KTT Cream Yellow vs. HMX Poro

Overview

When it comes to the tactile experience of typing, choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch can significantly influence your overall satisfaction. The KTT Cream Yellow switch stands out with its unique combination of a bouncy typing feel and a distinctively clacky sound. Its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem create a resonant audio feedback that many users find both engaging and satisfying. On the other hand, the HMX Poro switch offers a contrasting experience with its silky smooth keystrokes, achieved through meticulous lubrication for an effortlessly smooth glide. While the Poro lacks the heft of the Cream Yellow's clack, it provides a satisfying pop with its ultra-light actuation force, making it an appealing choice for those who prefer a quieter yet responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches boils down to personal preference for sound and feel; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Cream Yellow Linear

HMX Poro Linear

$2.75

$2.55 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Cream Yellow and the HMX Poro switches, the differences are particularly pronounced in the top housing components. The KTT Cream Yellow features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and clarity, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This characteristic makes polycarbonate an excellent choice for those who prefer a more resonant sound, especially when RGB lighting is involved, as its translucency enhances the visual effects. In stark contrast, the HMX Poro employs a nylon top housing, a material recognized for its softer composition that produces a fuller, deeper sound. With nylon's capacity to absorb sound waves, the Poro tends to deliver a more muted acoustic experience, emphasizing a rounder sound that diverges from the crispness associated with polycarbonate.

Despite the variance in their top housings, both switches share identical nylon bottom housings, which play a pivotal role in their overall sound profiles. The nylon material in both cases results in a deeper and fuller typing experience, absorbing more sound and creating a softer bottom-out sound. Given that the bottom housing influences the tactile feedback when a key is pressed and affects the sound upon key release, both the Cream Yellow and Poro will exhibit similar sound characteristics in this regard. The combination of identical nylon bottom housings in both switches ensures that the deeper, rounder acoustic signature carries through to the overall typing experience.

Ultimately, while the KTT Cream Yellow and HMX Poro differ in their top housing materials—one prioritizing clarity and brightness, and the other focusing on depth and warmth—they converge at their shared nylon bottom housing. This dual-material approach means that users can experience both a sharp, clear-release sound with the Cream Yellow while also encountering the richer, fuller notes of the Poro. In essence, even though the switches present contrasting sound profiles during key presses, the similarity in bottom housing ensures a consistent foundational experience that ties their characteristics together, allowing for a versatile tactile experience across both models.

Weight

The KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch present distinct characteristics in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Cream Yellow switch has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, making it a medium-weight option. In contrast, the Poro switch is lighter, with an actuation force of just 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Poro switch requires less force to engage, appealing to users seeking a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the Cream Yellow provides a more substantial push feel, which some users prefer for a more tactile typing experience. Overall, if one desires a lighter switch, the HMX Poro is the favorable choice, while those looking for a heavier switch would find the KTT Cream Yellow more suitable.

Travel distance

The KTT Cream Yellow linear switch has 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 Cream Yellow the shorter option between the two, which may appeal to users seeking faster response times, particularly gamers who favor a more responsive feel. In contrast, the Poro's longer travel distance could provide a more traditional tactile experience, which some users prefer for its depth and overall feel. Thus, the main difference lies in the travel distance, with the Cream Yellow offering a quicker actuation, while the Poro rewards users with a more robust keystroke processing.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Cream Yellow switch presents a distinctively clacky character that offers a sharp, crisp auditory response with each keystroke, thanks to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem. This creates a resonant feedback that many typists find satisfying and lively, emphasizing a percussive quality that can be quite engaging during use. In contrast, while details on the sound profile of the HMX Poro switch are limited, it is noted for its satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound as well. This suggests a more muted or subtle clack compared to the Cream Yellow, yet it could still produce pleasant audio characteristics that resonate with users looking for an enjoyable typing experience. However, the ultimate sound experience will largely depend on the combination of the keyboard’s construction and the chosen keycaps, which can influence the overall acoustics of both switches.

In terms of feel, the Cream Yellow switch shines with its bouncy nature that delivers an engaging spring-like feedback. This bounciness contributes to a volatile and responsive typing experience, giving users a delightful sensation of rebound with each keypress. Unfortunately, the tactile characteristics of the HMX Poro linear switch are not explicitly stated. However, it is suggested that the switch provides silky smooth keystrokes, which typically indicates a smooth and uninterrupted motion free from tactile bumps or jarring feedback. If the Poro indeed maintains that seamless feeling without any added tactile response, it could provide a different yet equally appealing typing experience compared to the energetic, bouncy feedback of the Cream Yellow.

In conclusion, both the KTT Cream Yellow and HMX Poro linear switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences that could cater to different preferences among typists. The Cream Yellow’s clacky sound and bouncy feel make it an exciting choice for those who appreciate auditory feedback and a lively typing sensation. On the other hand, the Poro’s smoothness and potential for a satisfying auditory response may appeal to users seeking a more refined and effortless typing experience. Depending on individual preferences regarding sound and feel, users can choose a switch that resonates with their desired typing style, while also keeping in mind that external factors, such as the keyboard design and keycaps, will affect the overall performance of either switch.

Conclusion

In summary, your choice between the KTT Cream Yellow and the HMX Poro linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and the experience you desire. If you appreciate a medium bottom-out force of 58 grams and enjoy a distinctly clacky sound with a bouncy feel, the KTT Cream Yellow is the right switch for you. This switch excels in providing a lively typing experience, enhanced by its long-pole stem and shortened bottom-out distance, making each keystroke not only satisfying in sound but also in tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of just 50 grams, the HMX Poro is an excellent choice for its silky smooth keystrokes and a satisfying poppy sound. The meticulously lubricated nature of the Poro guarantees an effortless glide, making it ideal for those who prioritize a smooth and whisper-quiet typing sensation. Therefore, consider what aspects of typing are most important to you: whether you are inclined toward the audible feedback and bounciness of the Cream Yellow or the smoothness and lightness of the HMX Poro. Both switches offer unique experiences that cater to different styles, so choose based on your typing comfort and auditory enjoyment.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Cream Yellow Linear

$2.75

$2.55 per 10

Learn more

HMX Poro Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more