Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference, and two notable contenders are the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) and the Gateron Weightlessness, both tactile switches that cater to different typing experiences. The POM T1 is celebrated for its maximum tactility, delivering a sharp, invigorating feel with a satisfying clean clack that appeals to those who crave a more pronounced tactile response. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness offers a more subtle yet balanced tactile sensation, which may be more suited for users who prefer a smoother typing experience without sacrificing auditory feedback. While both switches provide tactile feedback, their performances diverge in terms of sound and feel, making them unique choices for various typing styles. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) and the Gateron Weightlessness, a primary distinction is evident in their housing materials. The POM T1 utilizes POM (Polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings. POM is known for its dense, firm characteristics, which lend to a unique sound profile that is described as deep and muted. This creates an overall typing experience that emphasizes stability and consistent feedback, with the deeper tone often favored for its pleasing acoustic qualities. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness features nylon for both the top and bottom housings. Nylon is recognized as a classic housing material that produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature. This material absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounded, duller audio profile that significantly differs from POM but offers an equally enjoyable typing experience.
While both switches provide a satisfying acoustic experience, the choices in materials lead to different sensory outcomes. The POM top and bottom housings of the POM T1 enhance the muted sound profile, which allows for a unique aural sensation that many users appreciate for its warmth and richness. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness leverages the properties of nylon to create a softer impact, contributing to a sound that may be described as plush and enveloping. Although both switches sample from the deeper end of the sound spectrum, the method by which each material interacts with sound waves makes a notable difference in their auditory attributes, appealing to different preferences in tactile feedback and acoustics.
Ultimately, the tactile and acoustic experience of typing on the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) and the Gateron Weightlessness can be nuanced yet subtly similar in their deeper sound profiles. If a user is accustomed to pressing keys that utilize POM, transitioning to nylon may feel familiar in terms of the mechanical feedback received from the switch bottoms. Each switch's design focuses on how sound absorption is maximized—POM creating a solid, muted resonance while nylon offers a fuller tone—but the fundamental experience of bottoming out and releasing keys remains consistently satisfying. Consequently, individuals may find that while the material differences culminate in diverse sound profiles, both switches serve the larger goal of delivering a pleasant and engaging typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch to the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, significant differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The POM T1 has a bottom out force of 67 grams, indicating a medium-heavy weight, though its actuation force is unknown. In contrast, the Weightlessness switch boasts an actuation force of 50 grams, which makes it lighter and potentially more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Weightlessness is also unknown. Overall, if you're drawn to a lighter switch for prolonged use, the Gateron Weightlessness is the better choice based on its known actuation force, while the POM T1 may appeal to those who prefer a heavier tactile feedback during typing due to its bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, we find a notable difference. The POM T1 has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered more traditional and offers a deeper feel upon keypress. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This shorter distance may appeal to gamers or users who prefer a snappier response time, as it allows for quicker actuation and faster typing or gaming actions. However, some users might find the abruptness of a shorter switch less satisfying compared to the more substantial feel of the longer travel POM T1. Ultimately, those seeking a more robust typing experience may gravitate toward the Durock POM T1, while those who prioritize responsiveness might prefer the Gateron Weightlessness.
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 Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 resonant auditory experience characterized by its higher-pitched tone, resulting in a sharp, satisfying clack with each keystroke. This switch strikes a balance between being immersive and neutral, making it versatile for various environments, whether for home or workstation use. In contrast, the sound profile of the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch remains unspecified, but it is noted that its balanced audio characteristics work well in complementing its tactile properties. Ultimately, while the POM T1 (Sunflower) is recognized for its distinct sound, the Weightlessness switch appears to offer an unelaborated sound quality that may cater to those who prefer a subtler auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the POM T1 (Sunflower) shines through its sharp and invigorating tactile feedback, providing a strong and crisp bump that is felt distinctly upon each keypress. This high feedback intensity enhances the overall typing experience, making it highly engaging and immersive, which is particularly appealing for users who enjoy tactile responsiveness. The POM T1 also features a medium tactile profile, described as accented, that delivers a prominent tactile sensation without overwhelming the user. On the other hand, the tactile characteristics of the Gateron Weightlessness switch remain unknown. This absence of detailed information makes it difficult to pinpoint its tactile qualities and compare them directly to the pronounced feedback offered by the POM T1.
In conclusion, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch is distinguished by its sharp, resonant sound and invigorating, highly tactile feedback, making it an ideal choice for those who seek maximum responsiveness and auditory satisfaction while typing. The specifics of the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, especially regarding its sound and feel, are less well-defined, leaving users in search of more information to determine how it might fit their preferences. Overall, for newcomers deciding between these two switches, the POM T1 clearly offers a more pronounced tactile and auditory experience, while the Weightlessness presents an opportunity to explore additional switch characteristics that remain yet to be elaborated.
Conclusion
In summary, your choice between the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switches should largely depend on your preferences for feedback and typing experience. If you are someone who craves a punchy and pronounced tactile feel, the POM T1 (Sunflower) is an ideal choice. Its sharp tactility and satisfying clack make it particularly invigorating for those who appreciate a strong response with each keystroke, making it well-suited for users who engage in extended typing or gaming sessions where precision feedback enhances performance. Conversely, if you prefer a subtler tactile experience, the Gateron Weightlessness switch would be the better option. These switches provide a more balanced sound profile and gentle feedback, making them suitable for a variety of environments, including quiet offices or shared spaces. Choosing the Weightlessness switch can facilitate longer typing sessions without feeling overwhelming, especially if you find heavily tactile switches distracting. Thus, consider your typing habits and the environments where you'll be using the keyboard to arrive at a decision that aligns with your needs for tactile feedback and sound preferences.
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