Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly influence your typing experience, and two popular options, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) and the Akko Rosewood, cater to different preferences. The Durock POM T1 is renowned for its maximum tactility, delivering a punchy feel that typists appreciate for its sharp tactility and enjoyable clean clack. This switch excels in providing an invigorating feedback, making every keystroke feel deliberate and satisfying. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood offers a contrast with its smooth, linear action, producing a deep, thocky sound thanks to a layer of factory-applied lubricant that enhances the experience. For those who prioritize an immersive auditory experience without the tactile bump, the Rosewood is an appealing choice. Both switches have their unique advantages: the POM T1 for those seeking pronounced feedback and the Rosewood for users who favor a quieter yet satisfying typing experience. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Proprietary
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) and the Akko Rosewood, it becomes apparent that while both employ plastic materials—POM for the Sunflower and nylon for the Rosewood—their acoustic qualities differ due to the inherent properties of these plastics. The POM top housing of the Sunflower is designed to deliver an exceptionally unique and pleasing sound profile that leans towards a deeper and more muted experience. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Rosewood, although classic and highly regarded, also offers a similar deep and full sound. However, nylon’s softer composition allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a sound profile that may be slightly rounder and less pronounced than its POM counterpart.
The bottom housings of both switches further accentuate their tonal characteristics. The POM bottom housing of the Sunflower, like its top housing, is imbued with qualities that produce a uniquely muted sound profile. This leads to a similar auditory experience as noted with the nylon bottom housing of the Rosewood, which contributes to a fuller sound due to nylon's ability to dampen sound more effectively than harder plastics. While the bottom housing plays a crucial role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, both materials are geared toward achieving a similar depth in sound. This overlap can result in a comparable auditory experience when typing on either switch.
Ultimately, while the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) and Akko Rosewood utilize different housing materials, their intent to deliver a muted and deeper sound profile demonstrates a shared goal despite the differing compositions. The POM and nylon materials each bring their own unique qualities to the overall experience; however, the inherent properties of both lend themselves well to producing similar results in terms of sound perception. At the same time, the nuanced differences between the two may appeal to enthusiasts looking for a particular tactile sensation or acoustic experience, highlighting the importance of personal preference when evaluating these switches.
Weight
When comparing the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch with the Akko Rosewood linear switch, we notice distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Durock POM T1 has an unknown actuation force, but it features a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switch offers a much lighter typing experience, with an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Rosewood is notably lighter, which may appeal to those who prefer an easier keystroke for extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the heavier bottom out force of the POM T1 provides a more substantial feedback feel, catering to users seeking a firmer typing experience. Overall, if you are looking for a switch that requires less force to actuate, the Akko Rosewood would be more suitable, while the Durock POM T1 would be better for those who favor a sturdier push.
Travel distance
The Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in terms of how far they travel from the top to the bottom when pressed. This similarity suggests that users can expect comparable keypress feedback and overall typing experience between the two switches. With both switches having the same travel distance, enthusiasts seeking a consistent feel across their keyboard can confidently mix and match these switches without any discrepancy in travel distance affecting their typing 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 Akko Rosewood has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rosewood for $3.11.
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) stands out with its resonant character, producing a clean and sharp audio profile that immerses the typist when typing. Each keypress delivers a satisfying clack, contributing to an engaging auditory experience ideal for both everyday use and more engaged typing sessions. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood linear switch generates a deeper, thocky sound that provides a rich and satisfying response, enhanced by the factory-applied lubricant that softens the sound while maintaining its identity. Choosing between these switches may largely depend on individual preferences for sound—whether one favors a sharp click or a deep thock.
In terms of feel, the POM T1 (Sunflower) is unmistakably designed for those seeking maximum tactility; it features a sharp tactile bump that is highly noticeable, offering a strong feedback intensity with each keypress. This invigorating feel is complemented by an accented nature that strikes a balance between being pleasantly tactile without the overwhelming feel of hypertactile switches. On the other hand, the feel of the Akko Rosewood linear switch is not described, leaving some uncertainty regarding how it engages the typist compared to the well-defined characteristics of the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower).
In conclusion, for those seeking an engaging auditory and tactile experience, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) provides a sharp sound and an invigorating tactile feedback. The Akko Rosewood linear switch, while offering a deeper thocky sound that many will find satisfying, is less defined in its tactile response. Ultimately, if you prefer a punchy and pronounced tactility, the POM T1 will serve well, while the Rosewood may cater to those seeking a smoother, more linear typing experience. Individual preferences will play a crucial role in choosing between these two switches, with sound and tactile feedback being pivotal elements to consider.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch largely hinges on your personal preference in typing experience and sound. If you prioritize a tactile feel and enjoy the sharp, pronounced feedback that comes with a stronger actuation force—67 grams—you'll likely find joy in the POM T1. Its resonant sound profile and invigorating tactile response make it ideal for those who crave precision and responsiveness, making it particularly suited for typing-heavy tasks or for enthusiasts looking to enhance their gaming experience. Conversely, if you favor a smoother typing experience with less resistance, the Akko Rosewood switch would be your best bet. With its lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams, it provides a satisfying, thocky sound right out of the box, making it appealing for those who prefer a quieter, more fluid keystroke, ideal for both casual typing and long sessions at work. Ultimately, your decision should reflect what aspects of typing you value most: the tactile punch of the POM T1 or the smoothness and deep acoustics of the Rosewood.
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