Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch for your typing or gaming experience, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) and Everglide Rice Pudding stand out as two compelling options, each with its distinctive characteristics. The POM T1, celebrated for its sharp tactility and satisfying clack sound, delivers an invigorating typing experience that's perfect for users who prioritize maximum tactile feedback. Its resonant and snappy nature makes it an appealing choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced response with each keystroke. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding offers a harmonious blend of smooth operation and a rich, deep sound, making it ideal for those who seek a balanced typing experience that is both precise and enjoyable. Furthermore, the Rice Pudding's compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards adds to its versatility, catering to enthusiasts looking for performance as well as adaptability. While both switches have their unique advantages, the choice ultimately depends on your personal preferences 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
N/A
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Proprietary
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) and the Everglide Rice Pudding, a fundamental difference emerges in the choice of plastics for both the top and bottom housings. The POM T1 utilizes POM (Polyoxymethylene) for its top and bottom housings, which contributes to a deeper, more muted sound profile. This characteristic sound is associated with the material’s ability to deliver a unique auditory experience that is relatively soft and pleasant. On the other hand, the Rice Pudding opts for a polycarbonate upper housing coupled with a nylon lower housing. The polycarbonate creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that resonates more clearly due to its stiffer makeup, resulting in a crisp typing experience. The nylon bottom housing, recognized for its softer composition, introduces a fuller and deeper sound, contrasting with the more pronounced high frequencies produced by the polycarbonate above it.
While the differences in materials lead to distinct sound profiles, they concurrently offer an opportunity for users to experience unique typing sensations. The POM T1’s uniformity in POM across the housing creates a cohesive sound experience that leans towards warmer tones. In contrast, the Rice Pudding achieves a multifaceted auditory experience by merging the vibrant highs of polycarbonate with the subdued lows of nylon. This combination results in an intriguing sound profile that strikes a balance between clarity and depth. Furthermore, the polycarbonate's translucency makes it particularly well-suited for showcasing RGB lighting, enhancing not just the sound but also the visual aesthetic associated with mechanical switches.
Ultimately, while the Durock POM T1 and Everglide Rice Pudding differ in their housing materials, users can achieve similar results through their unique auditory experiences. Each switch’s design emphasizes particular sound qualities that appeal to different preferences in typing feel and sound signature. The distinct qualities of sound muffling in POM and the contrasting clarity of polycarbonate, paired with nylon's ability to absorb sound, reveal the potential for a varied yet pleasing typing experience. Consequently, users aiming for either a deeper sound profile with the POM T1 or a more pronounced, varied auditory experience with the Rice Pudding will find satisfaction, depending on their personal preference for tactile interaction and sound.
Weight
When comparing the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The POM T1 features a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorized as medium-heavy, but the actuation force remains unspecified; thus, it cannot be directly compared. In contrast, the Rice Pudding switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it a lighter option overall. For typists who prefer a softer touch and reduced fatigue during extended use—ideal for long workdays or gaming sessions—the Rice Pudding would be the preferred choice. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience might gravitate towards the POM T1 switch, particularly for its heavier bottom out force. Overall, the Rice Pudding is the lighter switch, while the POM T1 leans towards a heavier profile, appealing to contrasting user preferences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch measures 4 mm, while the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This 0.5 mm difference highlights distinct preferences in tactile feedback and responsiveness. The POM T1 offers a more traditional travel distance, which can provide a satisfying depth for users who enjoy a hearty pressing sensation. On the other hand, the Rice Pudding's shorter travel distance caters to users, particularly gamers, who favor quicker response times and a more immediate feel when pressing a key. Though both switches aim to enhance the typing or gaming experience, the POM T1 is the longer option, appealing to those who appreciate depth, while the Rice Pudding presents a more rapid, less abrupt action suitable for those seeking faster performance.
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 Everglide Rice Pudding has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rice Pudding for $6.79.
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 Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switch delivers a distinct auditory profile characterized by a resonant and sharp clack that provides an engaging typing experience. Users can expect a clean and elevated sound, suitable for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch is noted for its deep sound, which contributes to a balanced auditory experience. Together, these characteristics result in a satisfying soundscape for enthusiasts, although the specific tonal quality of the Rice Pudding remains less defined compared to the POM T1.
In terms of feel, the POM T1 (Sunflower) switch excels with its sharp tactile feedback and invigorating response. This switch provides a highly responsive typing experience characterized by a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with each keypress. The tactile nature of the T1 switch is accentuated by features such as its snappy responsiveness and accentuated feedback, ensuring that users are well aware of each keystroke. In contrast, the feel of the Rice Pudding switch is not well articulated, leaving its tactile characteristics unknown. This absence of information makes it challenging to draw direct comparisons in terms of tactile performance between the two switches.
In conclusion, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switch clearly shines with its resonant sound and sharp tactile feedback, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize an engaging and responsive typing experience. Meanwhile, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch may offer a unique deep sound profile that appeals to users seeking balance and precision, though its tactile qualities remain unspecified. Ultimately, selecting between these two switches will depend on what specific features a user values, particularly if they prioritize sound or tactile feedback, but the POM T1 provides a clearer, more defined experience, especially for tactile preference.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your choice between the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and usage scenario. If you prioritize maximum tactility and enjoy a more pronounced feedback with each keystroke, the POM T1 is an excellent option. Its medium-heavy actuation force coupled with a sharp tactile bump provides an invigorating typing experience that's particularly satisfying for those who appreciate a punchy response. This switch is particularly suitable for general use where more tactile feedback is desirable, such as coding or gaming, where each keypress needs to feel distinct and rewarding. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, lighter typing experience, the Rice Pudding is a fantastic choice. Its lower actuation force combined with its smooth operation makes for effortless typing, perfect for long writing sessions or general everyday use. Additionally, its compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards opens up options for gamers and enthusiasts seeking greater versatility. Overall, your decision should hinge on whether you want a sharper, more tactile sensation with the POM T1 or a smooth, balanced feel with the Rice Pudding.