KTT Orange vs. Durock POM T1 (Sunflower)
An in-depth look at the KTT Orange and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the KTT Orange, a linear switch, and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower), a tactile switch. The KTT Orange switch is characterized by its bouncy feel, thanks to its 22mm long spring. With a polycarbonate milky top housing, a POM stem, and a vivid orange nylon bottom housing, this switch offers a frictionless typing experience and emits a low-pitched sound. Factory-lubed to perfection, it ensures smooth and refined key travel. On the other hand, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switch is preferred by those seeking maximum tactility. It provides a satisfyingly sharp tactility and produces a clean clack while typing. Categorized as resonant, neutral, sharp, accented, snappy, and invigorating, this switch is sure to enhance your typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on which switch best suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Orange and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) differ in terms of their sound profiles. The Orange's polycarbonate top and bottom housings create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to polycarbonate's stiffness. This results in a more clear and resonant sound when pressing down on a key. In contrast, the POM T1 (Sunflower)'s POM top and bottom housings produce a deeper and relatively more muted sound. This unique sound profile provides a pleasing experience but may not have the same level of clarity and resonance as the polycarbonate housing.
Regarding aesthetics, the Orange's polycarbonate housing, whether it is the top or the bottom, features translucency which allows for the use of RGB lighting. This makes the Orange an excellent choice for those who want to showcase their keyboard with colorful lighting effects. On the other hand, the POM T1 (Sunflower) does not offer this translucency, so it may not be as visually appealing for those who prioritize RGB lighting customization.
While the sound profiles and aesthetics of the two housing materials differ, it is worth noting that both polycarbonate and POM are known for providing a satisfying typing experience. Both materials offer their own unique qualities that can enhance the overall feel and sound of a switch. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch that offers a pleasant typing experience, you can expect similar results from both the KTT Orange and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower), albeit with distinct differences in sound profiles and visual appeal.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the KTT Orange linear switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch, we can see some distinct differences. The Orange has an actuation force of 46 grams, which is on the lighter side, and a bottom out force of 53 grams, still maintaining a medium-light weight. On the other hand, the POM T1 (Sunflower) has an unknown actuation force, but a significantly heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy range.
For those who prefer a lighter feel while typing, the KTT Orange would be more suitable, as it allows for longer typing periods without causing fatigue. This would be ideal for individuals who type a lot or engage in long gaming sessions. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial and forceful typing experience, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) would be a better choice. With its heavier bottom out force, users will feel a satisfying push while typing, adding to the overall tactile experience.
It's important to consider the weight of the switch based on individual preferences. While some may prefer a lighter actuation force for prolonged use, others may find a heavier bottom out force more satisfying. Ultimately, both switches offer different weights to cater to varying typing preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Orange linear switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch, it is clear that the Orange has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the POM T1 has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. Traditionally, a travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered standard, while 3.0 mm is on the shallow end. However, shorter travel distances are becoming more popular, especially among gamers who value faster response times. For those who prefer a more responsive feel, the Orange switch would be the preferred choice. On the other hand, some individuals find short travel distances to be too abrupt and may prefer the switch with the longer travel distance, the POM T1, for a more hearty typing experience. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange 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
The KTT Orange linear switch is best known for its low-pitched sound profile. These switches offer a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. With its factory-lubing, the Orange switch provides a refined and fluid key travel that minimizes friction and maximizes smoothness. Additionally, the Orange switch has a bouncy and frictionless feel, offering a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation and an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience.
On the other hand, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch is known for its sharp tactility and clean clack sound. The POM T1 (Sunflower) switch has a higher-pitched sound profile, creating an immersive auditory experience. It also offers a crisp and strong tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with each keypress. The POM T1 (Sunflower) switch is described as having accented tactility, providing a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, it is known for its snappy and invigorating feel, thanks to its responsive nature and moderate to firm actuation force.
Based on the available information, it is clear that the sound and feel of the KTT Orange linear switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch differ significantly. The Orange switch has a low-pitched sound profile and a bouncy, frictionless feel, creating a smooth and mellow typing experience. In contrast, the POM T1 (Sunflower) switch has a higher-pitched sound profile and a sharp, accented, and invigorating feel, providing a more tactile and responsive typing experience.
However, it's important to note that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps being used. Therefore, while the described qualities of these switches provide a general understanding of their subjective qualities, the final result may vary based on the overall setup that the switches are being used with.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you're looking for a medium-light switch with a bouncy and frictionless feel, the KTT Orange switch is a great choice. With its 53-gram bottom out force, it offers a slick and smooth typing experience. The Orange switch also has a low-pitched sound profile, which provides a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with maximum tactility, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, it provides a sharp and accented tactile bump that can be felt distinctly with each keypress. The POM T1 (Sunflower) switch also offers a resonant and clean sound profile, which adds to the overall typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your preference for actuation force, feel, and sound.
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