TTC Gold Silver vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often comes down to personal preference and intended use. The TTC Gold Silver switch stands out for its rapid responsiveness, designed for users who prioritize speed and precision. With a shortened travel distance, each keystroke culminates in a solid bottom-out, providing a distinct and satisfying closure, complemented by a low-pitched, thocky sound signature that enhances the typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Poro switch offers a silky smooth typing experience, meticulously lubricated to ensure an effortless glide during use. Its ultra-light actuation force delivers a poppy and clacky sound profile that is particularly appealing to those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. Both switches have unique attributes that cater to different typing preferences—whether it’s the TTC Gold Silver’s emphasis on speed and a solid feel or the HMX Poro’s luxurious smoothness and engaging sound. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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 TTC Gold Silver's polycarbonate top housing with the HMX Poro's nylon top housing, distinct differences in sound profile and aesthetic functionalities emerge. The polycarbonate of the Gold Silver contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound, producing a more resonant experience for the user. This is largely attributed to polycarbonate's rigid properties, which allow for enhanced clarity and vibrancy in sound. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the HMX Poro results in a deeper, fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more frequency ranges, yielding a sound that is rounder and less piercing. Thus, while users of the Gold Silver might appreciate the crispness of the sound when utilizing an RGB lighting setup due to the material's translucency, Poro users may enjoy a warmer audio experience that leans towards a more mellow tone, thereby offering distinct auditory outcomes based on the housing material.
In terms of bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon, which leads to congruency in their characteristics beyond the differences noted in their top housings. The soft and sound-absorbent nature of nylon in both the TTC Gold Silver and the HMX Poro ensures that the bottom-out sound produced during key presses remains deep and full, providing a satisfying tactile feedback to the user. This similarity paves the way for a cohesive experience between the two switches despite the stark contrast in the nature of their top housings. The maintaining of the nylon in the bottom half across both switches not only enhances the overall acoustic performance but also emphasizes the way users experience sound as they press down on the keys.
Ultimately, the combination of a polycarbonate top housing in the TTC Gold Silver and nylon for the bottom creates a unique blend of sharp and deep sound profiles, while the HMX Poro's consistent use of nylon in both the top and bottom leads to a more uniform and softer auditory experience. In scenarios where users might switch between both, they can access a broad range of sound experiences based solely on the differentiation of the top housing material. Therefore, while TTC Gold Silver and HMX Poro yield distinctly different results above the bottom housing, both offer an engaging and solid typing experience rooted in the shared qualities of their nylon bases.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Silver linear switch to the HMX Poro linear switch, both share the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning that users will experience similar resistance when initially pressing down on either switch. This similarity can create a comparable typing experience regarding how easily the keystrokes can be registered. However, the bottom out force diverges significantly: the HMX Poro has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Gold Silver's bottom out force is unavailable. This means that the Poro provides a firmer feel upon fully pressing down, giving a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a heavier switch. Consequently, the TTC Gold Silver can be perceived as the lighter option, making it more suited for extended typing sessions or gaming, whereas the HMX Poro appeals to users who favor a stronger touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, we find notable differences. The Gold Silver switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Poro switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Gold Silver provides a somewhat shallower press, which can cater to those who prefer a quicker response time, making it suitable for gaming. In contrast, the slightly longer travel distance of the Poro switch may appeal to users who enjoy a more pronounced keypress, providing a sense of depth that can enhance the typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference, with the Gold Silver being the shorter option and the Poro offering a more substantial feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Silver 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 Silver 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
In terms of sound, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch offers a distinctly thocky and low-pitched resonance, providing a deep and satisfying auditory feedback upon actuation. This sound profile makes it suitable for a variety of environments, as its neutral characteristics contribute to a rich yet unobtrusive typing experience. The robust sound adds an enjoyable element to each keystroke, but it leans away from being overly loud, making it a versatile option for both home and office settings. On the other hand, the HMX Poro linear switch's sound profile is characterized by a poppy and clacky signature, which is primarily a result of its ultra-light actuation force. This contrast suggests that while both switches offer unique acoustic experiences, the Gold Silver is more resonant and full-bodied, whereas the Poro presents a more energetic sound likely to be perceived as brighter and more playful.
When looking at the feel of these switches, the TTC Gold Silver is notably polished and silky, providing a refined typing experience that minimizes friction and resistance. The switch allows for a smooth transition from key press to bottom-out, making it ideal for rapid typing or gaming. Additionally, the mild and subtle characteristics keep the experience engaging without being overwhelming, appealing to a broad range of users. In contrast, while the HMX Poro linear switch is renowned for its silky smooth keystrokes due to meticulous lubrication, specific descriptors regarding its feel are unknown. However, given that it's engineered for an effortless glide, it may provide an equally smooth experience, albeit with potentially different tactile feedback when compared to the Gold Silver's nuanced dynamics.
In conclusion, both the TTC Gold Silver and HMX Poro linear switches have their distinct appeal, particularly in sound and feel. The Gold Silver excels with its thocky, low-pitched sound and polished typing experience, while the Poro offers an energetic poppy sound paired with a smooth keystroke, making both switches suitable for different preferences. For those who appreciate a full-bodied auditory experience, the Gold Silver is an excellent choice, whereas the Poro caters to those seeking a lighter, more spirited sound. Regardless of which switch you choose, both provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience, ensuring a pleasant transition into the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To summarize, choosing between the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and typing scenarios. If you value rapid responsiveness and a pronounced auditory feedback, the TTC Gold Silver is your go-to choice. Its smooth travel and thocky sound offer a satisfying typing experience that many gamers and fast typists appreciate, especially if you enjoy a decisive bottom-out feel in each keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer an ultra-light touch with a silky smooth glide, the HMX Poro switch is ideal for you. Its lighter actuation force makes it well-suited for long typing sessions or casual gaming, while delivering a poppy and clacky sound profile that is both satisfying and enjoyable. In settings where you need to minimize noise but still appreciate smooth key presses, the polished feel of the Poro can be a great compromise. Ultimately, think about your typing style, what you enjoy most in terms of sound and tactile feedback, and the environments in which you will be using your keyboard to make the best choice for your needs.
Mentioned in this article
