Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) vs. Wuque Studio WS Onion
An in-depth look at the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) and the Wuque Studio WS Onion are two popular mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features and experiences. If maximum tactility is what you are after, then the POM T1 is the switch for you. With its sharp tactility and satisfying clean clack, typing on these switches provides a punchy and invigorating feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth keystroke feel, the WS Onion is the switch to consider. Its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing create a precise and polished typing experience. Additionally, the WS Onion offers a crisp and responsive feel with a neutral sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
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
WS CL635 Gold Plated Stainless Spring
Housing materials
The Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) and the Wuque Studio WS Onion differ in their housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The POM T1 features a POM top housing, which creates a deeper and relatively more muted sound. This material offers a unique and pleasing sound experience, making it suitable for those who prefer a softer typing sound. In contrast, the WS Onion utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that provides a clearer and more resonant sound profile. Additionally, its translucency makes it ideal for RGB lighting enthusiasts. Therefore, while both switches offer pleasing sounds, the POM T1 emphasizes a deeper tone, while the WS Onion focuses on a brighter and sharper tone.
As for the bottom housing, the POM T1 and WS Onion showcase different materials that contribute to their respective sound profiles. The POM bottom housing in the POM T1 contributes to its deeper and more muted sound. This softer plastic absorbs less sound, resulting in a rounder and fuller typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Onion employs a nylon bottom housing, a classic switch material. Typing on switches with a nylon housing produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its ability to absorb more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound profile compared to harder plastics. Thus, the POM T1 emphasizes a deeper and more pronounced bottom-out sound, while the WS Onion offers a softer and fuller sound experience.
Although the top and bottom housings differ between the POM T1 and WS Onion, both materials contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. Pressing down on a switch with different top and bottom housings allows users to feel the qualities of the bottom housing, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Meanwhile, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, despite the variations in housing materials, both the POM T1 and WS Onion offer similar results in terms of sound production, considering the impact of each housing on different aspects of the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, we find some similarities and differences. Starting with the actuation force, the specific grams required to trigger a keystroke are unavailable for both switches. This means that we cannot determine whether they have the same actuation force or not. Moving on to the bottom out force, the POM T1 has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, which falls in the medium-heavy range. On the other hand, the WS Onion has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 63.5 grams, also within the medium-heavy range. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the WS Onion may be a better choice, as it has a slightly lower bottom out force. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, the POM T1's slightly higher bottom out force may be preferred. Overall, while the actuation forces are unknown, both switches have similar medium-heavy bottom out forces, allowing for a comparable typing experience in terms of force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, it is evident that both switches have an equal travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key fitted with either of these switches, users can expect a consistent 4 mm travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, regardless of whether one chooses the POM T1 (Sunflower) or the WS Onion, they can anticipate a similar tactile experience and ease of typing.
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 Wuque Studio WS Onion has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Onion for $5.53.
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 offers a resonant sound profile, providing a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience. The sound is clean and sharp, offering a satisfying clack when typing. On the other hand, the sound profile of the WS Onion switch is described as neutral. This means it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. However, it is important to note that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the POM T1 (Sunflower) switch offers a sharp and accented tactile experience. The high feedback intensity of these switches provides a distinct and powerful tactile bump with each keypress. It is considered an invigorating switch as it offers pronounced feedback, a moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the WS Onion switch is described as buttery and polished in terms of feel. This indicates that it offers a smooth and refined typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The keystrokes are fluid and effortless, providing a seamless typing sensation.
Taking all the available information into account, the POM T1 (Sunflower) switch excels in maximum tactility, offering a sharp and accented tactile experience along with a resonant sound profile. If you are looking for a switch that provides powerful feedback and a satisfying clack, the POM T1 (Sunflower) is an excellent choice. On the other hand, the WS Onion switch offers a buttery smooth keystroke feel and a neutral sound profile. It provides a polished and fluid typing experience with reduced friction and effortless key travel. Both switches offer unique qualities and would cater to different preferences. If maximum tactility is your priority, the POM T1 (Sunflower) is recommended, while if a smooth and effortless typing experience is what you seek, the WS Onion is a great option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if maximum tactility and a sharp, clean clack are what you are after, then the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch is the choice for you. These switches offer a punchy and invigorating typing experience with a strong and crisp tactile bump. They are known for their pronounced feedback and snappy feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth keystroke feel and a neutral sound profile, then the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch is the way to go. With a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, these switches provide a satisfying and responsive typing experience. They are described as offering a buttery and polished feel, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference for tactility and sound profile.
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