KTT Ash Gray vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, individual preferences can greatly influence the typing experience, and two fascinating options to consider are the KTT Ash Gray, a tactile switch, and the HMX Poro, a linear switch. The Ash Gray is celebrated for its thoughtfully designed tactile response, striking a balance between a substantial feel and an unobtrusive touch that ensures a pleasant typing experience. Users appreciate the crisp actuation and mild feedback, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a bit of tactile engagement without overwhelming resistance. In contrast, the HMX Poro offers a different appeal with its ultra-smooth linear motion, designed for effortless keystrokes and a satisfying poppy sound profile. Its light actuation force allows for quick, fluid typing, making it ideal for gamers or typists looking for speed and seamless key presses. Both switches have their unique strengths and cater to differing typing preferences; 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
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Ash Gray and the HMX Poro, notable differences can be seen primarily in their top housings. The KTT Ash Gray features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This stiffness allows for greater resonance, resulting in a clear and distinct auditory experience for the user. Additionally, the translucence of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for RGB lighting, as it enhances the visual effects by allowing light to pass through the housing. In contrast, the HMX Poro is constructed with a nylon top housing, a material traditionally associated with a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer consistency absorbs sound waves, yielding a duller yet rounder auditory experience, which highlights its classic status in switch design.
Both switches, however, share a commonality in their bottom housing, as they both utilize nylon. This consistent choice in material for the bottom housing means that the impact on bottom-out sound and feel will be similar between the two models. The nylon bottom housing adds to the tactile experience by absorbing excess sound, providing a cushioned typing feel that many users appreciate. Consequently, despite the contrasting characteristics of their top housings, the shared element of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a cohesive typing experience that emphasizes a deeper and more rounded sound profile, making both switches appealing to those who favor a rich auditory feedback.
In conclusion, while the KTT Ash Gray and HMX Poro differ in their top housing materials—polycarbonate versus nylon—the compatibility of nylon for the bottom housing harmonizes the overall performance of both switches. The polycarbonate top of the Ash Gray enhances clarity and resonance during key releases, while the nylon top of the Poro provides a fuller experience. Therefore, users seeking similar tactile and auditory results can expect that the commonality in bottom housing material will mediate these differences, allowing each switch to deliver satisfying sound and feel characteristics in their unique ways.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, there are distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to varying user preferences. The Ash Gray switch features an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it medium-light and suitable for those who may prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the HMX Poro switch has a higher actuation force of 45 grams, while its bottom out force is slightly lower at 50 grams, categorizing it as a lighter switch overall. This means that the Ash Gray requires less force to register a keystroke compared to the Poro, while still being able to withstand more force when fully pressed down. Therefore, the Ash Gray is the heavier of the two switches when considering the actuation force, but the Poro's lower bottom out force may make for a somewhat softer feel at the end of the keypress. Ultimately, users seeking a lighter actuation may gravitate towards the Ash Gray, while those wanting a more substantial push feel might find the specifications of the Poro appealing.
Travel distance
The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX Poro linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Ash Gray the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that may appeal to gamers seeking quicker key presses. Conversely, the Poro, with its greater travel distance, offers a more substantial depth that may feel more satisfying to those who prefer a traditional typing experience. While both switches are on the shorter end of the spectrum compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance, the Ash Gray's shorter travel promotes rapid response times, whereas the Poro's longer travel may provide a more solid pressing experience. Thus, the choice between them largely comes down to personal preference regarding responsiveness versus depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
The HMX Poro has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Poro for $2.99.
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 the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch, it is characterized as neutral, providing a moderate sound level that caters well to a wide range of environments, whether at home or in the office. This balanced sound makes it suitable for various users, ensuring that the acoustic feedback is neither obtrusive nor overly quiet. In contrast, the HMX Poro linear switch is renowned for its satisfying poppy and clacky sound, enhanced by its ultra-light actuation force, which contributes to a more pronounced auditory experience during use. While the Ash Gray offers a versatile neutral tone, the Poro's sound profile may appeal more to users seeking a livelier, more engaging auditory feedback with each keystroke.
In terms of feel, the Ash Gray switches excel with their easy-to-press characteristic, providing gentle resistance that makes typing comfortable and reduces finger fatigue during long sessions. This light actuation force, combined with a pronounced yet not overwhelming tactile feedback, creates an inviting typing experience for both newcomers and seasoned users. The feel of the Poro switch, while less defined in the available data, is noted to be smooth and effortless due to meticulous lubrication, likely providing a frictionless experience during key presses. Without specific descriptors for the feel, the Poro could still potentially offer a satisfying typing experience, although it may not have the tactile feedback that the Ash Gray provides.
Overall, both switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch offers a balanced auditory experience and comfortable, tactile feedback that is ideal for a variety of settings. In contrast, the HMX Poro linear switch stands out with its engaging sound profile and smooth keypress, appealing to those who prioritize auditory enjoyment in their typing experience. Users who appreciate tactile feedback may gravitate more towards Ash Gray, while those who enjoy a smooth, linear feel could favor the Poro. Ultimately, personal preferences and typing habits will play a significant role in deciding between these two distinct switches.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, your specific preferences and use scenarios are key to making the best choice. If you value tactile feedback for typing and gaming, the Ash Gray switch is an excellent option, as it offers a palpable yet unobtrusive tactile response that won’t overwhelm you. With a medium-light actuation force of 53 grams, it strikes a balance that enables a comfortable typing experience without excessive fatigue, making it suitable for extended use at work or home. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, linear feel for a more fluid typing experience or gaming sessions where speed is essential, the HMX Poro linear switch would be your go-to choice. With its lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams and a silky smooth action, it allows for rapid key presses and a satisfying poppy sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on whether you prioritize tactile feedback or smooth linearity—each offering unique qualities tailored to distinct typing styles and preferences.
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