Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear. The POM T1 is a tactile switch that excels in providing a maximum level of tactility. Typing on these switches offers a sharp and satisfying clean clack, bringing a punchy feel to your fingertips. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear is a linear switch that stands out for its innovative design. Despite being labeled as semi-silent, it maintains a clacky bottom-out sound while having a whisper-quiet topping-out sound. The type feel of the Semi-Silent Linear is silky smooth, striking a balance between a polished and buttery experience. Both switches have their unique qualities that make them appealing options. However, let's dive deeper into their nuances to help you make the best decision for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear provide distinct differences in sound and aesthetics. The POM T1 features a POM top housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound profile. This makes it an ideal choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. In contrast, the Semi-Silent Linear boasts a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound. Additionally, its translucency makes it a great option for users who want to showcase RGB lighting. While both switches offer unique sound profiles, their top housing materials result in noticeable differences in the overall auditory experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the POM T1 utilizes POM, while the Semi-Silent Linear employs nylon. POM bottom housing in the POM T1 contributes to a deep and full sound profile. The softness of nylon in the Semi-Silent Linear's bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. As the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, users will notice variations between these two switches. The POM T1's bottom-out sound will lean towards a deeper tone, while the Semi-Silent Linear's nylon bottom housing will provide a slightly quieter and gentler bottom-out experience. These differences highlight the influence of housing materials on typing sound and feel.
Although the housing materials of the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear differ, they share some similarities in terms of sound. Both switches offer a unique and pleasing typing experience, albeit in different ways. The POM top housing of the POM T1 and the polycarbonate top housing of the Semi-Silent Linear both contribute to a pleasing sound profile. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing in the Semi-Silent Linear and the POM bottom housing in the POM T1 provide a sense of depth to the sound. While the switches may have divergent qualities due to their housing materials, users can expect a satisfying typing experience that aligns with their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, there are notable similarities and differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The actuation force for both switches is unavailable, indicating that the exact force required to trigger a keystroke is unknown. However, the POM T1 (Sunflower) has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which can be considered medium-heavy, while the Semi-Silent Linear has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 62 grams, classified as medium.
Considering weight as a factor, some individuals prefer lighter switches to enable longer typing sessions or for extended gaming periods. With this preference in mind, the Semi-Silent Linear may be a suitable choice due to its lighter bottom out force. This switch allows for a smoother and potentially less fatiguing typing experience over extended periods.
Contrastingly, there are those who prioritize a stronger push feel and desire a more substantial typing experience. For these individuals, the POM T1 (Sunflower) with its medium-heavy bottom out force may be a better option. The additional force required to bottom out could provide a satisfying tactile feedback and a sense of solidity during typing.
Overall, while the actuation force remains unknown for both switches, the POM T1 (Sunflower) can be said to offer a heavier typing experience due to its higher bottom out force compared to the Semi-Silent Linear. However, if lighter switches are preferred, the Semi-Silent Linear might deliver similar results with a slightly lighter touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch, it is evident that there is a notable difference in their travel distances. The POM T1 (Sunflower) has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Semi-Silent Linear has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. The POM T1 (Sunflower) falls into the category of a more traditional travel distance, providing a standard 4.0mm depth. However, the Semi-Silent Linear offers a shallower travel distance of 3.7mm, making it more suitable for those who prefer a quicker response time, such as gamers. While both switches have their advantages, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prioritize a more responsive feel, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear would be the optimal choice due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial depth when pressing a key, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) with its longer travel distance would be more suitable.
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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
The Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch is best known for its maximum tactility, offering a punchy switch with a sharp tactility and satisfying clean clack when typing. It falls under the "resonant" descriptor in terms of sound, providing a higher-pitched sound profile and an immersive auditory experience. The POM T1 (Sunflower) switch is also described as having a sharp tactile feel, with a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be felt distinctly with each keypress. Overall, this switch offers pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, creating an invigorating typing sensation.
On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch stands out for its innovation in the mechanical keyboard world. It features a semi-silent label, with a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. The Semi-Silent Linear switch is characterized as producing a subdued sound when pressed, offering a more dampened and subtle sound signature compared to most switches. In terms of feel, this switch is described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. It is also snappy, offering a super responsive typing feel due to longer or dual-staged springs. The Semi-Silent Linear switch is considered buttery and polished, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Considering the available information, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch provide different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The POM T1 (Sunflower) switch offers a resonant sound profile with a sharp tactility, providing an invigorating typing experience with prominent feedback. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a subdued sound with a mild and approachable typing feel, characterized by its buttery and polished qualities. Both switches are described as having a neutral actuation force requirement, making them suitable for a wide range of users and purposes.
In conclusion, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you are after maximum tactility and a sharp tactility with a clean clack, the POM T1 (Sunflower) switch is the recommended choice. However, if you prefer a semi-silent switch with a subdued sound and a gentle typing experience, the Semi-Silent Linear switch would be more suitable. If you prefer a neutral switch with a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, both switches can provide satisfying results. As with any switch, the overall experience can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
To sum up, if maximum tactility and a satisfying clack is what you are after, then the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch is the perfect choice for you. With its sharp tactility and clean sound profile, typing on these switches will be a punchy and immersive experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued sound and a silky smooth type feel, then the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is the way to go. Its semi-silent label comes from its whisper-quiet topping-out sound while still maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. Additionally, the Semi-Silent Linear offers a more mild and approachable typing experience, making it suitable for most users. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the specific characteristics you prioritize in a switch. Whether you prefer a pronounced and invigorating feel or a smoother and more polished typing experience, both switches have unique features that cater to different preferences.
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