TTC Flaming Pink vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Pink 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 Flaming Pink and the HMX Poro offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Flaming Pink switches are celebrated for their smooth and responsive feel, providing a satisfying bottom-out sound that enhances the typing experience, making them a versatile option for both gaming and everyday tasks. With a bright yet not overly loud sound profile, they strike a balance that many users find appealing. In contrast, the HMX Poro switches are meticulously lubricated to ensure silky smooth keystrokes, delivering an effortlessly gliding motion that is particularly attractive for those seeking a softer touch. Their ultra-light actuation force coupled with a poppy and clacky sound offers a unique auditory feedback that can be quite enjoyable. Both switches have their merits, depending on whether you prioritize a premium feel or a lightweight, gliding action. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The TTC Flaming Pink and the HMX Poro exhibit contrasting characteristics in their top housing materials, significantly influencing the sound profile and aesthetic appeal of each switch. The Flaming Pink's top housing is constructed from polycarbonate, a material known for its stiffness and translucency. This results in a sharper, crisper sound that resonates clearly, making polycarbonate ideal for showcasing RGB lighting effects. In contrast, the HMX Poro's top housing is made from nylon, which is softer and typically generates a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, leading to a more subdued auditory experience. Therefore, while the Flaming Pink produces a higher-pitched sound ideal for vibrant lighting displays, the Poro offers a warmer and more rounded acoustic quality.
Both the Flaming Pink and the Poro share nylon as their bottom housing material, which creates a degree of consistency in their overall sound experience. As both switches feature nylon at the bottom, they provide a deeper, fuller sound profile due to nylon’s sound-dampening properties. This means that when you bottom out on either switch, the sound produced will be similarly rich, regardless of the variation in top housing materials. This shared bottom housing creates a common performance characteristic that impacts the tactile feedback felt during use.
Overall, the differences in the top housing materials of the TTC Flaming Pink and HMX Poro create distinct sound profiles, while their commonality in bottom housing contributes to an underlying acoustic consistency. Users will experience contrasting sounds and aesthetics when pressing the keys, as the Flaming Pink’s polycarbonate top secures a bright, resonant sound, while the Poro offers a mellower auditory experience through its nylon top. Despite these differences, the nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches maintain a similar depth of sound when bottomed out, providing a balanced tactile and auditory experience across both models.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, we find both switches display similar characteristics with slight distinctions in their actuation forces. The Flaming Pink has an actuation force of 43 grams, while the Poro requires a slightly heavier 45 grams to trigger a keystroke. Both switches share the same bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that the feel upon completely depressing the key is consistent across both options. This similarity makes them suitable for users who enjoy a light typing experience, although the Flaming Pink is marginally lighter, which can be beneficial for those who type for extended periods or engage in prolonged gaming sessions. Conversely, users who prefer a more substantial push feel may find the heavier actuation force of the Poro more appealing. In summary, while both switches are lightweight and share the same bottom out force, the Flaming Pink offers a slightly lighter touch, making it ideal for users prioritizing comfort during long usage.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Flaming Pink and the HMX Poro linear switches, the Flaming Pink has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Poro measures slightly longer at 3.7 mm. This results in the Flaming Pink being the shorter option, making it more suitable for gamers who favor quicker response times and a snappier feel when pressing keys. On the other hand, the Poro, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial depth in their key presses, potentially providing a more satisfying tactile experience. Although the differences are marginal, the choice between these switches largely hinges on personal preference for either responsiveness or depth in key travel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Pink has an MSRP of $4.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Pink for $4.00.
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
The TTC Flaming Pink linear switch delivers a bright yet restrained sound profile, characterized by a satisfying bottom-out that enhances the overall typing experience without being overly distracting. This makes it versatile for a variety of scenarios, from quiet office environments to intense gaming sessions. In contrast, the HMX Poro linear switch boasts a poppy and clacky sound that, despite its ultra-light actuation force, provides a delightful auditory feedback that many users find pleasurable. The sound of both switches can also be influenced by the keyboard design and keycap choice, but the inherent characteristics establish a clear differentiation in their acoustic appeal.
When it comes to feel, the Flaming Pink switch shines with its smooth and responsive keystrokes, offering a tactile experience that is very satisfying for users switching between typing and gaming. The action is notably refined, making each keystroke enjoyable. On the other hand, the HMX Poro switch emphasizes an effortless glide with its meticulously lubricated design, allowing for a silky smooth experience upon pressing each key. This noteworthy attention to smoothness makes the Poro linear switch an appealing choice for those who seek minimal friction during their typing sessions.
In conclusion, both the TTC Flaming Pink and HMX Poro linear switches present unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Flaming Pink offers a balanced sound and responsive feel, the Poro excels in providing an ultra-smooth glide paired with a more pronounced auditory feedback. Ultimately, both switches can deliver excellent performance for typing and gaming, and the choice between them will largely depend on whether you prioritize a well-rounded audio experience or a silky-smooth keystroke.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the TTC Flaming Pink and the HMX Poro linear switches largely depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize a premium typing experience with a smooth and responsive feel, along with a satisfying bottom-out sound that’s bright but not overly loud, the Flaming Pink is an excellent choice. This switch is particularly well-suited for a balanced performance in both gaming and everyday typing tasks, making it versatile for various applications. On the other hand, if you’re drawn to an exceptionally silky typing experience with meticulously lubricated keystrokes and a more poppy, clacky sound profile, then the HMX Poro should be your go-to option. Its ultra-light actuation force enhances the overall glide, providing a unique and enjoyable feel that may appeal more to casual users or those who prefer a distinct auditory feedback. Ultimately, your decision may hinge on whether you value a smooth, responsive touch or a lighter, more pronounced keystroke experience; either way, both switches offer their own distinct charms to elevate your mechanical keyboard setup.
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