Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can greatly influence your typing experience, and two popular options stand out: the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) and the Huano Strawberry Latte. The Durock POM T1 is a tactile switch that delivers maximum tactility, characterized by a sharp, invigorating feel and a crisp sound that combines a clean clack with a pronounced tactile bump. This makes it an excellent choice for typists seeking feedback and engagement during their key presses. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte is a linear switch that offers a super smooth typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter, more fluid keystroke without the distractions of a tactile bump. Its balanced sound profile strikes a sweet spot between being noticeable and not intrusive. Choosing between these two switches ultimately depends on whether you prioritize tactile feedback or smoothness in your 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
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) and the Huano Strawberry Latte, there are notable differences in the materials used for the top and bottom housings. The POM T1 (Sunflower) utilizes POM (Polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings, which is known for creating a unique and pleasant sound profile that leans towards a deeper and more muted quality. This consistency in materials allows for a seamless acoustic experience, as both parts contribute similarly to the overall sound signature. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte presents a hybrid approach, utilizing POK (Polyketone) for the top housing and Nylon for the bottom housing, leading to a distinctive mix of sound and tactile feedback.
The POK material in the Strawberry Latte's top housing offers a significantly smoother experience, thanks to its lower coefficient of friction and high wear resistance, which is 14 times stronger than POM. The durability of POK ensures that the switches remain consistent even after extensive use, while also producing a clacky and lively sound profile due to its rigid characteristics. Conversely, the Nylon bottom housing of the Strawberry Latte adds a layer of depth to the sound, as its softer composition absorbs more noise, resulting in a fuller and warmer auditory experience. This difference in materials means that while both switches include elements that contribute to a pleasing sound, they produce contrasting acoustic and tactile feedback, with the Strawberry Latte benefiting from a variety of attributes due to its hybrid design.
In scenarios where both switches are used, one can expect different performance characteristics based on the interplay of their housing materials. The Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) will provide a more consistent sound experience due to the uniformity of the POM material across both housings, resulting in a deeper and quieter output. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte, with its combination of POK and Nylon, will create a distinct layering of sounds where the top housing contributes brightness and the bottom adds fullness. Despite these differences, both switches can yield satisfying results when it comes to tactile feedback and acoustic pleasure. Users familiar with the effects of different housing materials may find that switching between these options allows for enjoyable variations while experiencing both switches' durability and sound quality.
Weight
When comparing the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, there is a notable difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The POM T1 has an unknown actuation force, but it features a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is categorized as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This disparity highlights that the POM T1 requires more force to fully actuate and bottom out than the Strawberry Latte, making the latter more suitable for those who type for extended periods or prefer a lighter touch. Consequently, users seeking a substantial typing experience might gravitate towards the POM T1, while those who favor a gentler keystroke would likely find the lighter Strawberry Latte more appealing. Overall, unless the actuation force for the POM T1 is revealed, the user experience will differ significantly based on the distinct actuation and bottom out forces of these two switches.
Travel distance
The Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the POM T1 the longer of the two switches, providing a deeper keypress that might appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Strawberry Latte's 3.6 mm travel distance offers a slightly shorter and potentially more responsive experience, which is often preferred by gamers seeking quick reaction times. If you appreciate a hearty depth in your key presses, the Durock POM T1 would be the better choice. Conversely, for those who favor a snappier response with a shorter travel distance, the Huano Strawberry Latte is the way to go.
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 Huano Strawberry Latte has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Latte for $3.29.
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) tactile switch delivers a clean and sharp auditory experience characterized by a distinctly resonant quality. The higher-pitched tones create an immersive sound profile that typists might find satisfying, offering both clarity and a pronounced "clack." This sharp sound is complemented by neutral undertones, making it versatile enough for various environments, from home to office. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch presents a balanced sound profile, which strikes a middle ground—not excessively quiet, yet avoiding overly resonant characteristics. While the specific sound details of the Strawberry Latte are not provided, it's likely that the smoothness of the switch contributes to a more subdued auditory experience compared to the pronounced sound of the Sunflower.
In terms of feel, the POM T1 (Sunflower) distinguishes itself with a remarkably sharp tactile feedback, thanks to its prominent and crisper tactile bump. This high-feedback intensity ensures that every keypress is distinctly felt, creating an invigorating and snappy typing experience that can be both rewarding and engaging. The switch features a combination of tactile characteristics, described as accented and refreshing, enhancing the overall sensation while typing. On the other hand, the feel of the Huano Strawberry Latte isn't specified, leaving us with a blank slate regarding its tactile response. However, given its reputation for smoothness, one can expect the Strawberry Latte to provide a consistent and fluid typing experience, differing notably from the sharp feedback of the POM T1.
In conclusion, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch is the go-to option for those seeking maximum tactility and a satisfying sound, ideal for an immersive typing experience characterized by its sharp resonant qualities. Meanwhile, the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch presents a smoother and more balanced experience but without specific tactile feedback details to compare. Each switch may lead to different typing experiences, and your preference will ultimately shape which switch suits you better. If you crave a more pronounced tactile sensation and unique auditory feedback, the POM T1 is the clear choice; however, if you desire a smooth and seamless keypress, the Strawberry Latte may be your preferred avenue.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you seek an engaging writing experience characterized by pronounced tactility and a satisfying auditory feedback, the POM T1’s sharp bumps combined with a medium-heavy actuation force will be ideal for you. Its resonant sound profile adds an immersive touch, making it a fantastic choice for those who enjoy a more dynamic typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and effortless keystroke, as well as a lighter touch during your typing sessions, the Huano Strawberry Latte will be your go-to option. With its easy actuation and balanced sound, it offers a delightful typing experience without overwhelming your fingers. In essence, if you lean towards tactical feedback and engaging sound, go for the POM T1, but if you value a smooth, linear feel for faster typing, then the Strawberry Latte is your best bet.