KTT Lightning vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the KTT Lightning and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options often come to mind: the KTT Lightning and the HMX Poro, both linear switches known for their distinct characteristics. The KTT Lightning switches are celebrated for their speed, making them an ideal choice for competitive gamers where every millisecond can be crucial to victory. Their slick typing feel coupled with a clacky sound profile offers an engaging tactile experience, appealing to those who appreciate both performance and auditory feedback. In contrast, the HMX Poro switches excel in providing silky smooth keystrokes, thanks to meticulous lubrication that ensures an effortless glide during use. With a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound profile and an ultra-light actuation force, the Poro switches cater to those who prioritize comfort and ease of use for extended typing or gaming sessions. While both switches present compelling advantages, 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
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Lightning and the HMX Poro switches, we see a distinct divergence in the top housing material used. The KTT Lightning features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and translucency, which promotes a sharper, higher-pitched, and more resonant sound profile. This characteristic is particularly beneficial for users who desire vibrant RGB lighting effects, as the clarity of polycarbonate allows the colors to shine through with greater brightness. In contrast, the HMX Poro is equipped with a nylon top housing, which is softer and absorbs sound more effectively. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile that can create a tonally warmer typing experience. While each material has its own acoustic characteristics, the differences highlight how the choice of top housing impacts the overall sound and feel of the switches.
Interestingly, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This shared characteristic means that when typing on either switch, the bottom housing will significantly influence the bottom-out sound and overall tactile feel. Given that nylon is inherently softer, it helps to create a rounder sound profile in both switches. Regardless of the divergence in their top housing materials, both switch designs will ultimately benefit from the sound absorption properties of the nylon materials, leading to a muted and pleasant typing experience that many users enjoy. This commonality exhibits how, despite differing aesthetics and sound profiles contributed by the top housings, the foundational qualities of nylon help bridge similarities in user experience when pressing down on a key.
Ultimately, while the KTT Lightning and HMX Poro switches differ in their top housing materials, they converge in the use of nylon for the bottom housing, underscoring a fundamental similarity in typing experience between the two. The sharper sound profile of the polycarbonate top in the Lightning contrasts with the deeper tones produced by the Poro's nylon top, creating unique auditory experiences tailored to specific preferences. However, the nylon bottom housing means that regardless of the top material, both switches will provide a warm and rounded acoustic signature upon bottoming out. This balance of differences and similarities illustrates how both design choices can cater to varying user preferences while enabling a consistent feel.
Weight
Comparing the KTT Lightning linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch reveals some similarities and slight differences in their actuation forces. The KTT Lightning has an actuation force of 43 grams, while the HMX Poro requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches have the same bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that while the Lightning offers a lighter feel when registering keystrokes, the Poro provides a marginally more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push. As both switches have a bottom out force of 50 grams, users can expect similar results in that regard, regardless of the actuation differences. Consequently, if you're looking for a switch that feels lighter for longer typing sessions, the KTT Lightning might be the preferable choice, while the HMX Poro is better suited for those who enjoy a heavier touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Lightning linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, we find that the Lightning has a travel distance of 3 mm, while the Poro measures 3.7 mm. This makes the Lightning the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that many gamers prefer for quicker key presses and faster reaction times. On the other hand, the longer 3.7 mm travel distance of the Poro may appeal to users who enjoy a more pronounced tactile experience while typing. The difference in travel distance indicates that those who opt for the Lightning will likely enjoy a snappier response, while Poro users may appreciate the greater depth that offers a more satisfying keystroke. Thus, choosing between these two switches largely depends on individual preferences for responsiveness versus deeper key engagement.
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 Lightning comes in at $3.41 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 it comes to sound, both the KTT Lightning and the HMX Poro linear switches provide a clacky auditory experience that appeals to many users. The Lightning features a pronounced clacky sound profile characterized by its crisp, bright, and percussive quality, alongside a high-pitched element that promotes an energetic typing atmosphere. This sound can be further enhanced or altered by the choice of keyboard and keycap materials, allowing for customization. Meanwhile, while the specific sound profile of the Poro hasn't been detailed, it is noted to emit a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound as well, indicating that both switches will likely provide a similar acoustic enjoyment for users who appreciate a lively typing environment.
In terms of feel, the KTT Lightning switches are noted for their slick type feel, enhanced through their subtle resistance and polished finish that ensures smooth key travel with minimal friction. This duality makes them a highly approachable option, especially for those looking for speed and responsiveness. Conversely, while the feeling of the Poro switches isn't explicitly described, their reputation for silky smooth keystrokes suggests a similarly refined typing experience. This meticulous lubrication implies reduced friction as well, positioning the Poro to deliver an effortless glide akin to that of the Lightning.
In summary, both the KTT Lightning and HMX Poro linear switches cater to enthusiasts seeking rapid response and enjoyable tactile feedback. The Lightning excels with its defined clacky sound and smooth, polished feel, while the Poro matches up with its own poppy auditory experience and silky keystrokes. Users looking for a blend of high performance and satisfying feedback will find both switches capable of providing a delightful experience, whether for competitive gaming or everyday typing tasks.
Conclusion
To conclude, both the KTT Lightning and HMX Poro linear switches offer unique benefits that cater to different typing experiences and user preferences. If you find yourself in fast-paced gaming scenarios where every millisecond counts, the Lightning switches will serve you well due to their light actuation force and clacky sound profile, which adds an element of auditory feedback that can enhance your gaming performance. The slick type feel and subtle resistance also mean you can type quickly without experiencing fatigue, making these switches a solid choice for competitive gamers. On the other hand, if you value an exceptionally smooth keystroke and a more refined typing experience, the HMX Poro switches would likely be your best bet. Their ultra-light actuation force combined with meticulous lubrication promotes an effortless glide that can make typing feel like a breeze, ideal for long hours of use, such as coding or writing. While both switches share the same bottom out force, the choice ultimately hinges on whether you prioritize speed and feedback with the Lightning or smoothness and comfort with the Poro.
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