Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a tactile mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) and the TTC Silent Brown. Both switches offer a satisfying tactile bump when typing, but they have their own unique characteristics that set them apart. The POM T1 is best known for its maximum tactility, providing a sharp and invigorating typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Brown offers a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a rounded tactile bump. Additionally, it boasts a muted sound profile for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) and the TTC Silent Brown differ in their housing materials, which significantly impact the sound profiles they produce. Starting with the top housing, the POM T1 features a POM top housing that creates a deeper and relatively muted sound. In contrast, the Silent Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffness of polycarbonate gives it a clear and resonant quality, making it particularly suitable for switches with RGB lighting. Despite their differences, both housing materials can deliver pleasing sound profiles and unique experiences.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the POM T1 incorporates POM material, which once again contributes to a deep and relatively muted sound. Conversely, the Silent Brown adopts a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound due to its softness, as it absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This absorption creates a duller and rounder sound profile. Thus, the choice of housing material in the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and overall typing experience.
When using switches with different top and bottom housings, it is essential to consider the varying impact each material has on the user's experience. The bottom housing has a more prominent effect on the bottom-out sound and feel, meaning it influences the tactile feedback when a key is pressed down. On the other hand, the top housing carries more weight in determining the sound when a key is released. Understanding this distinction allows users to choose switches that align with their desired typing experience, whether they prefer the deeper, more muted sound of the POM T1 or the sharper, crisper sound of the Silent Brown.
Weight
When comparing the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, there are some similarities and differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The actuation force of the POM T1 (Sunflower) is unavailable, while the Silent Brown has an actuation force of 45 grams. On the other hand, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the POM T1 (Sunflower) being slightly heavier at 67 grams compared to the Silent Brown at 63.5 grams.
Weight is an important factor to consider when choosing a switch, as it can affect typing comfort and endurance. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Silent Brown with its lower actuation force may be more suitable, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. However, for users who enjoy a more solid and substantial typing feel, the POM T1 (Sunflower) with its heavier bottom out force may be preferable.
Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference. Both provide a medium-heavy bottom out force, ensuring a satisfying typing experience. While the actuation force of the POM T1 (Sunflower) is unknown, it is likely to provide similar results to the Silent Brown. Whether one prefers a lighter switch or a heavier one, both options offer reliable tactile feedback for extended typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, it is clear that the POM T1 has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm compared to the Silent Brown's 3.8 mm. The difference may seem minimal, but it is worth considering depending on your personal preference. A travel distance of 4.0 mm is more traditional and provides a deeper key press, which some individuals may find more satisfying. On the other hand, the Silent Brown's slightly shorter travel distance may be preferred by gamers or those seeking a faster response time. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and whether one prefers a longer and more impactful key press or a shorter and quicker one. Regardless of the choice, both switches will deliver a tactile response, offering a satisfying 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 TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $3.68.
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) offers a resonant and clean clack sound profile. This switch provides a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience, highlighting its sharp tactility. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown offers a muted sound profile. These switches produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Ultimately, the choice of board and keycaps will also influence the overall sound of the switches.
In terms of feel, the POM T1 (Sunflower) switch boasts several qualities. It has a sharp tactile bump that provides a strong and crisp feedback intensity with each keystroke. It can be described as an accented switch, offering a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. Additionally, the POM T1 (Sunflower) switch is snappy and invigorating, providing a super responsive and immersive typing sensation due to its longer or dual-staged springs. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown switch has a buttery and mild feel. It offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The sound and feel of the TTC Silent Brown stand in a safe, middle-ground zone, making it approachable to most users. Moreover, a polished switch finish ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel, which can be found in both switches to some extent.
Considering the available information, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) and TTC Silent Brown switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The POM T1 (Sunflower) switch provides a clean and resonant sound profile accompanied by a sharp tactility. This switch aims for maximum tactility and a satisfying clack sound. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown switch offers a muted sound profile, prioritizing a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a rounded tactile bump. The Silent Brown switch also provides a buttery and mild feel, ensuring a smooth and effortless keystroke experience.
While the two switches have distinct characteristics, it is worth noting that individual preferences and typing habits vary. If you are seeking maximum tactility and a sharp clack sound, the POM T1 (Sunflower) switch would be a suitable choice. Alternatively, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a rounded bump and smooth keystrokes, the TTC Silent Brown switch is an excellent option. In either case, you can achieve satisfying results based on your preferences and requirements.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if maximum tactility is what you are after, then the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch is the choice for you. These switches offer a sharp tactility and a satisfying clean clack, providing an invigorating and immersive typing sensation. The POM T1 (Sunflower) has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a slightly heavier switch.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a comfortable typing experience with a lighter touch, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch is the better option. These switches have a light-medium level of resistance and a rounded tactile bump, offering a buttery and mild typing experience. The Silent Brown switches also feature a muted sound profile, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards.
In terms of sound, the POM T1 (Sunflower) switch provides a resonant and higher-pitched sound profile, enhancing the auditory experience. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy a clean and sharp sound. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switch has a muted sound profile, producing a softer and quieter typing experience, which is suitable for environments where noise reduction is important.
When it comes to feel, the POM T1 (Sunflower) switch offers sharp, accented, snappy, and invigorating tactile feedback, resulting in a high-feedback and responsive typing experience. Conversely, the Silent Brown switch provides a buttery, mild, and polished feel, delivering a smooth and refined keystroke experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer maximum tactility, sharp feedback, and a resonant sound profile, the POM T1 (Sunflower) switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prioritize comfort, lighter touch, a muted sound profile, and a smooth typing experience, the Silent Brown switch is the better choice for you. Consider your typing preferences and environment to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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