Outemu Milk Tea vs. Durock POM T1 (Sunflower)
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Tea and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Milk Tea and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) mechanical keyboard switches, we see that both are tactile switches, offering a satisfying tactile feedback while typing. The Milk Tea is best known for its subtle and smooth tactile bump, providing a gentle typing experience. On the other hand, the POM T1 (Sunflower) is celebrated for its maximum tactility, delivering a sharp tactile bump and a clean clack sound with each keystroke. While the Milk Tea offers a more subtle and mellow typing experience, the POM T1 (Sunflower) provides a more pronounced and invigorating tactile feedback. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on 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
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
Ly
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
The housing materials of the Outemu Milk Tea and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) bring different characteristics to the switches. The Milk Tea features a nylon bottom housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. On the other hand, the POM bottom housing of the POM T1 (Sunflower) also contributes to a deeper sound profile but in a relatively more muted fashion compared to nylon.
In terms of the top housing materials, the Outemu Milk Tea utilizes a Ly top housing which produces a very bright sound signature with resonant clacks when typing. This newer material for switch housings adds a unique element to the sound profile. Similarly, the POM top housing of the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) creates an incredibly pleasing and unique sound that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted compared to the bright sound of the Milk Tea's Ly top housing.
While the bottom and top housing materials offer distinct sound profiles for both switches, they both contribute to creating a well-rounded typing experience. The characteristics of the top and bottom housing materials play a crucial role in determining the overall sound and feel of the switches. Despite the differences in the housing materials of the Outemu Milk Tea and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower), users can expect similar results in terms of the depth and uniqueness of the sound produced by these switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch, it is evident that there are differences in weight between the two. The Milk Tea has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the POM T1 has an unknown actuation force. The bottom out force of the Milk Tea is not specified, whereas the POM T1 has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Milk Tea may be more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming, where a lighter touch is preferred. On the other hand, the heavier bottom out force of the POM T1 provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, choosing between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience a similar distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent feel and feedback to the user despite the slight differences in design and material. Overall, while the two switches may have their own unique characteristics, in terms of travel distance, they provide a comparable typing experience.
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 Tea 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 Milk Tea switch is known for being quiet, while the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switch is described as resonant, providing a higher-pitched sound profile with a clean and sharp quality. The auditory experience with the POM T1 switch is said to be immersive, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced typing sound. However, the actual sound produced by a switch is also influenced by other factors like the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel, the Milk Tea switch does not have a specific tactile descriptor provided. On the other hand, the POM T1 (Sunflower) switch is known for being sharp, accented, snappy, and invigorating. This means that users can expect a strong tactile bump with high feedback intensity, creating a responsive and lively typing experience. The POM T1 switch strikes a balance between offering a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or too subtle, making it a versatile option for different typing preferences.
Considering the available information, the Outemu Milk Tea and Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Milk Tea switch is quieter and lacks specific tactile descriptors, the POM T1 switch provides a more resonant sound profile and a range of tactile qualities for a punchy and immersive typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing sound and feel, as well as other factors like keyboard setup and personal typing style. If a user enjoys a sharp tactility and a clean, sharp clack, the POM T1 switch may be the preferred choice. However, both switches can deliver satisfying typing experiences, and users can expect similar results in terms of quality and performance.
Conclusion
Therefore, when deciding between the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you are looking for a switch with a light bottom out force and a unique typing experience, the Milk Tea may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and maximum tactility, the POM T1 (Sunflower) might be more suited to your liking. Consider the sound profile and feel of each switch to determine which one aligns best with your typing style and preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer a satisfying tactile feedback and can enhance your overall typing experience, so choose the one that resonates most with you.
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