Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two standout options are the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream. The POM T1 (Sunflower) is a tactile switch that boasts maximum tactility, providing a sharp tactility and a satisfying clean clack while typing. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream is a linear switch that offers a remarkably smooth and creamy feel due to its use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing. This results in a high-pitched and clacky sound signature that sets it apart in the market. While the POM T1 (Sunflower) excels in delivering a snappy and invigorating typing experience, the Vanilla Ice Cream stands out for its buttery and creamy feel. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Proprietary
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
The Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches both boast unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The POM top housing of the Sunflower switch creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the KTT blend top housing of the Vanilla Ice Cream switch produces a high-pitched and clacky sound. This contrast in sound signatures showcases how the choice of housing material can greatly impact the overall typing experience.
In terms of durability, the POM bottom housing of the Sunflower switch is paired with the POM top housing to provide a consistent sound profile. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch uses a POK bottom housing that is known for its exceptional strength and wear resistance. This difference in bottom housing materials highlights how the durability and smoothness of a switch can vary depending on the choice of materials used. While both switches aim to provide a quality typing experience, the housing materials play a key role in determining the overall performance and longevity of the switch.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for a switch can greatly influence its sound, feel, and durability. The Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches showcase how different materials can lead to distinct typing experiences. While the Sunflower switch emphasizes a pleasing and unique sound with its POM housing, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch focuses on durability and clackiness with its POK housing. Ultimately, whether you prefer a deeper, muted sound or a high-pitched, clacky sound, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
In comparing the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is evident that they offer different experiences in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The POM T1 (Sunflower) has a bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience without any specified actuation force. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it a more lightweight option. The difference in weight between the two switches caters to different preferences, with the POM T1 offering a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is ideal for individuals who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on whether one prefers a heavier or lighter typing experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, the POM T1 has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Vanilla Ice Cream has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The POM T1 offers a more traditional travel distance, providing a slightly deeper key press experience compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Vanilla Ice Cream for faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantive key press may opt for the POM T1. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
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 KTT Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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) offers a resonant and clean clack, creating a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience for users. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch provides a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, making it stand out with its unique acoustic profile. Both switches have distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the POM T1 leaning towards a sharper tone and the Vanilla Ice Cream offering a creamier sound. Users can expect a satisfying auditory experience with either switch, depending on their preferences and typing style.
In terms of feel, the POM T1 (Sunflower) is known for its sharp and invigorating tactile feedback, providing a strong and crisp tactile bump with each keypress. This intense feedback gives users a distinct typing sensation that is both responsive and lively. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a buttery and creamy typing experience, with smooth and effortless keystrokes that glide across the keys. This seamless sensation is achieved through the use of lubricants and specific materials, creating a uniform typing experience for users. Both switches provide unique tactile sensations that cater to users looking for different levels of feedback and smoothness in their typing experience.
Overall, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches offer users distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The POM T1 provides a sharp and clean clack with sharp tactile feedback, ideal for users looking for a punchy and intense typing experience. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a creamy and buttery typing sensation with a high-pitched sound signature, perfect for those seeking smooth and effortless keystrokes. Whether users prefer a sharper and more tactile typing experience or a smoother and creamier feel, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, choosing between these switches comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience users are looking to achieve.
Conclusion
To sum up, when it comes to choosing between the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it all depends on your preferences and typing style. If you are someone who values maximum tactility and enjoys a sharp and clean clack sound while typing, then the POM T1 (Sunflower) is the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and creamy typing experience with a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, then the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch would be the better choice. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different needs, so consider your typing preferences and choose accordingly.
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