TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. Durock POM T1 (Sunflower)
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) stand out as excellent options for those seeking a tactile typing experience. The TTC Gold Brown Pro is renowned for its subtle and nuanced tactile feedback, providing a gentle bump with each keystroke that allows typists to fully immerse themselves in their work without distraction. Its quiet sound profile adds to the overall understated feel, making it perfect for those who prefer a more subdued typing experience. On the other hand, the POM T1 (Sunflower) offers maximum tactility with a sharp and clean clack that is sure to invigorate typists seeking a more pronounced feedback. While the Gold Brown Pro is polished, thocky, and low-pitched, the POM T1 is resonant, snappy, and invigorating. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
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
18mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower), it is evident that both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Gold Brown Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the POM T1 (Sunflower) utilizes a POM top housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, the polycarbonate top housing of the Gold Brown Pro may be better suited for those looking for a crisper sound, while the POM top housing of the T1 (Sunflower) may appeal to those who prefer a deeper sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches differ in their materials. The Gold Brown Pro features a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the POM T1 (Sunflower) utilizes a POM bottom housing that also offers a deep and muted sound profile. Although both switches use different materials for their bottom housings, they both provide similar sound characteristics with their soft plastics that contribute to a more rounded sound experience.
Overall, the choice between the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) may come down to personal preference in sound profile. While the Gold Brown Pro offers a crisper and higher-pitched sound with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, the POM T1 (Sunflower) provides a deeper and more muted sound with its POM top and bottom housings. Ultimately, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, so it is important to consider which qualities you prioritize in a switch when making your decision.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch, it is clear that they have different weight characteristics. The Gold Brown Pro requires an actuation force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option compared to the POM T1, which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the POM T1 is heavier with a force of 67 grams, while the Gold Brown Pro has an unknown bottom out force. The Gold Brown Pro is ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the POM T1 is better suited for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Overall, while the actuation force varies between the two switches, both offer unique options for different preferences in typing force.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, which is slightly shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch. This means that the Gold Brown Pro offers a slightly shorter key press distance compared to the POM T1, which may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. However, if you prefer a more substantial key press feel, the POM T1 may be the better option for you. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the difference being relatively minor, so you can expect similar results in terms of overall key press experience with either switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown Pro for $2.90.
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 TTC Gold Brown Pro switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep and rich auditory experience without being too loud or sharp. On the other hand, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switch delivers a resonant and higher-pitched sound, giving a clean and sharp audio feedback with each keystroke. Depending on your preference, the Gold Brown Pro will provide a more subdued and mellow sound, while the POM T1 (Sunflower) will offer a more vibrant and punchy auditory experience.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the TTC Gold Brown Pro switch is polished, silky, mild, subtle, and stepped, focusing on providing a smooth and refined typing experience with gentle tactile feedback. In contrast, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switch is sharp, accented, snappy, and invigorating, offering a more intense and pronounced tactile bump with a highly responsive and lively typing sensation. If you enjoy a softer and more subtle tactile feel, the Gold Brown Pro would be the choice, whereas if you prefer a more distinct and invigorating feedback, the POM T1 (Sunflower) would be more suitable.
Ultimately, choosing between the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel during typing. The Gold Brown Pro provides a more understated and polished typing experience with a thocky and low-pitched sound, while the POM T1 (Sunflower) offers a sharper and more resonant tactile feedback with a higher-pitched sound profile. Both switches excel in their own unique characteristics, so selecting the right one will depend on your individual typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch, consider your preference for feedback intensity and sound profile. If you value a subtle and immersive typing experience with a gentle tactile bump and subdued sound, the Gold Brown Pro may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer maximum tactility with a sharp tactile bump and a clean, resonant sound profile, the POM T1 (Sunflower) could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing experience you prefer - whether it be understated and polished or bold and invigorating.
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