TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the HMX Poro present two intriguing options that cater to different typing preferences. The Gold Brown Pro, celebrated for its tactile feedback, offers typists a gentle bump that enhances the typing experience without being overbearing, allowing for immersive work sessions free from distraction. Its subdued sound profile adds to the appeal, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate a polished, low-pitched keystroke that still provides a sense of engagement. In contrast, the HMX Poro linear switch delivers a delightfully smooth typing experience, characterized by its ultra-light actuation force and satisfying, poppy sound. This switch is perfect for users who prefer an unbroken keystroke journey, enjoying the fluidity of each press without the tactile interruption. While the Gold Brown Pro is perfect for those who value subtlety and finesse, the HMX Poro caters to users seeking an effortless and engaging typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
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
18mm spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the HMX Poro, significant differences are apparent in their top housings. The Gold Brown Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and capability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This material helps enhance the clarity and resonance of the sound, making it particularly suitable for users who enjoy a crisper auditory experience, especially when using RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the HMX Poro features a nylon top housing, which, while considered a classic choice, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a rounder and more muted auditory sensation. This fundamental difference impacts how each switch reacts in terms of sound when pressed, offering a varied experience for typists.
Both switches, however, carry the same nylon material in their bottom housings. In the case of both the Gold Brown Pro and the Poro, the nylon components provide a similar deep and full sound profile that typists may appreciate, as they absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. This shared bottom housing material ensures that, regardless of the differing top housings, users will experience a dulled sound profile when bottoming out. Therefore, while the top housing results in distinctly different sound characteristics, the nylon bottom housing helps to unify the user experience by offering consistent auditory feedback between the two types of switches.
In summary, while the Gold Brown Pro and HMX Poro exhibit contrasting materials in their top housings—polycarbonate versus nylon—their shared nylon bottom housing harmonizes their performance. Each switch presents unique attributes; the Gold Brown Pro accentuates a sharper sound with its polycarbonate top, while the Poro delivers a fuller sound due to its nylon top. Nevertheless, the grounding effect of nylon in the bottom housing means both models can still provide a satisfying bottom-out sound and feel, merging the best of both worlds in terms of auditory experience.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, both share an actuation force of 45 grams, indicating a consistent feel when pressing the keys. However, a notable difference arises in their bottom out forces; while the TTC Gold Brown Pro's bottom out force is unknown, the HMX Poro has a bottom out force of 50 grams. This suggests that the Poro switch provides a slightly heavier overall feel, as users will experience a stronger resistance when reaching the bottom of the keystroke. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for prolonged sessions, the Gold Brown Pro may be more appealing, provided it is not significantly heavier at bottom out. Conversely, for users who enjoy that solid, heavier typing sensation, the HMX Poro would be more suited to their preference. Overall, while both switches have the same actuation force, the lack of a defined bottom out force for the Gold Brown Pro means we cannot fully compare their total typing experience without further information.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, the former has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the latter measures slightly shorter at 3.7 mm. This indicates that the Gold Brown Pro offers a more substantial keypress experience, which may appeal to users who prefer a deeper feedback when typing or gaming. In contrast, the HMX Poro's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers or users who favor quicker response times, as it allows for a more rapid actuation. While both switches are close in travel distance, the minimal difference suggests that users might not notice a significant distinction in feel and performance. However, if you're leaning towards more responsiveness, the HMX Poro would be the better choice, whereas those who enjoy a more pronounced depth might prefer the Gold Brown Pro.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown Pro for $2.90.
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 Gold Brown Pro tactile switch offers a nuanced acoustic profile characterized by its thocky and low-pitched tones. This provides a deep, satisfying sound reminiscent of a soft thud or knock, ideal for environments where you want a pleasing auditory experience without being disruptive. Its neutral sound ensures that it suits various settings, from quiet offices to cozy home setups, allowing for minimal distraction. In contrast, the HMX Poro linear switch’s sound profile leans toward a poppy and clacky delivery, which is more vibrant and lively. This could create a more pronounced auditory presence, especially during rapid typing sessions, contrasting with the subdued and gentle sound of the Gold Brown Pro.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Brown Pro is designed to deliver a polished and silky typing experience, characterized by its subtle tactile bump that provides enough feedback without overwhelming the user. The switch’s mild and gentle resistance makes it approachable for typists of all experiences, allowing for comfortable extended use. The stepped tactile feedback ensures a refined transition between key presses, enhancing the overall tactile experience. On the other hand, the smoothness of the HMX Poro linear switch is attributed to meticulous lubrication, promoting effortless keystrokes but without any tactile feedback. This results in a more consistent feel throughout the keypress, making it ideal for those who favor uninterrupted typing dynamics.
In conclusion, while both the TTC Gold Brown Pro and HMX Poro linear switches cater to different preferences, they each offer distinctive sound and feel qualities. The Gold Brown Pro’s subtle acoustics and tactile design provide a refined, immersive typing experience suitable for distraction-free environments. Conversely, the HMX Poro offers a livelier auditory response with a smooth, linear typing experience. Depending on individual typing preferences—whether one values tactile feedback or a slick, continuous press—both switches can deliver satisfying results, albeit in different forms. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prefer a tactile sensation that allows for a gentle nudge or a seamless glide that emphasizes speed and smoothness.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you appreciate a more nuanced tactile feedback that allows for a subtle yet satisfying experience, the Gold Brown Pro is an excellent pick. Its gentle tactile bump ensures that you can type comfortably for extended periods without being distracted by overt sound or sensation, making it perfect for quiet settings like libraries or shared workspaces. On the other hand, if you enjoy a smooth, gliding keystroke and prefer a livelier sound profile, the HMX Poro linear switch could be your go-to. Its light actuation force enhances quick, effortless typing, catering well to fast-paced or casual setups while still providing an engaging auditory experience. Ultimately, consider your atmosphere and typing style: the Gold Brown Pro for a more reserved, focused environment, and the Poro for a lively, free-flowing typing adventure.
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