A method, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, includes forming various layers of a data read transducer structure and of a lower shield layer of a servo read transducer structure in an array with the data read transducer structure in common fabrication steps. The formed dielectric layers of both read transducer structures, coupled with the unique shield structure of the data read transducer structure, work in concert to provide robust resistance to asperity-induced shorting while also lower smaller read gap thickness.