TTC Flame Red vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch that suits your typing style, the TTC Flame Red and the HMX Poro offer unique characteristics that can greatly enhance your experience. The Flame Red is particularly renowned for its striking visual appeal, featuring a dazzling light diffuser that makes it a perfect option for backlit or RGB keyboards. In addition to its aesthetic, the Flame Red provides a weighty smoothness combined with a clacky sound profile, catering to users who appreciate a more substantial feel in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the HMX Poro is designed for those who prioritize an effortless typing experience; its meticulously lubricated switches guarantee silky smooth keystrokes and a satisfying poppy sound—ideal for users looking for a lighter actuation force and a quieter operation. Both switches deliver a compelling tactile experience, but their distinct attributes make each of them well-suited for different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
54g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and the HMX Poro, both switches demonstrate a strong affinity for nylon as their primary material. The use of nylon in the top housing for both models underlines the material's reputation as a classic choice in switch construction. By utilizing nylon, both the Flame Red and the HMX Poro create a deeper and fuller sound profile that typists often find appealing. This sound characteristic is primarily due to nylon's softer texture, which allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. Thus, users of either switch can expect a similarly subdued and rounded auditory experience.
In addition to their shared choice of nylon for the top housing, both the TTC Flame Red and the HMX Poro also feature nylon in their bottom housings. This consistency in material usage not only complements the sound profile established by the top housing but also enriches the overall typing experience. Since the bottom housing is crucial for the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, having nylon in both housings means that users will continue to experience that same damped sound and feel during operation. Consequently, regardless of the switch selection, the sonic characteristics remain harmonious, ensuring that both switches provide a comparable tactile and auditory experience.
However, one notable aspect to consider when using these switches is how the qualities of the nylon material influence each part of the switch during operation. The bottom housing’s impact on the bottom-out sound and feel emphasizes the significance of the softer nylon material, contributing to a more comfortable typing experience. Conversely, since the top housing influences the sound upon release, the dual presence of nylon in both locations ensures that the rounded tone persists throughout the entire key press. Therefore, while the TTC Flame Red and HMX Poro offer distinct switches, their uniform use of nylon housing materials will yield similar user experiences in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, we notice some similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches feature the same actuation force of 45 grams, which provides a similar keystroke trigger feel, making them easy to press without requiring excessive effort. However, the bottom out force differs between the two: the Flame Red has a bottom out force of 54 grams, while the Poro is lighter at 50 grams. This means that while you may find both switches comparable in actuation, the Flame Red will offer a slightly heavier overall feel when fully pressed down, appealing more to those who prefer a substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Poro’s lighter bottom out force may be more comfortable for long typing or gaming sessions, as it allows for less strain during extended use. Therefore, while the actuation forces are the same, those looking for a heavier feel should prefer the Flame Red, whereas users seeking a lighter touch would benefit from the Poro.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, the Flame Red features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Poro has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This distinction highlights the Flame Red as the option for those who appreciate a more substantial key press, offering a more traditional feel that some users favor for its hearty depth. Conversely, the Poro’s 3.7 mm travel distance caters to gamers and those who prefer quicker response times, making it a more responsive choice but potentially feeling abrupt for others. Ultimately, the Flame Red is the longer travel switch, while the Poro is the shorter one.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flame Red has an MSRP of $7.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flame Red for $4.38.
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 it comes to sound, the TTC Flame Red linear switches present a neutral profile, characterized by a moderate actuation force and a sound that's suitable for a variety of environments, be it home or office. This balanced approach ensures that users experience a sound that's neither overly loud nor too soft, making it approachable for both beginners and seasoned typists. On the other hand, the HMX Poro linear switches are noted for their poppy and clacky sound, which adds a lively dimension to the typing experience. While both switches offer a clackiness that some users appreciate, the specifics of the Poro’s sound profile remain less defined in comparison to the well-rounded sound of the Flame Red.
In terms of feel, the Flame Red switches provide a mild and polished typing experience that stands out for its smoothness and refined nature. This combination creates a gentle touch that is appealing for long typing sessions, ensuring minimal fatigue. The lubricated finish reduces friction and enhances key travel, resulting in a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Poro linear switches are noted for their silky smooth keystrokes, indicating a similarly refined typing experience, but the exact qualities of their feel remain unspecified. Both switches cater to users seeking smooth keystrokes, though the Flame Red’s specifically described characteristics provide a clearer understanding of what to expect.
In conclusion, both the TTC Flame Red and HMX Poro linear switches offer distinct sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences. The Flame Red focuses on a neutral sound and a mild, polished feel, making it versatile for various typing environments, while the Poro's poppy sound and silky smoothness present an engaging alternative that may appeal to users looking for a lively typing experience. While the Flame Red provides more defined qualities, both switches are set to deliver satisfying results for keyboard enthusiasts, whether for work or play.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between TTC Flame Red linear switches and HMX Poro linear switches, consider your typing preferences and the overall feel you wish to achieve. If you prefer a slightly heavier keypress with a bottom-out force of 54 grams, along with a smooth and somewhat clacky sound profile, the Flame Red switches are an excellent choice. They excel in visually appealing setups with RGB backlighting and provide a versatile experience suitable for both beginners and seasoned typists. On the other hand, if you enjoy the sensation of ultra-light actuation and aim for an effortlessly smooth typing experience, the HMX Poro switches, with their 50-gram actuation force, will likely be more to your liking. The meticulous lubrication of these switches enhances their gliding feel, making them ideal for long typing sessions or when you prefer a poppy, engaging sound profile. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you value visual aesthetics and a bit more resistance with the Flame Reds or a weightless, silky touch with the Poro switches.
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