KTT Darling vs. HMX Poro

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Darling and HMX Poro both offer unique experiences for users who prefer linear switches. The KTT Darling stands out with its chewy and substantial typing sensation, making each keystroke feel immersive and satisfying. It delivers a pronounced bounciness and a high-pitched, resonant sound when bottoming out, giving users an engaging blend of tactile and auditory feedback. In contrast, the HMX Poro is designed for silky smooth keystrokes, thanks to its meticulous lubrication, which provides an effortless glide. With its ultra-light actuation force, the Poro offers a poppy and clacky sound profile, appealing to those who enjoy a more subtle acoustic experience while typing. Both switches cater to different preferences in terms of feedback, sound, and overall feel; while the Darling excels in providing a bouncy and resonant experience, the Poro focuses on smoothness and lightness. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Darling Linear

HMX Poro Linear

$4.50

$3.90 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Darling and the HMX Poro, a clear distinction arises from their top housings. The Darling features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer nature, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This rigidity allows for greater resonance, making it particularly effective when enhanced with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the HMX Poro employs a nylon top housing, characterized by its softer composition, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon absorbs more sound, leading to a duller tone and a more rounded acoustic experience. This fundamental difference in material choice significantly influences the auditory feedback provided by each switch.

On the other hand, both the KTT Darling and HMX Poro boast nylon as their bottom housing material. This consistency means that regardless of the differences in their top housings, the bottom housing characteristics promote a deeper and more resonant sound profile for both switches. The softer nylon absorbs sound, contributing to a smooth, fuller typing experience. When actuating either switch, the tactile feedback and sound produced during the key press will showcase similarities derived from the nylon bottom housing. Thus, while the top housings provide unique auditory experiences, the uniform bottom housing guarantees that both switches exhibit a comparable depth in sound.

This duality illustrates how the combination of varying materials can provide a rich diversity in terms of sound profile while still maintaining some consistency. The KTT Darling's polycarbonate top lends itself to a bright and vibrant sound, particularly when released, while the nylon bottom housing ensures a comforting depth during key presses. Similarly, the HMX Poro's rounder, subdued upper tone is complemented by the same nylon bottom housing, fostering a familiar acoustic quality. Ultimately, by blending materials, both switches achieve distinctive auditory characteristics while ensuring that both share a common foundation that delivers a satisfying typing experience.

Weight

The KTT Darling linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of the force needed to register a keystroke. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Darling switch has a slightly heavier force of 53 grams compared to the Poro’s 50 grams. This means that while both switches provide a similar feel during the actuation phase, the Darling switch offers a slightly more substantial experience when fully pressed down. Overall, the Poro is the lighter option due to its lower bottom out force, which may benefit users who prefer a more comfortable typing experience during extended use. In contrast, the Darling, with its heavier bottom out force, may appeal to those seeking a firmer tactile feedback in their typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Darling linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, we find that the Darling has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, whereas the Poro measures 3.7 mm. This makes the KTT Darling the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that may appeal to gamers and those who prefer quick actuation. On the other hand, the HMX Poro, with its greater travel distance, caters to users who appreciate a more substantial key press and a deeper feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two will hinge on personal preference: if quicker response times are paramount, the Darling is preferable; however, if one enjoys a more hearty depth during use, the Poro is the better option.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Darling linear switch stands out with its clacky and high-pitched acoustics, delivering a sharp and resonant note upon bottoming out. This sound profile offers a crisp, bright, and percussive auditory experience, making each keystroke feel engaging and immersive. In contrast, while the HMX Poro linear switch is known for its silky smooth keystrokes, there is no specific description of its sound profile provided. Thus, it is unclear how the Poro's auditory characteristics compare to those of the Darling, though the performance of any switch will also depend on the board and keycaps used.

As for feel, the KTT Darling is characterized by a bouncy responsiveness that adds a substantial and satisfying quality to the typing experience. Each keystroke provides a spring-like feedback, enhancing the overall tactile sensation. The HMX Poro linear switch, while noted for its meticulously lubricated design promoting effortless gliding, lacks a detailed description of its feel. Therefore, while the Poro may offer a smooth experience, it is difficult to gauge how its tactile feedback compares to the pronounced bounciness of the Darling.

In summary, the KTT Darling linear switch excels in providing a unique balance of sound and feel, characterized by its clacky, high-pitched sound and bouncy tactile experience. The HMX Poro linear switch has the potential for a good typing experience with its smoother action, but its sound and tactile feedback remain less defined in comparison. Ultimately, those who appreciate sound and tactile feedback may find the Darling offers a more satisfying experience, while the Poros could appeal to those who prefer a silky smooth keystroke, albeit without the same auditory flair.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the KTT Darling linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences regarding tactile feedback and sound. If you favor a more engaging typing experience with a pronounced bounciness and a medium-light resistance that feels satisfying under your fingers, the KTT Darling may be the right fit for you. Its resonant, high-pitched sound profile and chewy feel provide an enjoyable auditory and tactile feedback that can enhance your gaming or typing sessions. However, if you prioritize a lighter touch with an ultra-smooth keystroke and enjoy a keyboard that feels effortless, the HMX Poro linear switch would be your best option. Its lighter actuation force and silky gliding characteristic cater to those who prefer a quieter and less resistant typing experience, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or a more subtle keystroke. Ultimately, both switches cater to different tastes, so consider the sensory experience you desire and choose accordingly to enhance your mechanical keyboard journey.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Darling Linear

$4.50

$3.90 per 10

Learn more

HMX Poro Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more