Outemu Milk Blue vs. Durock POM T1 (Sunflower)
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Blue and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel. The Milk Blue switch is best known for its clicky feedback, providing an audible sound and tactile bump with each key press. On the other hand, the POM T1 (Sunflower) switch is characterized by its maximum tactility, offering a sharp tactility and clean clack sensation while typing. If you prefer a satisfying clicky feedback, the Milk Blue switch may be the one for you. However, if you are seeking maximum tactility and an invigorating typing experience, the POM T1 (Sunflower) switch could be the better choice. 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
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.20 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 Milk Blue and Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switches both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Milk Blue's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound, while the POM T1 (Sunflower)'s POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. Both materials have their own advantages, with polycarbonate offering a clear and resonant sound, ideal for RGB lighting, and POM providing a pleasing and unique sound profile. Despite their differences, both switches aim to enhance the overall typing experience with their distinct housing materials.
In terms of the bottom housings, the Milk Blue utilizes a nylon material, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. Similarly, the POM T1 (Sunflower) features a POM bottom housing, which also contributes to a deeper and more muted sound profile. While both switches share the goal of enhancing sound quality through their choice of bottom housing material, the slight differences in the properties of nylon and POM may result in nuanced variations in sound and feel when typing on these switches.
When considering the overall impact of the housing materials on the typing experience, it is important to note that the top and bottom housings play different roles in shaping the sound profile of a switch. The bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Despite using different housing materials for the top and bottom parts, both the Outemu Milk Blue and Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switches aim to create a unique and satisfying typing experience through their carefully chosen materials.
Weight
The Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch, whose actuation force is unknown. However, the POM T1 has a higher bottom out force of 67 grams, signifying a more substantial typing experience compared to the Milk Blue's unlisted bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Milk Blue for longer typing sessions or gaming, while individuals seeking a more pronounced tactile feedback may opt for the heavier bottom out force of the POM T1. In terms of actuation force, the two switches provide different typing experiences, with one being lighter and the other potentially heavier, depending on the user's preference.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch have an identical travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. As a result, the typing experience and feedback provided by both switches will be similar in terms of key travel. Whether you choose the Milk Blue clicky switch or the POM T1 tactile switch, you can expect to get consistent results in terms of travel distance.
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 Milk Blue 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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Milk Blue switch is known for producing a loud and pronounced "click" sound with each keypress. On the other hand, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switch offers a more resonant and higher-pitched sound profile, providing an immersive auditory experience. The sound of both switches is influenced by factors like the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps, so customization options can help tailor the sound to your preference.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Milk Blue switch offers a tactile feedback that is sharp and satisfying, providing a noticeable bump with each keystroke. In contrast, the POM T1 (Sunflower) switch is described as sharp, accented, snappy, and invigorating, offering a strong tactile bump that is not overwhelming but still provides a responsive typing experience. These switches are designed to enhance the typing experience and cater to users who enjoy feedback with their keypresses.
Overall, when comparing the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch, it is clear that they offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Milk Blue switch provides a loud clicky sound with sharp tactility, while the POM T1 switch offers a more resonant sound with a strong tactile bump for a responsive typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound, feel, and typing style, you can choose the switch that best suits your needs for a customized mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that provides a satisfying clicky sound without the need for a heavy bottom out force, then the Outemu Milk Blue switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and maximum tactility, then the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for sound, feel, and bottom out force when selecting between these two switches.
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