TTC Brother vs. Durock POM T1 (Sunflower)
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch present themselves as compelling options for different preferences. The TTC Brother stands out for its lightweight actuation of 37g, delivering a tactile experience that is both satisfying and effortless. With a crunchy sound signature that appeals to clicky switch enthusiasts, it strikes a perfect balance with its distinct tactile bump. On the other hand, the POM T1 (Sunflower) offers maximum tactility with sharp feedback and a clean clack sound. While the Brother excels in being easy-to-press and stepped, the POM T1 is characterized by its resonant, sharp, and invigorating feel. Ultimately, choosing between these switches depends on your preference for either a clicky or tactile typing experience. 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
37g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Proprietary
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17.5mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Brother and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower), we see that both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile for the Brother, while the POM T1 (Sunflower) offers a deeper and more muted sound. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of a switch allows for translucent designs, making it ideal for RGB lighting applications. However, the POM top housing of the Sunflower switch provides a unique sound experience that veers towards the deeper end of the spectrum.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the TTC Brother incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. This contrasts with the POM bottom housing of the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower), which again offers a unique sound that leans towards the deeper and more muted side. The characteristics of these different housing materials affect the overall sound and feel of each switch, with the bottom housing playing a bigger role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has more impact on the sound when letting go of a key.
In essence, while the TTC Brother and Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) share similarities in their top and bottom housing choices, the nuances of polycarbonate and POM as materials result in distinct sound profiles for each switch. The stiffer polycarbonate used in the Brother's top housing creates a clear and resonant sound, while the softer POM material in the Sunflower switch yields a more muted and deeper sound experience. Ultimately, the housing materials chosen for a switch contribute significantly to its overall sound profile and feel, making each switch unique in its own right.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch, it is clear that they offer different experiences for users. The Brother clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes quickly. However, the bottom out force is unknown, which may not provide as much resistance for those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. On the other hand, the POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch has an unknown actuation force, but a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams. This means that while it may require more force to activate a keystroke initially, there is a more satisfying tactile feedback and resistance when bottoming out. Ultimately, the Brother clicky switch is lighter in terms of actuation force, while the POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch is heavier in terms of bottom out force. Depending on personal preference, users can choose the switch that best suits their typing style and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the POM T1 (Sunflower) has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the TTC Brother. The 0.5 mm difference may not seem like much, but it can affect the typing experience and feel of the switch. If you prefer a shorter travel distance for faster response times, the TTC Brother could be the better option. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a bit more depth and tactility, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer a decent travel distance that provides a satisfying typing experience, and choosing between the two would depend on individual preferences for typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
The Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the POM T1 (Sunflower) for $5.57.
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 TTC Brother clicky switch is celebrated for its crunchy sound, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves, a classic hallmark of clicky switches. On the other hand, the POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch offers a resonant sound profile, producing a clean and sharp clack with a higher-pitched tone that can be quite satisfying. While the Brother provides a distinct and satisfying click with each keystroke, the POM T1 delivers a more immersive auditory experience with its resonant sound.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Brother clicky switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, offering minimal resistance and requiring light force for activation. This provides a comfortable typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch boasts a sharp and snappy tactile bump, giving users a high feedback intensity and a reactive typing feel that can be invigorating. The distinct tactile feedback of the POM T1 ensures a pronounced typing sensation that enhances the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, the TTC Brother clicky switch excels in providing a crunchy sound signature and easy-to-press feel, offering a comfortable and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch stands out for its resonant sound profile and sharp tactile feedback, delivering a more immersive and invigorating typing sensation. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can enjoy a personalized and enjoyable typing experience with either choice. Ultimately, whether opting for the TTC Brother clicky switch or the POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch, users can expect a high-quality and tactile typing experience that meets their individual needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a lightweight and effortless typing experience with a satisfyingly crunchy sound signature, opt for the Brother switch. Its gentle actuation force and articulate tactile bump make it a joy to type on, especially for those who enjoy clicky switches. On the other hand, if you prefer maximum tactility with a sharp and clean clack, the POM T1 (Sunflower) switch is the way to go. Its medium-heavy bottom out force and sharp tactility provide a punchy typing experience that will satisfy tactile switch enthusiasts. Ultimately, your choice should depend on your preference for sound, feel, and typing style. Both switches have their unique strengths, so make your decision based on what qualities matter most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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