KTT Kang White vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the KTT Kang White and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between various options that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The KTT Kang White, celebrated for its exquisite poppy sound and unparalleled smoothness thanks to its self-lubricating material, offers a typing experience that many users find delightful and engaging. Its low-pitched and neutral characteristics make it ideal for those who appreciate a quieter yet satisfying keystroke. On the other hand, the HMX Poro switch provides an alluring combination of silky smoothness and a satisfyingly clacky sound profile, enhanced by its ultra-light actuation force. The experience of typing on the Poro is undeniably captivating, especially for those who prefer a more tactile feedback in their keystrokes. Both switches have their unique charm—while the Kang White is perfect for a smooth and subtle typing experience, the Poro offers a more pronounced auditory feedback with every press. 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
58g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Kang White and HMX Poro switches utilize two different materials for their top housing, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Kang White's polycarbonate top housing contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is primarily due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which allows for a clearer and more resonant audio experience. In contrast, the HMX Poro switch employs a nylon top housing, which is recognized for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer properties of nylon absorb more sound waves, resulting in a duller and rounder audio output. Thus, while both switches are designed to provide satisfying auditory feedback, the Kang White delivers a more pronounced and bright sound, whereas the Poro offers a more subdued acoustic experience.
Both switches, however, share the same nylon material for their bottom housings, which plays a crucial role in the overall sound produced when typing. The nylon bottom housing in both the Kang White and Poro enhances the depth and fullness of the sound, as nylon's softness allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. This shared design element means that, despite the differences at the top, the typing experience is cohesive when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, while each switch displays its unique characteristics based on the top housing material, the nylon bottom serves to unify their auditory output, resulting in a rich sound profile for both.
In using both switches, one could expect to achieve similar results in terms of the fullness and depth of sound generated while typing, thanks to the consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing. A switch’s audio characteristics are greatly influenced by the interaction between the top and bottom housings. For the Kang White, the bright and crisp characteristics of polycarbonate at the top are balanced by the deeper hues of nylon below, creating a unique auditory experience. Conversely, the Poro’s soft nylon top amplifies the rounded sound produced by its identical bottom housing. Ultimately, if you're drawn to the distinctive features of each switch, it is their combined housing materials that will deliver a satisfying experience, whether you lean towards a brighter or a fuller sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Kang White linear switch to the HMX Poro linear switch, we see some notable differences in their bottom out forces, despite having the same actuation force of 45 grams. The Kang White features a bottom out force of 58 grams, marking it as a heavier switch, while the Poro's bottom out force is lighter at 50 grams. This means that, while both switches require the same amount of force to register a keystroke, the Poro provides a softer landing when bottoming out, making it more forgiving on the fingers during extended typing or gaming sessions. Consequently, for users who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged use, the HMX Poro would be the better choice. In contrast, those who enjoy a bit more resistance and a substantial feel might lean towards the KTT Kang White for its heavier bottom out force, enhancing the typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Kang White linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, a distinct difference emerges. The Kang White has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Poro measures at 3.7 mm. This makes the Poro the shorter switch, offering a more responsive feel that may appeal to gamers seeking quicker actuation and faster response times. In contrast, the Kang White, with its longer 4 mm travel distance, may provide a more substantial tactile sensation that some users prefer for a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding depth and responsiveness: those favoring speed might lean towards the Poro, while those desiring a more robust feel may opt for the Kang White.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The KTT Kang White comes in at $1.99 per 10 switches.
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 considering the sound profile of the KTT Kang White linear switch, users can expect a low-pitched and neutral sound. This means it will produce a warm, bass-heavy tone while maintaining a moderate volume that makes it versatile for various environments, whether at home or work. In contrast, the HMX Poro linear switch offers a poppy and clacky sound profile, characterized by its ultra-light actuation force which contributes to an energetic auditory feedback. While the Kang White provides a soft and mellow sound, the Poro’s sound is more vibrant and prominent, catering to those who appreciate a livelier keystroke experience.
In terms of feel, the Kang White switch is renowned for its smoothness thanks to its self-lubricating material, which creates a nearly effortless typing experience without any noticeable friction. This feature is particularly appealing for users who prefer a clean and consistent feel with each keystroke. On the other hand, the HMX Poro linear switch boasts silky smooth keystrokes that have been meticulously lubricated, ensuring a seamless glide similar to the Kang White. Both switches provide a satisfying, smooth typing experience, although the specific nuances in feel may vary slightly based on the unique characteristics of each switch.
In summary, while the KTT Kang White and HMX Poro linear switches deliver distinct auditory experiences—where the former leans towards a low-pitched and neutral sound and the latter favors a poppy clackiness—their tactile experiences converge on smoothness. Both switches excel in providing a fluid typing feel, making them excellent choices for those who appreciate a seamless typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference regarding sound: whether you favor the mellow warmth of the Kang White or the lively resonance of the Poro.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the KTT Kang White linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the context in which you plan to use your mechanical keyboard. If you prefer a slightly heavier actuation force and enjoy a low-pitched, neutral sound profile, the Kang White would be an excellent choice, particularly for tasks that require precision and stability—like typing long documents or coding. Its medium bottom-out force of 58 grams ensures a solid and tactile response while the self-lubricating material contributes to its smoothness, making for a balanced typing experience. On the other hand, if you're drawn to lighter switches and desire a silky smooth action combined with a more vibrant, poppy sound, then the HMX Poro would suit you better. Its light actuation force of 50 grams provides effortless keystrokes, which can enhance your gaming experience or fast-paced typing scenarios, while its clacky sound profile adds a bit of excitement to your setup. Ultimately, consider your typing style, sound preferences, and the tasks at hand to select the switch that best fits your needs.
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