TTC Flaming Purple vs. Durock POM T1 (Sunflower)
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that come to mind are the TTC Flaming Purple, a linear switch, and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower), a tactile switch. The Flaming Purple is praised for its resonant character and bassier sound signature, making each keystroke engaging and unique. With a light actuation force of 47g, it offers a feathery and effortless typing experience suitable for both enthusiasts and daily typists. On the other hand, the POM T1 (Sunflower) boasts maximum tactility, providing a sharp tactility and satisfying clack with every press. If you prefer a switch that is resonant, sharp, and invigorating, the POM T1 (Sunflower) may be the ideal choice for you. 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
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
47g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Flaming Purple and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) showcase distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall typing experience. The Flaming Purple utilizes a polycarbonate top housing which produces a sharper and crisper sound profile with its stiffness, ideal for those who prefer a more defined typing sound. In contrast, the POM T1 (Sunflower) features a POM top housing that creates a deeper and muted sound, offering a unique auditory experience that leans towards a softer tone. Despite their differences, both housing materials excel in enhancing the sound profile, catering to different preferences based on sound depth and clarity.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Flaming Purple incorporates a nylon material that enhances the typing experience by producing a deeper and fuller sound. With its softer nature, nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller yet rounder sound profile that may appeal to individuals seeking a more subdued typing experience. Similarly, the POM T1 (Sunflower) utilizes a POM bottom housing to create a pleasing and unique sound that leans towards the deeper side, contributing to a muted sound profile that complements the top housing's characteristics. While different in material, both bottom housings prioritize sound depth and richness for an enhanced typing sensation.
Overall, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in a switch plays a crucial role in determining the overall tactile and auditory experience. While the TTC Flaming Purple and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) showcase unique characteristics in their housing materials, the impact of each material is felt distinctly upon key press and release. The bottom housing's influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, compared to the top housing's impact on the sound when releasing a key, highlights how the choice of materials can shape the overall typing experience. Whether opting for a sharper and crisper sound profile with polycarbonate, or a deeper and muted sound with POM, both switches offer distinct typing experiences tailored to individual preferences based on housing material composition.
Weight
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the Flaming Purple is 47 grams, which is also lighter than the POM T1's bottom out force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy. This means that the Flaming Purple will provide a smoother and easier typing experience with a gentler touch, while the POM T1 will require more force for each keystroke, resulting in a more substantial and tactile typing feel. Depending on personal preference, some may prefer the lightness of the Flaming Purple for longer typing sessions, while others may opt for the heavier force of the POM T1 for a more pronounced typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual typing preferences and needs.
Travel distance
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Flaming Purple offers a quicker response time, which can be beneficial for gamers and those who prefer a more immediate key press. On the other hand, the POM T1 offers a slightly deeper key press experience, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feeling when typing. Both switches provide a different tactile experience due to their travel distances, so choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Purple has an MSRP of $8.30 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Purple for $4.30.
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 Flaming Purple linear switch is characterized by its bassy and low-pitched profile, giving off a rich and deep sound during key presses. The switch also has a resonant quality, providing a clean and sharp auditory experience. On the other hand, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch is noted for its resonant sound profile, offering a higher-pitched and sharp tone. Additionally, it is described as having a neutral sound, suitable for various purposes. Ultimately, the choice of sound between the two switches would depend on personal preference, with the Flaming Purple offering a bassier sound and the POM T1 presenting a cleaner, sharper tone.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the TTC Flaming Purple is praised for its feathery and easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal exertion from the user. This light actuation force enhances typing comfort and reduces finger fatigue during extended sessions. In contrast, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) is known for its sharp and invigorating tactile feedback. The switch provides a distinct tactile bump with each keypress, offering a responsive and immersive typing sensation. The comparison between the two switches in terms of feel highlights the Flaming Purple's smooth and easy actuation versus the POM T1's pronounced tactile feedback and snappy feel.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch showcase distinct qualities in both sound and feel. The Flaming Purple excels in providing a bassier sound and a light, effortless typing experience, while the POM T1 stands out for its sharp, clean sound and sharp tactile feedback. Depending on individual preferences for sound and typing feel, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. Ultimately, selecting between the two switches would come down to personal preference for either a bassy, feathery typing experience or a sharp, invigorating tactile feedback during key presses.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch or the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a light and feathery typing experience with a bassier sound profile, the Flaming Purple may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are seeking a tactile switch with a sharp tactility and clean clack, the POM T1 (Sunflower) could be the perfect fit. Keep in mind that the Flaming Purple has a lighter bottom out force of 47 grams, while the POM T1 (Sunflower) has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams. Consider how these factors align with your typing preferences and needs to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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