Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If maximum tactility is what you are after, then the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) is the switch for you. Known for its punchy and sharp tactility, typing on these switches provides a satisfying clean clack. Categorized as resonant, neutral, sharp, accented, snappy, and invigorating, the POM T1 offers an exciting and tactile typing experience. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that delivers a smooth and seamless typing experience without all the noise, the TTC Silent Red is the perfect choice. With a muted sound profile, these switches are ideal for office or shared living spaces. The Silent Red switch provides a smooth and consistent feel from top to bottom, with a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort. Categorized as buttery, mild, muted, and polished, the TTC Silent Red offers a refined and quiet 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
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 Red differ in terms of their housing materials. The POM T1 features a POM top housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound profile. On the other hand, the Silent Red utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The POM top housing of the POM T1 results in a unique sound that is particularly pleasing to some users, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Red is more suitable for those looking for a clear and resonant sound with the added benefit of RGB lighting compatibility.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the POM T1 incorporates a POM material, which contributes to its deeper and muted sound profile. In contrast, the Silent Red utilizes a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a fuller and deeper sound profile due to its relatively softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon bottom housings.
It is important to note that the differences in housing materials between the POM T1 and the Silent Red allow for variations in sound output and typing experience. The top housing of a switch has a more significant impact on the sound when you release a key, while the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when you press down on a key. Therefore, those who prefer a deeper and more muted sound might opt for the POM T1, while those who prefer a crisper and higher-pitched sound could choose the Silent Red. However, both switches offer unique and pleasing sound profiles based on their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, there are some notable differences. The actuation force of the POM T1 (Sunflower) is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare to the Silent Red's actuation force of 45 grams. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the POM T1 (Sunflower) measuring at 67 grams and the Silent Red at 63.5 grams. This means that in terms of bottoming out, users can expect a medium-heavy typing experience from both switches.
The weight of the switch is an important factor to consider as well. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Silent Red might be a better choice with its lighter actuation force. This can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or marathon gaming sessions. On the other hand, some users prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. In this case, the POM T1 (Sunflower) might be a better option, although its specific actuation force remains unknown. By selecting a switch with heavier forces, these individuals can enjoy a more tactile and satisfying typing experience.
To summarize, while the actuation force of the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch is unavailable, its bottom out force of 67 grams is medium-heavy. In comparison, the TTC Silent Red linear switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, also falling into the medium-heavy range. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of bottoming out, but the POM T1 (Sunflower) may provide a heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch has a travel distance of 4mm, while the TTC Silent Red linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with 4.0mm being the more common option and 3.7mm being slightly shallower. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times. Therefore, if you prioritize faster responsiveness, the TTC Silent Red with its 3.7mm travel distance would be the better option for you. However, some individuals find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, preferring a switch with a bit more depth. In that case, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) with its 4mm travel distance would be the more suitable choice. Ultimately, it is a matter of personal preference and the specific feel you are looking for in a tactile or linear switch.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 POM T1 (Sunflower) switch offers a resonant and clean clack. This switch produces a higher-pitched sound profile, providing an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switch offers a muted sound profile, resulting in a softer and quieter typing experience. The Silent Red switch minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, making it ideal for office or shared living spaces. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the POM T1 (Sunflower) switch offers a sharp and accented tactile experience. It has a prominent and distinct tactile bump, providing high feedback intensity. Additionally, the switch is described as invigorating and snappy, adding to the responsiveness and immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switch offers a buttery and polished feel. It provides a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, with a seamless and uniform typing sensation. The mild characteristics of the Silent Red switch offer a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users.
Considering all the available information, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switch and the TTC Silent Red switch offer distinct subjective qualities. The POM T1 is best suited for those seeking maximum tactility, with its sharp tactile feel and resonant sound profile. On the other hand, the Silent Red switch caters to those looking for a smooth and quiet typing experience, making it ideal for office or shared living spaces. Both switches provide unique qualities to enhance the typing experience. If a user desires similar results in terms of sound or feel, they can choose the switch that aligns with their preferences and combine it with appropriate keyboard board and keycaps.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are seeking maximum tactility and a satisfying clack, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) is the switch for you. Its sharp tactility and clean sound profile make it perfect for those who want a punchy typing experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and seamless typing experience without noise, the TTC Silent Red is your best choice. With its muted sound profile and smooth feel from top to bottom, it is ideal for office or shared living space use. Additionally, the Silent Red offers a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer a pronounced tactile feedback (POM T1) or a buttery, mild, and polished typing experience (Silent Red). It's all about personal preference and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. So, think about your typing style and surroundings to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard switches.
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