Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) and the TTC Yunhai offer distinct experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The POM T1 is renowned for its pronounced tactility, delivering a sharp, invigorating feedback that typists who crave a responsive touch will appreciate. With its clean clack sound and accentuated actuation, it inspires confidence and precision in each keystroke, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy a more engaged typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai provides a softer, linear action characterized by a deep, rounded sound profile and an incredibly light actuation force. This makes the Yunhai perfect for users who prioritize a gentle, effortless typing feel, allowing for smoother gliding across keys without the disruption of tactile bumps. While selecting between these two switches largely depends on your personal preferences for tactile feedback versus a fluid typing experience, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) and the TTC Yunhai both utilize distinct housing materials that contribute to their performance and sound profiles. The Durock POM T1 employs POM (Polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings, which is known for producing a pleasantly muted sound characteristic. This material's denser structure results in a deeper sound that lacks the harshness often found in harder plastics. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai opts for nylon for both its top and bottom housings. Nylon, being softer, absorbs sound more effectively, leading to a fuller and rounder sound profile. Both materials emphasize deep sound characteristics, but they do so in subtly different ways due to their inherent properties.
When considering the impact of these housing materials on typing experience, both the POM and nylon contribute to a distinctive auditory feedback, albeit differently. For example, while the POM top housing in the Durock POM T1 creates a sound that is richer but somewhat restrained, the nylon top housing of the Yunhai allows for a more resonant sound when releasing the key. This difference highlights how material selection affects not only the sound produced during key press but also the sound during release, with the POM providing a more consistent muted tone compared to the more vibrant and round character delivered by the nylon. In essence, the top housings of both switches play a crucial role in shaping their sound feedback, though they arrive at different results due to their contrasting material bases.
Ultimately, despite their differing materials, users can expect a similar overall auditory experience from both the Durock POM T1 and TTC Yunhai when considering their bottom-out sounds and acoustic behavior. While POM offers a unique and pleasing sound quality rooted in its density, nylon achieves comparable acoustic depth through its soft and absorptive nature. Therefore, regardless of the housing material used, both switches effectively produce a deeper sound profile, making them appealing choices for users seeking a subdued yet satisfying typing experience. The blend of each material's impact leads to an engaging interaction, ensuring that keyboard enthusiasts can enjoy delving into the nuances of sound and feel, regardless of which switch they choose.
Weight
When comparing the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch with the TTC Yunhai linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The POM T1 lacks a specified actuation force but has a bottom out force of 67 grams, indicating a medium-heavy resistance when fully pressed. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai boasts a light actuation force of 42 grams, along with a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Yunhai considerably lighter overall compared to the POM T1. Those who prefer a lighter switch, which can facilitate longer typing sessions or more comfortable gaming, would likely favor the Yunhai. In contrast, the heavier bottom out force of the POM T1 might appeal to users looking for a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Overall, if you're seeking a light touch, the Yunhai is the clear choice, while the POM T1 offers a heavier feedback for those who appreciate that feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, it is clear that the POM T1 offers a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Yunhai features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference of 0.4 mm may seem minimal, but it can significantly impact the typing experience. The POM T1, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more pronounced key feel that many users appreciate for tactile feedback, making it ideal for those who prefer a deeper press. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai's shorter travel distance might appeal to gamers or users seeking quicker response times, given the trend towards shallower distances for enhanced speed and performance. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will hinge on personal preference for either a more resilient key feel or a snappier, more immediate switch action.
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 Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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 considering the sound profile of these two switches, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) stands out with its distinct auditory character. It offers a resonant sound that includes a clean, sharp clack, making it more vibrant and immersive with each keystroke. This higher-pitched, crisp sound can enhance the typing experience, creating an engaging environment, whether for work or leisure. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai’s sound profile has not been explicitly detailed, leaving potential users curious about its acoustic characteristics. However, sound is inherently influenced by external factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps, which means personal experimentation can reveal how they compare in practice.
When it comes to feel, the POM T1 (Sunflower) excels in delivering a robust tactile experience. Described as sharp and snappy, these switches provide a pronounced feedback with each keypress, ensuring that users can distinctly feel the tactile bump. This invigorating feel is complemented by an accented tactile quality that strikes a balance—offering significant feedback without being overpowering. The POM T1 switches offer a dynamic typing experience that is both responsive and satisfying. On the other hand, the feel of the Yunhai switches remains unspecified, which means there isn’t a direct comparison available in this category. Users seeking a light, effortless typographical experience may have to rely on anecdotes or personal trials to gauge how they might compare.
In summary, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch is characterized by its resonant sound and sharp, snappy feel, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize tactility and auditory feedback. The TTC Yunhai linear switch, however, presents an unknown quality in sound and feel, leaving some aspects of its performance open-ended. For newcomers, the POM T1 offers a more defined experience based on tactile feedback, while the Yunhai requires further exploration for a clearer understanding of its unique typing qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch will largely depend on your personal typing preferences and the type of experience you seek. If you crave a pronounced tactile feedback and enjoy the satisfying sound of a sharper, more resonant keypress, the POM T1 (Sunflower) is the ideal switch for you. Its heavier actuation force of 67 grams will provide a more substantial feel, perfect for users who appreciate a stronger feedback during each keystroke. This switch excels in environments where you want to engage with your typing more actively, making it suitable for both gaming and heavy typing sessions. Conversely, if you prefer a light and effortless typing experience, the TTC Yunhai linear switch is likely more your speed. Its 50 grams bottom-out force allows for fluid, gentle keystrokes that can help facilitate long typing sessions with less strain. This switch is particularly beneficial for users seeking a quieter and smoother operation, making it suitable for office use or environments where noise reduction is prioritized. Thus, carefully consider your typing style and the environments in which you will be using the switches to choose the one that best aligns with your needs.
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