TTC Ice vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the TTC Ice and HMX Poro linear switches showcases the nuances that can elevate your typing and gaming experience. The TTC Ice switches are celebrated for their crystal-clear transparent design, delivering a smooth and responsive feel along with a satisfying bottom-out sound, making them an excellent option for both gamers and everyday users seeking a premium experience. In contrast, the HMX Poro switches stand out with their meticulously lubricated keystrokes, allowing for effortless gliding, and their ultra-light actuation force enhances their already poppy and clacky sound profile. Both switches cater to linear preferences but offer distinct aesthetics and tactile sensations. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Ice and HMX Poro switches, a distinct contrast emerges between their top housings. The TTC Ice utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This rigidity allows the sound to resonate more clearly, making it a popular choice for those who appreciate the vibrant quality of their typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic, especially when RGB lighting is involved. In stark contrast, the HMX Poro features a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper, fuller sound profile. Its softer properties allow it to absorb sound waves more effectively, resulting in a more muted and rounded acoustic experience. Consequently, users of the Poro might find a richness in their typing sound, emphasizing a more subdued auditory feedback compared to the Ice.
When examining the bottom housings of these switches, we see a similar divergence. The TTC Ice also employs polycarbonate in its bottom housing, mirroring the characteristics of its top housing. This consistent use of polycarbonate contributes to the overall sharper and clearer sound profile, enhancing the switch's performance during both keypress and release. In contrast, the HMX Poro features a nylon bottom housing. Like its top counterpart, this material's softer nature leads to a deeper and rounder auditory experience during both bottoming out and releasing the key. Therefore, while the Ice emphasizes clarity and crispness with its double polycarbonate construction, the Poro leans into a more bass-rich sound profile facilitated by its dual nylon housings.
The combination of top and bottom housing materials critically influences the overall typing experience of each switch. For the TTC Ice, the polycarbonate design in both top and bottom housings creates a seamless and coherent sound signature that leans towards clarity and brightness. Meanwhile, the HMX Poro’s use of nylon for both housings results in a deeper and more resonant typing experience. If an individual were to configure a switch with mixed housing materials, the resulting experience would depend significantly on which material is dominant; the characteristics would interweave to present a unique typing sound and tactile feel. Consequently, while the Ice’s materials are designed for a bright, vivid atmosphere, the Poro offers a more subdued and rounded auditory environment, suited for different preferences in tactile feedback and sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Ice linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, both switches feature an identical actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke, resulting in a similar typing experience when it comes to responsiveness. However, their bottom out forces differ significantly; the Ice switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Poro switch only requires 50 grams. This difference indicates that the Ice switch is slightly heavier, providing a more substantial feel when bottoming out, which may be preferable for users who enjoy a firmer typing experience. Conversely, the lighter bottom out force of the Poro switch could offer a more comfortable option for longer typing sessions, making it suitable for those who prioritize ease of use over a heavier feedback. Overall, while the actuation forces are the same, the varying bottom out forces cater to different preferences depending on whether one seeks a lighter or heavier keypress experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Ice linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, we find that the Ice has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Poro features a slightly longer distance at 3.7 mm. This difference may seem minimal, but it can influence the responsiveness and overall feel of the switches. If you're someone who prioritizes quick response times, the TTC Ice would be preferable due to its shorter travel distance, making it beneficial for gaming or fast-paced typing. On the other hand, if you appreciate a deeper, more tactile experience, you might lean towards the HMX Poro, offering a bit more travel that some users find adds a sense of satisfaction to their keystrokes. Thus, while both switches cater to different preferences, the Ice provides a more responsive option, while the Poro caters to those who prefer a deeper feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Ice has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice for $5.99.
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
The TTC Ice linear switch is known for its satisfying bottom-out sound, which can elevate the overall typing experience, while also providing a smooth auditory backdrop that is well-suited for both gaming and general use. The crystal-clear design allows for a more pronounced acoustical response, making each keystroke feel impactful. In contrast, the HMX Poro linear switch is characterized by its poppy and clacky sound profile, resulting from an ultra-light actuation force that can contribute to a more playful auditory feedback. Both switches emphasize a pleasant sound experience, but the Ice's deeper bottom-out noise contrasts with the Poro's livelier and more dynamic acoustic character.
When it comes to feel, the Ice switch offers a smooth and responsive keystroke that enhances its premium typing experience. This switch has been designed to minimize friction, resulting in a linear action that feels deliberate and confident with each press. On the other hand, the Poro linear switch is meticulously lubricated to provide an effortless glide, which translates to a luxurious typing experience. The added lightness of the actuation force makes the Poro feel effortless for rapid typing, creating a contrasting tactile sensation compared to the perhaps slightly more weighted feel of the Ice. Both switches promise a high-quality experience, yet they cater to slightly different preferences in terms of how a keypress is perceived.
In conclusion, both the TTC Ice and HMX Poro linear switches excel in offering unique yet enjoyable characteristics. Regarding sound, the Ice’s responsive bottom-out blends with the Poro’s energetic clack, creating distinctive audio profiles that will resonate differently depending on your keyboard setup. Similarly, while the Ice provides a smooth and confident feel, the Poro’s ultra-light and lubricated action gives it a silky texture that many will appreciate. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches may come down to personal preference in sound and tactile feedback, but either way, you're bound to enjoy a premium typing experience with both options.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the TTC Ice linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a more substantial feedback with a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams and enjoy a crisp, satisfying sound profile, the Ice switch might be your best bet. Its balanced actuation provides a premium feel that caters to both gaming and day-to-day tasks, making it versatile for varied use cases. On the other hand, if you favor lighter presses for a more effortless typing experience, the HMX Poro with its 50-gram bottom-out force will likely appeal to you. The smooth keystrokes and poppy sound are particularly enjoyable for those who prioritize speed and agility, whether you’re gaming or typing long documents. Ultimately, if you're inclined towards a more tactile and rich auditory experience, the Ice might be the way to go, while the Poro suits those who seek a silky, lightweight feel with a playful auditory feedback. Consider how you type and what sounds you enjoy, and make your choice accordingly for an optimal mechanical keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
