Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are two popular options that offer distinct experiences: the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) and the Gateron Silent Ink Black. If maximum tactility is what you are after, then the POM T1 (Sunflower) is the switch for you. With a sharp tactility and a satisfying clean clack, typing on these switches provides a punchy and invigorating experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter typing environment, the Gateron Silent Ink Black is the perfect choice. This switch offers a cushion-like bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback, making it ideal for environments that require a more muted typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) and the Gateron Silent Ink Black have contrasting housing materials that contribute to their unique sound profiles. The POM T1's POM top housing generates a deeper and relatively more muted sound. This creates an incredibly pleasing and unique auditory experience, making it popular among keyboard enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a pointed and high-pitched sound. Although not overly sharp, this clacky sound is satisfying and distinct. Ultimately, their top housing materials result in different auditory responses when a key is released.
Similarly, the bottom housing materials of the POM T1 and the Silent Ink Black also contribute to their sound profiles and tactile feedback. The POM T1's POM bottom housing mirrors its top housing, creating a deeper and more muted sound. This consistency ensures a cohesive auditory experience throughout key presses. Conversely, the Silent Ink Black incorporates Gateron's proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which results in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound. This thin and higher-pitched sound adds an element of tactility and precision when typing. The bottom housing materials of these switches play a major role in the bottom-out sound and feel upon pressing a key.
Although the housing materials of the POM T1 and the Silent Ink Black differ, their overall purpose remains the same. Both switches are designed to enhance the auditory experience and provide a satisfying typing sensation. While the POM T1 utilizes POM materials for its top and bottom housing, the Silent Ink Black utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend materials. Despite this difference, both switches aim to deliver a unique sound profile that is pleasing to the user. Therefore, regardless of the specific housing materials, both switches can provide similar results in terms of enhancing the typing experience and creating a satisfying sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, we can observe several similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, the Durock POM T1's force remains unknown, while the Silent Ink Black requires 60 grams to trigger a keystroke. Both switches can provide a relatively light actuation force, allowing for extended typing sessions or long gaming periods without causing excessive fatigue. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Durock POM T1 requires 67 grams to press all the way down, while the Silent Ink Black has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 70 grams. This makes the Silent Ink Black slightly heavier in terms of bottoming out compared to the POM T1. Some individuals may prefer the Durock POM T1 for its lighter typing experience, while others may opt for the Silent Ink Black to obtain a more substantial and satisfying keystroke feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches travel a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom when pressed. This means that regardless of which switch is used, the user will experience a similar feeling and travel distance when pressing down on a key. Thus, in terms of travel distance, both switches provide equal results.
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 Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 offers a resonant experience with a clean and sharp sound profile. This switch provides a higher-pitched sound and an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is muted, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches. It aims to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps. With both switches, you can expect different sound profiles, with the POM T1 having a more resonant and sharp sound, while the Silent Ink Black offers a muted and quieter experience.
In terms of feel, the POM T1 (Sunflower) switch provides a sharp tactile feedback with a strong and crisp tactile bump. This switch offers a prominent amount of tactility, neither overwhelming nor subtle. It is also described as snappy, indicating a super responsive typing experience. With the Durock POM T1, you can expect an invigorating switch that offers pronounced feedback, a moderate to firm actuation force, and a reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch offers a silky and polished feel. It provides an exceptionally smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys due to its smooth and refined finish. This smoothness can be attributed to either the materials used or factory lubrication. The Silent Ink Black switch aims to enhance the overall smoothness of the typing feel.
Taking into account all the available information, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switch is best known for its sharp tactility and satisfying clack sound. It offers a sharp tactile feedback with a prominent bump, providing a strong and crisp typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is favored for its cushion-like bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback. It aims to provide a quieter typing experience in environments that necessitate reduced noise. While the two switches offer different experiences in terms of sound and feel, they both excel in their respective qualities. If you're looking for maximum tactility and a sharp sound, the POM T1 is a great choice. If you prefer a quieter and smoother typing experience, the Silent Ink Black is the way to go.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it's important to consider your specific needs and preferences. If maximum tactility is what you are after, then the POM T1 (Sunflower) is the switch for you. It offers a sharp and satisfying tactile bump with a clean clack sound. On the other hand, if you require a quieter typing experience, the Gateron Silent Ink Black is the ideal choice. It provides a cushiony, pillow-like bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback. In terms of sound, the POM T1 (Sunflower) delivers a resonant and clean sound profile, while the Silent Ink Black produces a softer and quieter muted sound. When it comes to feel, the POM T1 (Sunflower) offers a sharp, accented, snappy, and invigorating typing experience, while the Silent Ink Black provides a silky and polished feel with enhanced smoothness. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on whether you prioritize maximum tactility or a quieter typing experience, as well as your preference for sound and feel.
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