Shore Hardness in Silicone Toys: What Does Soft Really Mean?
Soft. Very soft. Realistically soft. – These descriptions appear on almost every product page. But what do they really mean? How do you measure softness, and why does the difference between Shore A 10 and Shore A 30 make a bigger difference than most buyers expect? This guide explains the science behind softness – and why it's especially relevant for platinum silicone.
What is Shore Hardness?
Shore hardness is a standardized measure for the hardness of elastomers and plastics. It was developed in 1915 by Albert Ferdinand Shore and is now the international reference for the material hardness of rubber, silicone, and similar materials.
It is measured with a durometer: A defined needle is pressed into the material with a defined force. The deeper the needle penetrates, the softer the material – and the lower the Shore value.
For silicone toys, only the Shore A scale is relevant – the scale for soft elastomers. It ranges from 0 (no resistance) to 100 (no penetration possible).
The Shore A Scale – with Everyday Comparisons
| Shore A Value | Feel | Everyday Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 10 | Extremely soft, almost liquid | Soft gel, contact lens |
| 10 – 20 | Very soft, highly yielding | Soft breast implant, baby pacifier |
| 20 – 30 | Soft, body-conforming, slightly structured | Earplugs, soft silicone wristband |
| 30 – 40 | Medium firm, noticeable inherent structure | Eraser, firm sneaker midsole |
| 40 – 60 | Firm, barely yielding | Car tire, hard shoe sole |
| 60+ | Hard, minimal deformation | Hard plastic-like |
Why Shore Hardness in Platinum Silicone Acts Differently Than in TPE
Here lies a crucial difference that is rarely explained: Shore hardness is material-dependent. A TPE toy with Shore A 20 feels different from a platinum silicone toy with Shore A 20 – even though the measured value is identical.
The reason lies in the material structure:
- Platinum silicone has a uniform, cross-linked molecular structure. The softness is consistent throughout the entire material – there are no soft outer layers over a hard core.
- TPE is a mixed polymer with an uneven structure. The surface can feel soft, while the material underneath reacts differently. Furthermore, TPE changes over time – it becomes sticky, loses elasticity, and thus its Shore value.
Platinum silicone retains its Shore value permanently. The toy feels the same after two years as it did on the first day.
- What is platinum silicone? Material, production, and body feel – the principle behind the material
Which Shore Value Suits Which Experience?
There is no universally "right" hardness – but there are clear preference patterns:
Shore A 10 – 20: Maximum Softness
Very high compliance, minimal resistance. The material adapts completely – ideal for those who prefer a particularly gentle, enveloping sensation. For dildos of this hardness, the shape is less prominent, the feeling dominates.
Shore A 20 – 30: The Body-Conforming Range
The range where most high-quality platinum silicone toys are positioned. Soft enough for a natural body feel, firm enough for noticeable structure and texture. Heat absorption and surface haptics are most pronounced in this range.
Shore A 30 – 40: Structure-Emphasized
Noticeable inherent shape, defined textures, more control. For those who prefer stimulation through structure – ribs, nubs, anatomical details are more clearly perceived at higher hardness.
Dual-Density: When a Toy Has Two Hardness Values
Some high-quality platinum silicone toys combine two layers with different Shore values: a softer outer layer over a firmer core. The result is a haptic experience that comes closer to human tissue than a single-layer material.
This technology – known as Dual-Density or SquarePeg construction – can only be meaningfully implemented with platinum silicone. TPE cannot be stably bonded in layers without the interface failing over time.
What This Means for Your Product Choice
When a manufacturer states the Shore value of their products, it is a sign of transparency – and material knowledge. It means that the product is manufactured reproducibly and that the manufacturer understands what they are selling.
At SilikonLust, we work exclusively with platinum silicone in defined hardness levels. This means: You know what you're getting – not just with the first purchase, but with the second as well.
Our Collection – Softness with Substance
All products at SilikonLust are made from platinum silicone with defined Shore values. Choose according to your preferred experience:
For Her
- BBC Dildos – precise aesthetics, defined structure. For those who value visual impact and material quality equally.
- Fantasy Dildos – unusual geometries whose textures only achieve their full effect with the right Shore value.
For Him & Queer Experiences
- Transgender Vagina – hyperrealistic platinum silicone in the soft Shore range. The combination of surface haptics and heat absorption creates an experience that TPE cannot structurally achieve.
- Fantasy Pocket Pussy – thoughtfully designed channel geometry, whose texture effect directly depends on the Shore value. Soft enough for natural glide, firm enough for noticeable stimulation.
Read More: The Complete Material Science
This series explains why platinum silicone is the only standard that meets all dimensions:
-
Platinum Silicone vs. TPE: Why We Don't Compromise – the direct material comparison
- What Does "Body-Safe" Really Mean? – safety standards compared
- Medical Silicone in Sex Toys: Myth vs. Reality
- Pore-free & hygienic: The microbiology behind silicone
- Enjoy Allergy-Free: Why Platinum Silicone is the Answer
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shore hardness and why is it relevant for sex toys?
Shore hardness is a standardized measure for the softness of elastomers. For sex toys, it directly determines how the material feels – how much resistance it provides, how strongly textures are perceived, and how body-conforming the experience is.
Which Shore A value is best for dildos?
There is no universally best value – it depends on preference. Shore A 15–20 offers maximum softness and an enveloping feel. Shore A 25–35 combines body conformity with noticeable structure. Shore A 35+ emphasizes texture and control.
Does the Shore hardness of a toy change over time?
Not with platinum silicone. The cross-linked molecular structure remains permanently stable. With TPE, however, the hardness changes over time – the material becomes sticky and loses its original elasticity.
What is Dual-Density in silicone toys?
Dual-Density refers to a construction with two layers of different Shore hardness: a softer outer layer over a firmer core. The result comes closer to human tissue than single-layer material. This technique can only be implemented durably and stably with platinum silicone.
Why does platinum silicone feel different from TPE at the same Shore value?
Shore hardness measures penetration resistance, not material quality. Platinum silicone has a uniform, cross-linked structure with consistent softness and heat absorption. TPE has an uneven structure, changes over time, and does not absorb body heat.