TTC Gold Pink vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Pink and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two worthy contenders are the TTC Gold Pink and the HMX Poro, both linear switches that cater to different preferences in the typing experience. The Gold Pink is famed for its exceptionally light 37g actuation force, making it one of the easiest switches to press, ideal for rapid typists and gamers looking for a quick response. Its buttery, polished feel combined with a mildly clacky sound provides a vibrant and engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Poro also boasts an ultra-light actuation force but emphasizes a silky smooth gliding sensation, attributed to its meticulous lubrication, which enhances the intuitive feel of each keystroke. The Poro's poppy and clacky sound profile offers a pleasing auditory experience as you type. While both switches aim to deliver a smooth, light, and satisfying typing experience, they each bring unique characteristics that may appeal to different users. 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
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Pink and HMX Poro switches utilize different materials for their top housings, which greatly influences their sound profiles. The Gold Pink switch features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its ability to produce a sharper, high-pitched sound that is notably clear and resonant due to the stiffness of the material. This quality makes polycarbonate particularly desirable for users who favor a tight, crisp auditory feedback, especially in environments where RGB lighting plays a role; the material's translucency allows for vibrant visual effects. In contrast, the HMX Poro switch relies on a nylon top housing, which delivers a notably deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon enables it to absorb sound, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory experience. Thus, while both switches may cater to distinct preferences, the auditory characteristics delivered by their respective top housing materials set them apart.
When examining the bottom housings of both the TTC Gold Pink and HMX Poro switches, it becomes evident that they share a common material: nylon. Both switches feature a nylon bottom housing that contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile characterized by its sound-absorbing qualities. This consistency in material helps create a harmonious transition between the top and bottom of the switch, with each component working together to provide a balanced auditory experience. With both switches utilizing nylon in the bottom housing, the impact on sound and feel during a key press will be similar, offering users a certain degree of punchiness and damping in feedback.
Overall, the differing top housing materials allow for unique auditory signatures between the TTC Gold Pink and HMX Poro switches, while their agreement on nylon for the bottom housing keeps a level of continuity in their sound profiles. Users looking for a sharper and more resonant sound may lean towards the Gold Pink for its polycarbonate top, while those who prefer a softer and rounder experience may opt for the Poro due to its nylon top. However, regardless of their individual characteristics, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches will retain a substantial, satisfying feel when bottomed out, providing a similar tactile experience to typists.
Weight
The TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch present an interesting comparison in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Gold Pink features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, while the Poro requires a heavier actuation force of 45 grams. This makes the Gold Pink a more suitable choice for users who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Poro's higher actuation force may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. When it comes to bottom out forces, the Gold Pink also has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams compared to the Poro's 50 grams. Ultimately, while both switches are classified as light, the TTC Gold Pink is the lighter option when it comes to both actuation and bottom out forces, making it ideal for users seeking ease and comfort during extended use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, the Gold Pink measures at 4 mm, while the Poro is slightly shorter at 3.7 mm. This difference of 0.3 mm indicates that the Gold Pink provides a more pronounced depth when pressing down on a key, making it potentially more satisfying for users who enjoy a hearty feel in their typing experience. Conversely, the HMX Poro, with its shorter travel distance, caters to those who prefer quicker response times, a characteristic often favored by gamers seeking rapid key actuation. Therefore, if you prioritize a more responsive feel, the Poro could be the better choice, while the Gold Pink might appeal to users who appreciate a more traditional and substantial keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Pink has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Pink for $4.28.
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
In terms of sound, both the TTC Gold Pink and the HMX Poro linear switches produce a clacky and poppy auditory profile, which adds an energetic quality to each keystroke. The Gold Pink’s sound is characterized as lively, thanks to its fast actuation and lightweight construction, offering a satisfying auditory feedback that enhances the typing experience. In a similar vein, the HMX Poro’s sound profile also achieves a clacky resonance, attributed to its ultra-light actuation force and meticulous lubrication, suggesting that both switches are designed to deliver an engaging and dynamic sound. However, it’s essential to recognize that the overall sound experience can be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, meaning the specific acoustic characteristics may vary in individual setups.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Gold Pink switch embodies several appealing descriptors. These switches provide a buttery, mild, and feathery typing experience, allowing the user to enjoy a seamless, gentle, and light touch with minimal exertion. This combination not only reduces finger fatigue but also enables prolonged typing sessions with comfort. The Gold Pink is refined further by its polished finish, resulting in a smooth key travel that contributes to its effortless feel. On the other hand, while information about the feel of the HMX Poro is unspecified, one can infer that its meticulous lubrication likely results in a smooth keystroke experience as well, which aligns well with the preferences seen in the linear switch niche.
In summary, both the TTC Gold Pink and the HMX Poro linear switches offer light actuation forces and satisfying sound profiles that cater to users seeking an engaging typing or gaming experience. The Gold Pink’s buttery and polished tactile feedback gives it an extra edge in terms of comfort and ergonomics, while the Poro’s meticulous lubrication hints at a similarly smooth experience, though specifics remain unknown. Ultimately, both switches are geared towards delivering delightful performance, making them excellent choices for anyone looking to elevate their mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your decision between the TTC Gold Pink and the HMX Poro linear switches will largely depend on your personal preferences and use cases. If you prioritize a light and lively typing experience, especially for rapid input like coding or gaming, the Gold Pink is an excellent choice. With its low actuation force of 37 grams and a satisfying clacky sound, it provides an enjoyable and responsive feel that minimizes finger fatigue during extended sessions. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a smoother and more polished experience, the HMX Poro may be more suitable for you. Known for its silky smooth keystrokes and an ultra-light actuation force, this switch is meticulously lubricated, offering an effortless glide that many typists and gamers appreciate. The Poro's poppy and clacky sound profile, combined with a slightly higher bottom-out force of 50 grams, delivers a unique balance of feel while still keeping it comfortable. Essentially, choose the Gold Pink for speed and a lively feel, while the Poro is ideal for those who want a smoother, more refined experience.
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