Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in search of a highly tactile mechanical keyboard switch, both the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) and the Jwick Taro are excellent choices. The POM T1 is renowned for its maximum tactility, delivering a punchy switch that offers a sharp tactility and a satisfying clean clack when typing. On the other hand, the Taro switch provides a cozy typing experience with a medium-level of tactility, accompanied by acute and crisp clacks. The Taro switch also boasts a comfortable and subdued color scheme. However, let's delve deeper into the specifics of these switches to help you make the best decision for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) and the Jwick Taro switches offer distinct differences in sound profiles. The POM top housing in the Sunflower switch creates a deep and muted sound, providing a pleasing and unique auditory experience. In contrast, the Taro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances clarity and resonance, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Although different, both top housings contribute to the overall sound when releasing a key.
Moving to the bottom housing, the POM material in the Sunflower switch leads to a deep and muted sound, similar to its top housing counterpart. On the other hand, the Taro switch utilizes a nylon bottom housing. Nylon absorbs more sound due to its softer composition, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. This creates a deeper and fuller sound when typing on switches using nylon housing. The bottom housing of a switch primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel, so the softer nylon material in the Taro switch gives it a unique tactile experience.
While the housing materials in the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) and Jwick Taro switches differ, they do share some similarities. Both the POM top and bottom housings in the Sunflower and the nylon bottom housing in the Taro produce deep and muted sound profiles. Additionally, the top housing in both switches plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, if you are seeking a similar result with a distinct sound profile, either the Sunflower or Taro switches would be suitable options to consider.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, the actuation force for both switches is unknown. However, they both share a bottom out force of 67 grams, which falls into the medium-heavy range. This means that in terms of triggering a keystroke, both switches will require a similar amount of force.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer a lighter switch as it allows for longer typing or gaming sessions without causing fatigue. For these users, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) may be a suitable choice if its actuation force aligns with their preferences. On the other hand, there are those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience and prefer switches with heavier forces. In this case, the Jwick Taro switch could be a better fit, given its medium-heavy bottom out force.
In summary, the actuation force of both switches is unavailable, making it difficult to compare them in that aspect. However, the bottom out force is the same for both switches, indicating a similar force required for pressing all the way down. The decision between the two switches ultimately depends on the user's preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience, with the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) likely being the lighter option and the Taro switch the heavier one.
Travel distance
The Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jwick Taro tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances for tactile switches. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Taro switch as it can result in faster response times. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may gravitate towards the Durock POM T1 switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and whether one prioritizes a faster response or a more satisfying keypress.
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 Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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
In terms of sound, the POM T1 (Sunflower) switch is known for its resonant sound profile. Typing on these switches produces a higher-pitched sound that is clean and sharp, resulting in an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Taro switch has a neutral sound profile, which means it falls in the middle in terms of actuation force and sound intensity. This makes the Taro switch suitable for a wide range of users, whether they are beginners or advanced typists, and whether they intend to use the switches at home or in a work environment. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the POM T1 (Sunflower) switch offers a sharp, accented, and invigorating tactile experience. These switches have a high feedback intensity with a strong and crisp tactile bump that is distinctly felt with each keypress. Additionally, the POM T1 (Sunflower) switch is described as snappy, providing a super responsive typing experience thanks to its longer or dual-staged springs. On the other hand, the Taro switch is described as buttery, indicating a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. These switches offer a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, the Taro switch is referred to as stepped, meaning it provides a milder tactile experience compared to the POM T1 (Sunflower) switch. Stepped switches have some pre-travel and/or post-travel, giving a different feel to the keystrokes.
Overall, both the POM T1 (Sunflower) switch and the Taro switch have their unique subjective qualities. While the POM T1 (Sunflower) switch offers a punchy and high-feedback tactile experience along with a resonant sound profile, the Taro switch provides a cozy and comfortable typing experience with a medium-level of tactility and a neutral sound profile. If you are seeking maximum tactility and a clean clack sound, the POM T1 (Sunflower) switch would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother keystroke experience and a more subdued sound, the Taro switch would be a good option. It's important to consider your personal preference and typing style when choosing between these switches. Keep in mind that individual results may vary depending on factors such as keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
In closing, if maximum tactility is what you are after and you enjoy a punchy typing experience with sharp tactility and clean clacks, then the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch is the choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a cozy typing experience with a snappy, medium-level of tactility and acute and crisp clacks, the Jwick Taro tactile switch is the ideal option. In terms of sound, the POM T1 offers a resonant and immersive auditory experience with a higher-pitched sound profile. The Taro switch, on the other hand, has a moderate sound profile suitable for most purposes. In terms of feel, the POM T1 provides a sharp, accented, snappy, and invigorating typing sensation, while the Taro switch offers a buttery and stepped keystroke experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preference for tactility, sound, and feel during typing. Consider your personal preferences and typing style to make an informed decision.
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