TTC Brother vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Brother and HMX Poro stand out as two compelling options, each catering to different preferences and typing experiences. The TTC Brother, a clicky switch, is designed for those who relish the tactile feedback of a click without excessive noise, featuring a lightweight 37g actuation force and a unique silicone dampening pad that softens the sound while maintaining a satisfying response. This makes it an excellent choice for both gamers and typists looking for a balance between audible feedback and a quieter typing environment. In contrast, the HMX Poro linear switch offers a silky smooth keystroke experience, characterized by its ultra-light actuation force and meticulously lubricated components that ensure an effortless and satisfying glide. The Poro's bouncy and feathery feel, combined with its poppy and clacky sound profile, makes it ideal for users who prioritize smoothness and fluidity in their keystrokes. Each switch has its unique allure—whether you prefer the tactile satisfaction of a click or the seamless flow of a linear switch. 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
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
17.5mm spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Brother and HMX Poro switches, one notable difference lies in their top housing compositions. The TTC Brother features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and clarity. This material enhances a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for users who prefer an articulate auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the HMX Poro employs a nylon top housing. As a softer plastic, nylon typically absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The contrast in materials thus creates different auditory experiences, with the Brother providing a more pronounced and bright sound and the Poro delivering a more subdued and rich auditory feedback.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the TTC Brother and HMX Poro utilize nylon, leading to similarities in the sound experience produced by their respective switches. The nylon material, known for its sound-absorbing properties, offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. Consequently, both switches will exhibit a fuller bottom-out sound and feel due to the cushioning effect of the nylon. Therefore, while the top housing of each switch impacts the sound profile distinctly—creating a contrast in brightness versus depth—both switches will exhibit a commonality in the rounded resonance from their nylon bottom housings when pressed.
In essence, the TTC Brother and HMX Poro switches showcase different characteristics primarily based on their top housing materials. The polycarbonate top of the Brother brings forth a clear, sharp sound while the nylon top of the Poro produces a warmer, fuller tone. However, the use of nylon in the bottom housing for both switches ensures that the overall auditory experience retains a certain familiarity, resulting in a consistent deep sound during activation. Should someone seek the combined effects of both sound profiles, it’s feasible that mixing the housings could yield a keyboard switch that balances the clarity of polycarbonate with the warmth of nylon for a dynamic typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, distinct differences emerge. The TTC Brother has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making it more suitable for prolonged use without causing fatigue, which is ideal for typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the HMX Poro requires a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, providing a more substantial feel that may appeal to those who prefer a stronger tactile feedback while typing. However, the bottom out force for the TTC Brother is unknown, while the Poro's bottom out force is established at 50 grams, indicating it feels more substantial when pressed down completely. Overall, the TTC Brother is the lighter option, suitable for extended use, whereas the HMX Poro offers a heavier feel, potentially favored by users seeking a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, the Brother has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Poro features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the TTC Brother the shorter option, which could appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times due to the reduced distance. On the other hand, the HMX Poro's longer travel distance may provide a more substantial feel for those who prefer a greater depth in their key presses, though it may also result in slightly slower actuation. Ultimately, while both switches offer a tactile keypress experience, the choice between them hinges on one's preference for responsiveness or depth, with the Brother being the better fitting choice for rapid gaming and the Poro catering to those who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
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 comparing the sound profile of TTC Brother clicky switches to HMX Poro linear switches, the differences become quite apparent. The Brother switch produces a crunchy sound, reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves, which is characteristic of traditional clicky switches. This unique auditory experience is enhanced by a silicone dampening pad, leading to a subtler click that's less jarring than typical clicky switches. In contrast, the HMX Poro switches offer a clacky sound that's sharp and snappy, delivering a crisp and bright auditory feedback with each keystroke. The sound you experience can be influenced by the specific keyboard and keycap materials used in conjunction with these switches, further diversifying the auditory elements in play.
In terms of feel, the TTC Brother switch presents itself as a stepped switch, characterized by a mild tactile sensation that includes pre-travel and post-travel stages. This design gives typists a subtle but satisfying tactile feedback, enhancing their typing experience while remaining comfortable. On the other hand, the HMX Poro switch boasts a bouncy, creamy, and feathery feel, providing an exceptionally smooth and light typing experience. The lively and elastic response encourages a more dynamic interaction with the keyboard, making it particularly enjoyable for rapid keystrokes or prolonged typing sessions. These contrasting tactile experiences cater to different preferences, as some users may prefer the slight resistance and feedback of the Brother switch while others might appreciate the effortless glide of the Poro.
Overall, both the TTC Brother and HMX Poro switches present unique qualities appealing to different users. The Brother switch offers a satisfying clicky experience combined with moderate sound levels and a tactile feel that strikes a balance between feedback and comfort. In contrast, the HMX Poro switch emphasizes smoothness and lightness, delivering a clacky sound and an exceptionally fluid typing experience. Depending on what you prioritize—be it the clicky satisfaction and mild feedback of the Brother or the silky and lively sensation of the Poro—both switches can provide enjoyable typing experiences, albeit through fundamentally different auditory and tactile profiles.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your choice between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the HMX Poro linear switch should be guided by your preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. If you appreciate the satisfaction of tactile feedback with a click and prefer a subtler sound profile, the Brother switch could be the perfect fit for you. Its 37g actuation force offers a lightweight typing experience, making it well-suited for both casual typists and gamers who want a blend of tactile feedback and muted noise. This switch's stepped feel adds a pleasant dimension to your typing experience, allowing you to enjoy those satisfying clicks without overwhelming auditory disruption. On the other hand, if you lean towards a smoother and more fluid typing experience, the HMX Poro linear switch is an excellent choice. With its effortless glide and creamy texture, this switch excels in providing a bouncy, feathery feel that can reduce finger fatigue during extended use, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming and lengthy typing sessions. The poppy and clacky sound profile of the Poro will appeal to those who crave a sharp, bright auditory feedback. Ultimately, consider what aspects matter most to you, whether it's the tactile engagement of the TTC Brother or the smooth, effortless experience of the HMX Poro, and choose accordingly to enhance your mechanical keyboard journey.
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