KTT Darling vs. Durock POM T1 (Sunflower)
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Darling and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) offer unique typing experiences to consider. The KTT Darling, known for its linear design, provides a typing sensation that is both chewy and substantial, with a pronounced bounciness that adds a springy responsiveness to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) stands out for its tactile feedback, offering maximum tactility with a sharp tactility and a satisfying clean clack. While the Darling is characterized by a high-pitched, resonant sound upon bottoming out, the Sunflower switch is described as resonant, sharp, and invigorating. Both switches have their own set of qualities that may appeal to different preferences, so it ultimately depends on what you are looking for in a keyboard switch. 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Darling and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) both offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The Darling's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, thanks to its stiff nature that enhances resonance. In contrast, the POM T1 (Sunflower)'s POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound, offering a different auditory experience. While both materials have their distinct advantages, the choice between polycarbonate and POM will ultimately depend on the sound profile that the user prefers.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Darling's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound profile that may appeal to those seeking a more subdued typing experience. Similarly, the POM T1 (Sunflower)'s POM bottom housing also contributes to a deeper and more muted sound profile, offering a consistent sound experience across both the top and bottom housing materials. Both nylon and POM bring their own unique characteristics to the switches, providing a range of options for users to choose from based on their sound preferences.
Overall, the combination of different housing materials in the KTT Darling and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) allows for a diverse range of sound profiles to cater to various user preferences. While the Darling's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound, the POM T1 (Sunflower)'s POM housing provides a deeper and more muted sound. The use of nylon and POM in the bottom housing further enhances the sound qualities of each switch, ensuring a well-rounded typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Darling linear switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch reveals some key differences. The Darling has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the POM T1's unknown actuation force, making the Darling more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch when typing. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the POM T1 has a heavier force of 67 grams, as opposed to the Darling's 53 grams. This makes the POM T1 better suited for users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience, as it provides a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with the Darling offering a lighter typing experience while the POM T1 provides a heavier and more tactile feel.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the KTT Darling linear switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch, we can see that the Darling has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the POM T1 (Sunflower) which has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Darling's shorter travel distance may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, while the POM T1 (Sunflower)'s longer travel distance might be favored by those who prefer a more substantial keypress feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference, with the Darling offering a quicker, more responsive keypress and the POM T1 (Sunflower) providing a deeper, more tactile experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Darling has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Darling for $3.90.
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 KTT Darling linear switch is known for its clacky, high-pitched, and resonant characteristics, providing a sharp and engaging auditory experience when typing. On the other hand, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch offers a resonant and neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various typing needs. Despite these differences, both switches deliver a clean and sharp sound that can enhance the overall typing experience, with the choice ultimately depending on personal preference and the setup of the keyboard.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the KTT Darling is praised for its bouncy sensation, offering a springy and lively feedback that adds a dynamic feel to each keystroke. In contrast, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switch is described as sharp, accented, snappy, and invigorating, providing a strong and distinct tactile bump with each keypress. These differing tactile qualities cater to different preferences, with the Darling emphasizing a bouncy feel while the POM T1 offers a more intense and responsive tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the KTT Darling linear switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Darling provides a chewy and substantial typing sensation with a clacky and high-pitched sound, the POM T1 delivers a sharp tactility and satisfying clean clack. Both switches excel in their own right, catering to different preferences and typing styles, ensuring a rewarding typing experience for newcomers in the mechanical keyboard world. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering which switch to choose between the KTT Darling linear switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch, you should take into account your preference for typing sensation and feedback. If you enjoy a chewy and substantial typing experience with a pronounced bounciness and high-pitched sound upon bottoming out, the KTT Darling switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a sharp tactility with a clean clack and a range of tactile sensations like sharp, accented, snappy, and invigorating feedback, then the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switch is the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel and sound.
Mentioned in this article
