KTT Glimp vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the KTT Glimp and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Glimp and the HMX Poro offer distinct experiences, each catering to different user preferences. The Glimp switch is known for its medium-light actuation force, delivering a well-balanced typing experience that combines satisfying tactile feedback with a pleasing, clacky sound profile. It's an excellent choice for those who appreciate a responsive and engaging typing feel without feeling overwhelmed by resistance. On the other hand, the HMX Poro switch excels in delivering silky smooth keystrokes, thanks to meticulous lubrication that ensures an effortless glide. With its ultra-light actuation force, the Poro offers a poppy and clacky auditory feedback, making it ideal for users who prioritize a swift and fluid typing experience. While both switches provide enjoyable auditory elements, their differing actuation forces and tactile responses may appeal to different typing styles. 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
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
18mm spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Glimp and HMX Poro switches present an interesting contrast in their acoustic properties, particularly highlighted by the differing compositions of their top housings. The KTT Glimp utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, a material known for its stiffness and translucency, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This characteristic makes polycarbonate particularly advantageous for switches intended to showcase RGB lighting, as the material allows light to travel through effectively, creating vibrant visual effects alongside its crystalline acoustic output. In contrast, the HMX Poro employs nylon for its top housing, which lends itself to a rounder and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition that absorbs more sound. This results in a deeper auditory experience that contrasts sharply with the clarity provided by polycarbonate.
The bottom housings of both switches, interestingly, share the same material: nylon. This similarity means that both the KTT Glimp and HMX Poro will deliver a similar base sound quality when pressed. The nylon used in the bottom housing contributes to a consistent and deeper sound profile, helping to round out the auditory experience when bottoming out on either switch. Since both switches feature nylon in their bottom housings, this ensures they will have a comparable effect on the overall feel and sound during key presses, allowing users to expect a pleasing depth in the sound regardless of the top housing material.
Ultimately, the combination of different top housing materials — polycarbonate for the Glimp and nylon for the Poro — creates distinct sound profiles during different phases of key interaction. While the KTT Glimp will exhibit a vibrant and crisp sound upon releasing a key, thanks to its polycarbonate top, the HMX Poro will offer a softer, more rounded auditory farewell due to its nylon top housing. Therefore, while both switches can produce a similar experience in terms of their bottom housing, the overall tonal palette produced by each switch diverges based on the material of the top housing, showcasing the significant impact of material choice in keyboard switch design.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Glimp linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, we see notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to varying user preferences. The Glimp requires an actuation force of 43 grams and has a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Poro features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it the lighter option overall. This difference means that while the Glimp provides a slightly stronger push feel at actuation, the Poro is easier to actuate, which can benefit users seeking a lighter typing experience for extended use. Additionally, the Poro's lower bottom out force might offer a more comfortable feeling during longer gaming sessions, whereas the Glimp’s heavier bottom out might appeal more to those who prefer a more substantial tactile experience. Overall, if a lighter switch is a priority for longer typing sessions, the HMX Poro would be preferable, while the KTT Glimp may cater to those who enjoy a bit more resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Glimp linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The KTT Glimp features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the most traditional standard and provides a deeper, more substantial feel when pressed. In contrast, the HMX Poro has a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm, catering to those who prefer a quicker response time that is increasingly favored by gamers. While the Glimp may offer a more pronounced tactile experience, the Poro allows for faster actuation due to its shorter distance. Ultimately, if you're seeking more responsiveness, the Poro is the better choice; however, if you value a more hearty depth in your keystrokes, the Glimp is the superior option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Glimp has an MSRP of $3.84 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glimp for $3.45.
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, both the KTT Glimp and HMX Poro switches share a similar characteristic, boasting a clacky sound profile. The Glimp is noted for its crisp, bright, and percussive sound, designed to offer an engaging auditory experience while typing. This clackiness is appealing for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback. The Poro, on the other hand, also features a poppy and clacky sound profile, albeit with its ultra-light actuation force potentially contributing to a slightly different acoustic signature. Overall, users can expect an energetic soundscape from both switches, making them suitable for those who appreciate auditory feedback during their typing sessions.
In terms of feel, the KTT Glimp switch is characterized as creamy and mild, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience that is both satisfying and approachable. This silky sensation is likely enhanced by factory lubrication, ensuring that keystrokes glide effortlessly. The Glimp’s mild characteristics make it suitable for a wide range of users, as it balances responsiveness with a gentle typing experience. Conversely, the information on the Poro's feel remains unknown, leaving a gap in direct comparison. However, it's important to note that due to the meticulous lubrication process described for the Poro switch, one might expect a soft and smooth performance similar to what the Glimp offers.
In conclusion, both the KTT Glimp and HMX Poro linear switches present enjoyable auditory experiences with their clacky sound profiles, making them engaging choices for typing enthusiasts. While the Glimp stands out with a creamy and mild feel that many find comforting, the specifics about the Poro’s tactile experience remain a mystery. Users can anticipate a smooth typing sensation from the Poro as well, thanks to its lubrication. Thus, if you're seeking an enjoyable balance of sound and feel, both switches can deliver satisfying results, though the Glimp provides a clearer picture due to the more detailed feedback on its qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the KTT Glimp linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, consider your typing preferences and the environments in which you'll be using them. If you appreciate a medium-light switch that provides a balanced typing experience with enjoyable sound and tactile feedback, the Glimp switch is an excellent choice. It’s particularly suited for those who desire a responsive feel and a clacky auditory profile while typing, making it ideal for both work environments and casual gaming scenarios where a touch of engagement is needed without overwhelming resistance. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter touch with an ultra-smooth keystroke, the HMX Poro switch is the way to go. Its meticulous lubrication results in a silky glide that’s perfect for those who type for long periods or prefer a quick and effortless action. Additionally, the poppy sound profile of the Poro adds a satisfying auditory element that works well in both home and gaming settings. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style, whether you opt for the engaging feedback of the Glimp or the seamless ease of the Poro.
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