Cherry MX Silent Red vs. Durock POM T1 (Sunflower)
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch, the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) stand out as popular choices for different reasons. The MX Silent Red offers a smooth linear typing experience with a muted, thocky feel that operates silently, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the POM T1 (Sunflower) provides a tactile typing experience with a sharp tactility, clean clack, and invigorating feel that is sure to please tactile switch enthusiasts. While the MX Silent Red is ideal for a quieter typing experience, the POM T1 (Sunflower) is perfect for those seeking maximum tactility. 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
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Nylon
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
Both the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) utilize unique housing materials for their switches, with the Cherry MX Silent Red featuring a nylon top and bottom housing, and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) utilizing a POM top and bottom housing. The nylon housing of the MX Silent Red provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the POM housing of the T1 (Sunflower) creates a pleasing and unique sound that leans towards the deeper side and is relatively more muted, offering a different auditory experience for users.
While both switches have different housing materials for their top and bottom components, the impact on the overall sound and feel of the switch is split between the two. The bottom housing, whether nylon or POM, has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when a key is pressed, while the top housing affects the sound produced when a key is released. This split in housing materials allows for a nuanced typing experience that takes into account both the press and release of keys, giving users a varied sensory experience depending on the switch they choose.
In terms of performance, both the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. While the nylon housing of the MX Silent Red provides a deeper and fuller sound, the POM housing of the T1 (Sunflower) offers a more muted and pleasing sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in sound and feel, with the nylon and POM housing materials each offering a distinct typing experience for users.
Weight
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes with minimal effort compared to the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. On the other hand, when it comes to bottoming out, the POM T1 (Sunflower) requires a heavier force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience than the Cherry MX Silent Red, which has an unknown bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Cherry MX Silent Red would be the better option, while the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) would be ideal for those who enjoy a heavier push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The MX Silent Red is the shorter of the two options, making it ideal for those who prefer a faster response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the POM T1 (Sunflower) offers a slightly deeper key press experience with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and what type of typing experience each individual is seeking.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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
When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Silent Red offers a muted and thocky typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, perfect for those who prefer a quieter typing environment. On the other hand, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) provides a resonant and clean sound with a higher pitch, giving the user a more immersive auditory experience. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the setup used with the switches.
Moving on to feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red is described as having a textured feel, which may provide a different tactile experience for some users compared to the smoother feel of other switches. In contrast, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) offers a sharp and accented tactile feedback, creating a distinctive typing sensation that is both responsive and invigorating. The sharp tactility of the POM T1 (Sunflower) switch sets it apart for those who enjoy a pronounced tactile bump with each keypress. Ultimately, the feel of a switch is a crucial factor in determining the overall typing experience and comfort level for the user.
In conclusion, while the Cherry MX Silent Red and Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switches may differ in sound and feel characteristics, both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Cherry MX Silent Red excels in providing a quieter typing experience with a slightly textured feel, while the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) offers a more resonant sound profile and sharp tactile feedback for a dynamic typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch or the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences and needs. If you value a quieter typing experience and prefer a linear switch with a slightly heavier feel, the MX Silent Red is the way to go. On the other hand, if you seek maximum tactility and enjoy a sharp and punchy tactile feedback, the POM T1 (Sunflower) is the better choice for you. Both switches have their unique traits in terms of sound and feel, so it's important to consider what qualities you prioritize in a keyboard switch. Ultimately, the decision boils down to what type of typing experience you personally find most satisfying and comfortable.
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