TTC Flaming Purple vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flaming Purple and the HMX Poro stand out as commendable linear options, each offering unique attributes to enhance the typing experience. The Flaming Purple is celebrated for its resonant character, delivering a sound profile that leans slightly towards the bassier side, creating a captivating auditory experience with every keystroke. Its feathery feel and a bottom-out actuation force of just 47g make it an appealing choice for both enthusiasts and casual typists seeking a swift, effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Poro switches excel with their ultra-smooth keystrokes and carefully lubricated design, promoting an easy glide that ensures comfortable use. This switch is characterized by a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound profile that brings a delightful auditory element to the typing experience. While both switches cater to users who appreciate smooth linear dynamics, their distinctive sound and feel may appeal to different preferences. 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
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
47g
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
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Flaming Purple and HMX Poro switches present both contrasts and similarities that influence their overall sound profiles. The Flaming Purple features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer characteristics, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material's transparency also enhances the appearance of RGB lighting, making it a popular choice for users who prioritize both aesthetics and clarity in their keystrokes. Conversely, the HMX Poro utilizes a nylon top housing, a classic material that absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. While the Flaming Purple's polycarbonate top emphasizes brightness and clarity, the Poro's nylon casing renders it a choice that emphasizes warmth and richness in sound.
When it comes to the bottom housing of both switches, they are similar in material as both utilize nylon. This choice brings deeper and fuller sound qualities to their overall performance. The nylon’s softer nature creates sound absorption, contributing to a duller, rounder acoustic experience that underpins each keystroke. Thus, the similarity in bottom housing means that both the Flaming Purple and Poro will exhibit a comparable foundational sound character when pressed. In this way, despite having contrasting top housing materials, the use of nylon on the bottom ensures that both switches maintain a certain acoustic affiliation.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in both the Flaming Purple and HMX Poro switches leads to distinct sound artistry reflective of their respective top housings. The Flaming Purple's polycarbonate top provides clarity when the key is released, while the nylon bottom contributes to the overall fullness of sound during key presses. In contrast, the HMX Poro delivers a more cohesive sound profile throughout, characterized by its consistent use of nylon. This material duality highlights how each switch can achieve unique auditory experiences, even as they share similar attributes in their bottom construction, and emphasizes the importance of housing materials in their acoustic signatures.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, we see some differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Flaming Purple requires an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams, making it a lighter option overall. In contrast, the Poro has slightly higher specifications with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that while both switches are on the lighter side, the Flaming Purple offers a slightly easier keystroke, which could be beneficial for those who type for long periods or engage in extended gaming sessions. Conversely, those who prefer a heftier feel in their switches may find the HMX Poro more appealing due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces, providing a more substantial typing experience. Overall, if you seek a lighter switch with minimal resistance, the TTC Flaming Purple is the better choice.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, the Flaming Purple has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Poro measures slightly longer at 3.7 mm. This means that the Flaming Purple is the shorter option, making it more responsive and potentially suited for gamers who favor quick key presses. On the other hand, the Poro, with its longer travel distance, might appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel while typing, as it offers greater depth than the Flaming Purple. Ultimately, choosing between these switches hinges on personal preference for responsiveness versus a more tactile keystroke experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Purple has an MSRP of $8.30 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Purple for $4.30.
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 it comes to sound, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch stands out with its bassy and resonant profile, giving each keystroke a rich depth that enhances the typing experience. This switch produces a low-pitched tone that adds a poppy undertone, making it enjoyable and engaging for users. The sound signature is clean and sharp, contributing to an immersive auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the HMX Poro linear switch, while praised for its silky smooth operation, does not have a defined sound profile provided, making it difficult to compare directly. The general assumption is that linear switches tend to produce a quieter sound, but without specific descriptors for the Poro, the auditory characteristics remain unknown.
In terms of feel, the TTC Flaming Purple is characterized by its feathery, easy-to-press nature, allowing for a swift and effortless typing experience. With a bottom-out force of only 47g, these switches reduce finger fatigue, making them ideal for extended typing sessions, whether for gaming, work, or leisurely writing. The smoothness of the Flaming Purple enhances the overall comfort during prolonged use. On the other hand, there is no specific description provided for the feel of the HMX Poro, which leaves uncertainty regarding its tactile experience. However, the mention of its meticulously lubricated design suggests it may also offer an exceptionally smooth typing feel, similar to the Flaming Purple.
In summary, the TTC Flaming Purple switch is distinguished by its rich, resonant sound profile and light, comfortable feel, making it a great option for those who enjoy engaging auditory feedback and effortless typing. The HMX Poro switch, while lacking detailed sound and feel descriptors, is suggested to be smooth due to its lubrication, potentially providing a comfortable experience as well. For those seeking a quiet yet fluid typing session, both options may offer satisfactory outcomes, but without more information on the HMX Poro, it remains a bit of an enigma compared to the well-defined qualities of the Flaming Purple.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the TTC Flaming Purple and the HMX Poro linear switches, consider the specific typing experience and audiovisual preferences you value most. If you are looking for a switch that provides a pleasurable auditory experience with a resonant, bassy sound, the Flaming Purple excels in delivering a unique and engaging keystroke sound profile. Its feathery nature and lighter bottom-out force also make it an excellent option for extended typing sessions, reducing finger fatigue and allowing for a swift typing experience. Conversely, if you prefer an even lighter touch with a focus on the smoothness of the keystrokes, the HMX Poro linear switch should be your go-to choice. The Poro features an ultra-light actuation and is meticulously lubricated for a seamless glide, making it ideal for users seeking an effortlessly smooth and satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your priorities; whether you lean toward a resonant sound with slightly heavier feedback or an ultra-smooth, lighter typing sensation, both switches have distinct characteristics that cater to diverse typing styles.
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