KTT Hyacinth vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the KTT Hyacinth and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Hyacinth and the HMX Poro offer distinct experiences, each catering to different preferences and typing styles. The KTT Hyacinth is designed with a 3.5mm travel distance that minimizes the harsh bottom-out sensation found in many traditional switches, providing a comfortable and balanced feel. Its single-stage elongated spring promotes a consistent force curve, making it an ideal choice for users who prioritize a smooth tactile feedback without excessive noise. In contrast, the HMX Poro is celebrated for its ultra-light actuation force and meticulously lubricated mechanism, which allows for an effortless, smooth keystroke that is both bouncy and feathery, coupled with a satisfyingly clacky sound profile. This makes it particularly appealing for those who enjoy a more lively and spirited typing experience. While both switches excel in delivering silky-smooth linearity, they offer different auditory and tactile sensations that cater to diverse user 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
56g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.90 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
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
22mm spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Hyacinth and the HMX Poro exhibit distinct differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influence their sound profiles and typing experiences. The Hyacinth utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, a material known for its stiffness, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound. This characteristic makes polycarbonate a popular choice among enthusiasts seeking a clear and resonant auditory experience, especially when RGB lighting is involved. In contrast, the Poro features a nylon top housing, a classic material that is softer and more absorbent. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, which is inherently warmer than the Hyacinth's response. While both switches provide unique auditory experiences, the choice of top housing material fundamentally shapes the user's perception of each switch’s sound quality.
When we examine the bottom housings of both switches, we find that they share the same material: nylon. This commonality results in a similar sound profile for the bottom-out experience, characterized by a duller and rounder tone. As nylon is a softer plastic, it tends to absorb sound waves rather than amplify them, which provides a consistent feel for users who appreciate a deeper sound when keys are pressed down. Both the KTT Hyacinth and HMX Poro therefore offer a similarity in bottom housing sound characteristics despite their contrasting top materials. This union implies that while the overall typing experience will differ due to the top housing choices, the bottom-out sound will maintain a consistency rooted in the properties of nylon.
Ultimately, the distinct sound profiles of the KTT Hyacinth and HMX Poro can be attributed to their differing top housings, while the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a semblance of continuity in their auditory experiences. For users aiming to achieve a specific auditory preference, the selection of either switch comes down to a choice between a sharper sound from the Hyacinth or a fuller tone from the Poro. As both designs offer unique blends of sound characteristics based on their materials, enthusiasts can curate their typing experiences by recognizing how these attributes mesh together, whether in the tactile feedback provided by the bottom housing or the auditory output from the top.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they require the same amount of force to register a keystroke, which can provide a consistent typing experience for users. However, the bottom out forces differ, with the Hyacinth at 56 grams, indicating a firmer feel when fully pressed down, while the Poro has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that while both switches are equal in actuation force, the Hyacinth delivers a more substantial typing experience due to its higher bottom out force. Consequently, for those who prefer a lighter touch, the HMX Poro would be the better option, as it is designed to provide a softer, more comfortable feel during extended use. Meanwhile, the Hyacinth, being the heavier switch, may appeal to users seeking a more pronounced tactile feedback during typing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, there is a notable difference: the Hyacinth has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Poro measures at 3.7 mm. This makes the Hyacinth the shorter of the two options, offering a quicker response time that may appeal to gamers seeking faster actuation. In contrast, the Poro's 3.7 mm travel distance provides a slightly deeper feel, which might be preferred by users who enjoy a more pronounced keypress. Ultimately, while both switches serve the purpose of providing tactile feedback during typing or gaming, those opting for the Hyacinth may appreciate the swiftness of action, whereas the Poro may satisfy those looking for a more robust keypress experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Hyacinth has an MSRP of $4.03 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hyacinth for $3.75.
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 KTT Hyacinth's acoustic profile remains unspecified, leaving an unknown aspect that could be significant for users who prioritize audible feedback in their typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Poro linear switch is characterized as producing a "clacky" sound—sharp, bright, and percussive. This clackiness not only adds an engaging auditory layer to the typing experience but also allows for a more satisfying response when each key is pressed. The choice of keycaps and keyboard materials can further influence these sound qualities; hence, users might find the Poro to be a more lively option in sound engagement compared to the quieter and undefined sound of the Hyacinth.
In the realm of feel, the KTT Hyacinth offers a typing experience that is silky and subtly resistant, delivering an exceptionally smooth keystroke with gentle feedback. This creates a comfortable interaction that’s suitable for extended use, particularly in shared environments where sound resonance is a concern. Meanwhile, the HMX Poro, known for its bouncy and creamy feel, invites a lively and elastic feedback sensation, which can be both enjoyable and energizing for users. With features like factory lubrication ensuring a buttery glide, users can experience an effortless typing motion. The Poro’s feathery actuation further decreases the effort required to press down a key, making it an appealing option for long typing sessions.
In conclusion, the KTT Hyacinth and HMX Poro linear switches offer distinct experiences tailored for different preferences. The Hyacinth emphasizes a smooth and comfortable typing experience with minimal sound, while the Poro excites users with its clacky sound and bouncy, creamy sensation. For those who value an engaging audio experience in conjunction with a lively feel, the Poro may be the better fit. Conversely, the Hyacinth is a great choice for individuals seeking a calm and subdued environment. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will hinge on whether you prioritize a tactile auditory experience or a more muted, silky typing feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the KTT Hyacinth and the HMX Poro linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a more balanced feel with a medium-light actuation force and desire a design that minimizes the hard bottoming-out experience, the KTT Hyacinth would be ideal for you. Its silky and subtle typing experience, combined with its unique 3.5mm travel distance, makes it a great choice for those who prioritize comfort and consistent force throughout their keystrokes, especially in shared workspaces where sound sensitivity is crucial. On the other hand, if you're looking for a lighter switch with a poppy, clacky sound profile that provides a lively, bouncy feel, the HMX Poro would be the right fit. Its buttery smoothness, thanks to meticulous lubrication, paired with a feathery actuation force, makes it perfect for extended typing sessions or gaming where swift and effortless key presses are desired. Ultimately, the Hyacinth is tailored for those who appreciate a more contained typing experience, while the Poro caters to those who thrive on speed and auditory feedback; so consider what aspects matter most to you before making a choice.
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