Outemu Crystal Brown vs. Durock POM T1 (Sunflower)
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) mechanical keyboard switches, both switches fall under the tactile category offering a satisfying typing experience. The Crystal Brown is best known for its neutral feel, while the POM T1 is celebrated for its maximum tactility, providing a sharp and invigorating typing experience with a clean clack sound. Both switches have their unique attributes that cater to different preferences - whether you prefer a smoother, neutral feel or a more pronounced and snappy tactile feedback. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Outemu Crystal Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the POM T1 (Sunflower)'s POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. While the Crystal Brown's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency, the POM T1 (Sunflower) offers a unique sound profile with its POM material. In terms of aesthetics and sound characteristics, these two switches offer contrasting experiences based on their respective housing materials.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Crystal Brown's nylon bottom housing and the POM T1 (Sunflower)'s POM bottom housing create deeper and fuller sound profiles, with the nylon bottom housing producing a duller and rounder sound due to its softer plastic. While both switches offer a pleasing sound experience with their bottom housing materials, the differences in sound characteristics between the two are still noticeable. The split qualities between the top and bottom housing materials allow for a varied typing experience when using these switches.
Overall, while the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) may differ in their housing materials, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The Crystal Brown's use of polycarbonate and nylon creates a sharper and fuller sound profile, while the POM T1 (Sunflower) offers a deeper and more muted sound experience with its POM material. Whether one prefers a crisper sound with RGB lighting capabilities or a deeper, more muted sound, there is a switch option for every typing style and preference.
Weight
The Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the POM T1 has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, while the Crystal Brown has a bottom out force of 55 grams. This makes the Crystal Brown a medium-light switch and the POM T1 a medium-heavy switch. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Crystal Brown for extended typing or gaming sessions, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the heavier bottom out force of the POM T1. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel. Both switches offer a consistent and familiar keypress feel to users. Consequently, users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience and tactile feedback from both switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Outemu Crystal Brown comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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 Outemu Crystal Brown switch does not have a specific characteristic mentioned, leaving it open to individual interpretation. On the other hand, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switch is noted for its resonant quality, providing a higher-pitched sound profile that is clean and sharp. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences, with the Crystal Brown allowing for a personalized sound experience and the POM T1 delivering a more immersive sound profile for those seeking a punchier typing sound.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch does not have a specific tactile descriptor provided. In contrast, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switch is described as sharp, accented, snappy, and invigorating, offering a strong and crisp tactile bump that provides a distinct feedback with each keystroke. The combination of these tactile qualities in the POM T1 switch creates a tactile experience that is responsive, immersive, and enjoyable for those who appreciate a tactile typing sensation.
Overall, when comparing the subjective qualities of the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switches, it is evident that both switches offer unique sound and tactile experiences. While the Crystal Brown switch allows for a more customizable sound experience, the POM T1 switch is tailored for users who seek a punchier and more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch, consider the bottom out force and tactility preference. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a quieter typing experience, the Crystal Brown may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force and a punchier, more tactile typing experience, the POM T1 (Sunflower) would be the switch to go for. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and preference for tactility and sound. Experimenting with both switches may help you determine which one suits your typing needs best.
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