Outemu Gold vs. Durock POM T1 (Sunflower)
An in-depth look at the Outemu Gold and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Gold and Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) stand out in their own unique ways. The Gold switch is known for its clicky nature, providing a satisfying audible click with each keystroke. On the other hand, the POM T1 (Sunflower) switch is lauded for its maximum tactility, offering a sharp tactile feedback that feels truly invigorating. While the Gold switch may appeal to those who enjoy the audible feedback of a clicky switch, the POM T1 (Sunflower) switch is perfect for typists who crave a tactile typing experience. 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Proprietary
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Outemu Gold and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switches both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. While the Gold utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound, the POM T1 (Sunflower) features a POM top housing that brings a deeper and more muted sound. Both materials offer their own advantages, with polycarbonate being especially useful for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting due to its translucency, while POM provides a more unique and pleasing sound experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Gold's nylon material provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the POM T1 (Sunflower)'s POM bottom housing. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that differs from the deeper sound profile of the POM material. Even though both bottom housings aim to contribute to the overall sound of the switch, the specific characteristics of each material will affect how the switch feels and sounds during typing or gaming sessions.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the Outemu Gold and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switches offer users the opportunity to choose a sound profile that best suits their preferences. Whether it's the sharper, higher-pitched sound of polycarbonate in the Gold switch or the deeper, more muted sound of POM in the Sunflower switch, each housing material brings its own unique qualities to the typing experience. While the specific nuances of each material may vary, both switches ultimately provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Outemu Gold clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Durock switch is heavier at 67 grams, while the Gold switch requires 60 grams to bottom out. Both switches fall into the medium to medium-heavy category in terms of force required. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Outemu Gold, as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, users seeking a more substantial typing experience may gravitate towards the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) for the heavier push feel it provides. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. This means that the tactile feedback and overall feel of the switches will be similar, providing a consistent typing experience. Whether you choose the Outemu Gold clicky switch or the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch, you can expect the travel distance to be the same, resulting in a familiar and comfortable typing sensation.
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 Outemu Gold comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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 the sound produced by these switches, the Outemu Gold clicky switch is not specifically known for a particular sound profile. On the other hand, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch is described as having a resonant sound, providing a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience. The sound profile of the POM T1 is clean and sharp, making typing on it an enjoyable auditory experience. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can be influenced by various factors such as keyboard construction and keycaps.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Gold clicky switch does not have a defined description of its tactile feel. In contrast, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch is renowned for its sharp tactile feedback. This switch offers a strong and crisp tactile bump that is prominent and distinct with each keypress. Additionally, the POM T1 is described as accented, snappy, and invigorating, providing a tactile typing experience that is both responsive and immersive.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel, they both provide unique typing experiences. The Gold switch may offer a different typing sensation compared to the POM T1, but both switches have their own characteristics that cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer a sharp tactility and resonant sound of the POM T1 or are looking for a different typing experience with the Outemu Gold, both switches are capable of delivering satisfying results based on their individual qualities.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force of 60 grams and are looking for a switch with no specific standout feature, the Outemu Gold clicky switch may be the right choice for you. However, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams and value maximum tactility with a sharp tactile bump and clean clack sound, then the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch would be more suitable for your typing needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal typing preferences and what features matter most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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