Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) and the TTC Venus offer distinct experiences for users. The POM T1 (Sunflower) is a tactile switch known for its maximum tactility, providing a sharp and satisfying typing experience with a clean clack. On the other hand, the TTC Venus is a linear switch with a unique internal configuration that offers a seamless glide and a "Q-texture" for a matte sensation, promising smooth and engaging typing with a muted sound signature. While the POM T1 excels in tactility, the Venus stands out for its smoothness and rapid actuation. 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
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
The Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) and the TTC Venus both feature POM top housings that create a pleasing and unique sound with a deeper and more muted profile. This similarity in top housing material ensures that both switches will provide a similar sound profile when used. However, where they differ is in the bottom housing material. The POM T1 (Sunflower) utilizes POM for the bottom housing as well, contributing to a consistent sound profile throughout the keystroke. In contrast, the TTC Venus features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in bottom housing material will impact the overall sound and feel of each switch.
In terms of aesthetics, the use of polycarbonate in the Venus's bottom housing allows for a clearer and more resonant sound profile, particularly in switches with clear housings that showcase RGB lighting. The translucency of polycarbonate in the top housing is especially beneficial for enhancing the visual appeal of the switch. On the other hand, the POM T1 (Sunflower) maintains a consistent sound profile throughout the keystroke due to its use of POM material in both the top and bottom housings. This difference in housing material highlights how the choice of material can impact not only the sound but also the overall look and feel of a switch.
When comparing the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) and the TTC Venus, the choice of housing material plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and feel of each switch. While both switches share a POM top housing that produces a similar sound profile, the difference in bottom housing material sets them apart. The POM T1 (Sunflower) offers a consistent sound profile with its POM bottom housing, while the TTC Venus delivers a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate bottom housing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound profile, aesthetics, and typing experience.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, it is evident that the POM T1 requires no specific actuation force, making it a light touch switch. In contrast, the Venus linear switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that it requires a bit more pressure to initiate a keystroke. When it comes to bottom out force, the POM T1 has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience, while the Venus switch has a lighter bottom out force of 52 grams. The POM T1 is therefore heavier in both actuation and bottom out force compared to the Venus switch. The choice between these switches ultimately depends on personal preference, with the lighter Venus switch being suitable for longer typing sessions and the heavier POM T1 providing a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch is 4.0 mm, while the TTC Venus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the TTC Venus has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the POM T1. The difference may not be significant, but those who prefer a shorter travel distance may lean towards the Venus switch for quicker response times. On the other hand, the POM T1 provides a slightly deeper keypress, which may be preferred by those who like a bit more depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, both switches offer a fairly standard travel distance, so users can expect similar results in terms of feel 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 TTC Venus has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Venus for $5.09.
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 Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) offers a resonant and sharp sound profile, providing a clean and immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the TTC Venus switch boasts a low-pitched and muted sound that is softer and quieter, enveloping each keystroke in a subdued auditory embrace. Both switches have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various settings, whether at home or work. Depending on the choice of board and keycaps, the sound of each switch may vary, but you can expect a distinctive sound experience with either choice.
In regards to feel, the POM T1 (Sunflower) switch is characterized by its sharp and accented tactile feedback, offering a strong and crisp tactile bump with each keypress. This creates a sharp tactility that is invigorating and responsive for an immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the TTC Venus switch provides a buttery and frictionless keystroke experience, offering a smooth and effortless typing sensation. With a gummy and mild feel, the Venus switch ensures a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Both switches offer unique tactile qualities that cater to different preferences, providing a satisfying typing experience.
In conclusion, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch and the TTC Venus linear switch offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. While the POM T1 (Sunflower) excels in sharp tactility and resonant sound, the TTC Venus stands out with its smooth and buttery feel and muted, low-pitched sound profile. Whether you prefer a sharp, invigorating typing experience with pronounced feedback or a smooth, frictionless keystroke, both switches cater to different typing preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if maximum tactility and a sharp, clean clack are what you desire in a switch, then the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch is the one for you. Its sharp tactile feedback and invigorating typing sensation make it ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, frictionless typing experience with a unique matte sensation and a lighter actuation force, the TTC Venus linear switch may be more up your alley. Its buttery and frictionless feel, combined with a muted sound signature, provide a different yet delightful typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the POM T1 (Sunflower) and the TTC Venus depends on your personal preferences for tactility, sound, and feel. Each switch offers a distinct typing experience that caters to different preferences and typing styles. So, consider your typing preferences and choose the switch that best suits your needs and typing style.