump, padded bottom-out feel, and subdued audio feedback, the Silent T1 is ideal for noise-sensitive environments. Both switches have their own advantages, making them suitable for different preferences and needs. 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
40g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
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
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The HMX EMO and Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate. This material is also ideal for switches with RGB lighting as its translucency enhances the visual experience. However, while both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing, the bottom housing material differs. The EMO utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience but with a duller and rounder sound compared to the EMO.
Despite the similar top housing material, the bottom housing of the HMX EMO and Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) plays a significant role in the overall typing experience. The qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch, impacting both the sound and feel when typing. The bottom housing, being softer in nature, influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, resulting in a more cushioned typing experience. Conversely, the top housing has more influence on the sound when releasing a key, contributing to the overall acoustics of the switch.
In conclusion, while both the HMX EMO and Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) share a polycarbonate top housing that enhances the sound profile with its sharp and crisp qualities, their nylon bottom housings offer different typing experiences. The nylon bottom housing of the EMO produces a deeper and fuller sound, creating a unique typing feel, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) presents a slightly duller and rounder sound profile. Whether you prefer a sharper sound or a deeper typing experience, both switches provide a blend of materials that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
The HMX EMO linear switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch. The EMO requires 40 grams of force to actuate and 46 grams to bottom out, while the Silent T1 has an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 67 grams. The EMO's lighter forces make it suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for long sessions, while the Silent T1's heavier bottom out force may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and preferred weight of the keystrokes.
Travel distance
The HMX EMO linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The EMO offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, which is popular among gamers looking for fast reflexes. On the other hand, the Silent T1 provides a more substantial depth when pressed, which may be preferred by users who enjoy a more tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a shorter or longer travel distance.
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 HMX EMO comes in at $3.49 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
When it comes to sound, the EMO linear switch offers a lively and clacky typing experience, which can be quite audible compared to other switches. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch is designed to produce a muted sound, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments where quiet typing is preferred. This difference in sound can significantly impact the overall typing experience, with the EMO being more audible and the Silent T1 providing a softer typing sound.
In terms of feel, the EMO linear switch provides a lively and bouncy typing experience with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force, delivering a smooth and satisfying feel. In contrast, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch offers a medium bump with a padded bottom-out feel, providing a more subtle tactile feedback that is not overwhelming but still noticeable. Additionally, the Silent T1 features a stepped, accented, and polished feel, offering a unique typing experience that may appeal to those looking for a tactile switch with a refined finish.
Overall, the HMX EMO switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the EMO provides a clacky and bouncy typing experience with audible feedback, the Silent T1 offers a muted sound with a subtle tactile bump and a polished finish. The choice between these two switches ultimately depends on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. If you prefer a more audible typing sound with a bouncy feel, the EMO switch may be the better option. On the other hand, if you value a quieter typing experience with a medium tactile feedback and a polished finish, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch may be more suitable for your needs. Either way, both switches offer high-quality performance and can provide a satisfying typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX EMO linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a light and bouncy typing experience with a clacky feel and a lower bottom-out force, the EMO switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a medium bump, padded bottom-out feel, and subdued audio feedback in a noise-sensitive environment, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch would be the more suitable option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel, sound level, and bottom-out force.
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