Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) vs. TKC Tangerine
An in-depth look at the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) and the TKC Tangerine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch, you'll want to consider the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) and the TKC Tangerine. The POM T1 is a tactile switch that boasts maximum tactility and a satisfying clean clack when typing. It is categorized as resonant, neutral, sharp, accented, snappy, and invigorating. On the other hand, the Tangerine is a linear switch that offers an incredibly smooth typing experience. Thanks to its unique UHWMPE housings, each keystroke is a pleasure, and it is categorized as frictionless, buttery, high-pitched, and polished. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can determine which switch is best suited to your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) and the TKC Tangerine switches feature different materials for both their top and bottom housings, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The POM T1 (Sunflower) utilizes POM housings for both the top and bottom, creating a pleasing and unique sound that leans towards the deeper side. This material imparts a muted quality to the switch's overall sound, making it more subdued in comparison to the Tangerine. In contrast, the Tangerine switch employs UHWMPE for both its top and bottom housings. This newer material offers a bright sound signature to the Tangerine switch, resulting in resonant clacks when typing. Its UHWMPE top housing plays a significant role in the sound when you let go of a key, providing an added element to the overall typing experience.
However, if we focus solely on the top housings of these switches, we see that they both utilize different materials with distinct sound characteristics. The POM top housing of the POM T1 (Sunflower) produces a deeper and relatively more muted sound profile. Conversely, the UHWMPE top housing of the Tangerine creates a brighter sound signature that produces resonant clacks when typing on the switch. Although the materials differ, they both result in unique and pleasing sounds when releasing a key.
When it comes to the bottom housings of these switches, we can expect variations in the bottom-out sound and feel. The POM bottom housing of the POM T1 (Sunflower) contributes to its deep and muted sound profile, amplifying the characteristics of the switch. Similarly, the UHWMPE bottom housing of the Tangerine switch offers a bright sound signature, enhancing the overall typing experience with its resonant clacks. By utilizing different materials for the bottom housings, the switches provide a varied tactile experience during the bottom-out phase.
In summary, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) and TKC Tangerine switches showcase differences in their housing materials, resulting in unique sound profiles. The POM T1 (Sunflower) delivers a pleasing and muted sound with its POM housings, while the Tangerine's UHWMPE housings produce a bright and resonant clack. While their top housings have distinct materials, they both contribute to the sound when a key is released. On the other hand, the bottom housings play a role in the bottom-out sound and give each switch its own tactile experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, it is important to note that the actuation force for both switches is unavailable, providing similar results in terms of triggering a keystroke. However, the POM T1 (Sunflower) boasts a bottom out force of 67 grams, which falls under the medium-heavy category, while the Tangerine has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 62 grams, categorizing it as medium.
Considering weight as a factor, those who prefer a lighter keypress may find the Tangerine more suitable, as it allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. This makes it ideal for individuals who bring their keyboard to work or engage in prolonged gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the POM T1 (Sunflower) with its heavier bottom out force, providing a stronger push feel.
Overall, while the actuation forces remain unknown for both switches, the contrast lies in the bottom out forces, with the POM T1 (Sunflower) offering a slightly heavier keystroke experience compared to the Tangerine.
Travel distance
The Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the key travel a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. Therefore, you can expect similar results and experiences in terms of the travel distance when using either of these switches.
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 TKC Tangerine comes in at $6.30 per 10 switches.
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 profile, resulting in a higher-pitched sound that provides an immersive auditory experience. The sound is clean and sharp, making it a satisfying option for those seeking a distinctive typing sound. On the other hand, the Tangerine switch produces a high-pitched clack when typing, offering a sharp and crisp sound. This higher-pitched sound profile can be desirable for those who prefer a more rich and bassy sound. It's important to note that the overall sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the POM T1 (Sunflower) switch is known for its sharp tactile feedback. The tactile bump is prominent and provides a distinct and intense feedback with each keystroke. This high feedback intensity can be invigorating and offers a responsive typing experience. The Tangerine switch, on the other hand, is described as frictionless, providing an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience. It minimizes any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys, resulting in a fluid and seamless travel. The Tangerine switch is also referred to as buttery, which signifies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, offering a seamless and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, the Tangerine switch can be polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that enhances the typing experience by reducing friction and providing smooth key travel.
Based on the available information, the POM T1 (Sunflower) switch excels in sharp tactile feedback, providing a high intensity and pronounced feedback with each keypress. This can create an invigorating and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Tangerine switch is praised for its smoothness and fluidity, offering a frictionless and buttery typing experience. The high-pitched clack adds to the overall satisfaction of typing on the Tangerine switch. Depending on personal preferences, one may prefer the sharp tactility of the POM T1 (Sunflower) or the smoothness of the Tangerine switch. It's important to consider individual preferences and other factors such as keyboard layout and keycap selection to determine the best fit for each user. However, both switches offer distinct and desirable qualities that can enhance the typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you value maximum tactility and a satisfying clack, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch is the perfect choice for you. With its sharp, accented, snappy, and invigorating feel, each keystroke on these switches will provide a distinct tactile bump. In terms of sound, the POM T1 produces a clean and sharp profile, offering an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and frictionless typing experience, the TKC Tangerine linear switch is the way to go. With its frictionless, buttery, and polished feel, each keystroke will be effortless and uniform. The Tangerine also offers a high-pitched clack when typing. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference. Whether you prioritize tactility and clack or a smooth and effortless experience, both the POM T1 and the Tangerine offer unique qualities that will enhance your typing experience.
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