KTT Mallo vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the KTT Mallo and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Mallo and the HMX Poro offer distinct experiences tailored to different user preferences. The KTT Mallo switches are celebrated for their subtlety and finesse, delivering a gentle tactile feedback that enhances the typing experience without overwhelming the user. With a medium-light typing feel and a neutral sound signature, the Mallo is an excellent option for typists seeking a balanced switch that suits various environments. In contrast, the HMX Poro switches provide a smooth, linear keypress that glides effortlessly under your fingers, thanks to their meticulous lubrication. Characterized by their poppy and clacky sound profile, the Poro is perfect for users who enjoy a more auditory experience while typing. Each switch caters to different typing styles—be it the tactile enjoyment of the Mallo or the silky smoothness of the Poro. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Mallo and HMX Poro switches incorporate different materials for their top housings, resulting in distinct sound profiles that cater to different user preferences. The Mallo employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This material's rigidity enhances clarity and resonance, ultimately contributing to a crisper audio experience, especially when RGB lighting is utilized. In contrast, the Poro features a nylon top housing, a softer material that absorbs more sound and yields a deeper, fuller sound profile. This fundamental difference in material composition leads to different auditory experiences, with Mallo users enjoying a brighter sound while Poro users favor a more rounded audio output.
Interestingly, both switches share the same material for their bottom housings: nylon. This shared aspect means that regardless of the top housing material, both switches will deliver a similarly deeper and fuller sound signature due to the properties of nylon. Sound absorption inherent to nylon provides a certain warmth, acting as a counterbalance to the sharper sound produced by the Mallo's polycarbonate top. The bottom housing's impact on the overall typing experience is significant, dampening the noise during keystrokes and contributing to the overall fullness of sound upon bottoming out.
In conclusion, while the KTT Mallo and HMX Poro switches utilize differing materials for their top housings—polycarbonate versus nylon—their shared nylon bottom housing leads to a commonality in how each switch's sound profile ultimately manifests. Users can expect a specific interplay of sound characteristics with the Mallo featuring a more pronounced high end and a brighter sound resulting from its polycarbonate top, while the Poro offers a richer, fuller sound profile due to its softer nylon top. Thus, the combination of distinct top materials with a shared nylon bottom ensures that each switch provides a unique typing experience while maintaining a familiar acoustic quality in their outputs.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Mallo switch has an unknown actuation force, but its bottom out force measures 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Poro switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a slightly lower bottom out force of 50 grams. This indicates that while both switches provide a different tactile experience, the Poro is designed for users seeking a lighter feel, ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the Mallo's heavier bottom out force may appeal to those preferring a more substantial feel while typing. Overall, the Poro's lighter actuation force and bottom out force create a more delicate typing experience compared to the Mallo, making the Poro suitable for users who prioritize a lighter touch.
Travel distance
The KTT Mallo tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Poro linear switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This difference means that the Mallo offers a more substantial depth when pressed compared to the Poro, making it more suitable for users who prefer a more pronounced feel with each keystroke. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Poro may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more immediate activation. While both switches offer unique benefits based on travel distance preferences, the Mallo is the longer option, favoring those who appreciate a fuller depth, whereas the Poro’s shorter travel caters to a desire for responsiveness at the cost of a more abrupt feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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 KTT Mallo tactile switch offers a neutral and subdued profile, which makes it a versatile option for a range of environments. This switch does not overpower the auditory landscape, ensuring a pleasant typing experience whether in a professional setting or at home. The relatively moderate sound and actuation force allow it to cater to both beginners and seasoned typists. On the other hand, the HMX Poro linear switch provides a poppy and clacky sound that adds a lively auditory dimension to each keystroke. However, because the specific sound characteristics of the Poro are less detailed in description, it’s challenging to make a direct comparison; still, it seems to promise a more pronounced audio experience than the Mallo.
When considering feel, the KTT Mallo switch is characterized by its feathery, mild, and subtle typing experience. These qualities contribute to a comfortable feel that minimizes finger fatigue during extensive typing sessions. The Mallo’s stepped tactile design offers gentle feedback without being intrusive, allowing for a relaxed and approachable typing experience. In contrast, the specifics regarding the feel of the HMX Poro linear switch are largely unknown; however, it is described as being meticulously lubricated for silky smooth keystrokes, suggesting that it provides a frictionless experience that could cater to those who prioritize an effortless glide over tactile feedback.
In conclusion, both the KTT Mallo tactile and HMX Poro linear switches offer unique yet appealing characteristics for different typists. The Mallo excels in its neutral sound profile and comfortable feel, making it adaptable for various typing settings. In contrast, while the Poro’s sound is lively and clacky, its tactile experience remains less defined. Ultimately, those who prefer subtlety and finesse in their typing will find the Mallo a great fit, whereas those looking for a smoother, more expressive auditory feedback might lean towards the Poro. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches can deliver satisfying results in their own right.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the HMX Poro linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and intended usage. If you value subtle feedback while typing, the Mallo is an excellent choice. Its gentle tactility allows for a satisfying typing experience, especially suited for long hours of work or gaming without overwhelming your senses. With its balanced sound profile, you can enjoy using the Mallo in a variety of environments, from quiet offices to bustling homes. On the other hand, if you're in search of a switch that offers an ultra-light feel paired with smooth keystrokes, the Poro is the way to go. Its light actuation force and meticulous lubrication make for an effortless typing experience, ideal for fast-paced gaming or intensive typing where speed and fluidity are paramount. The Poro's poppy sound adds an engaging auditory element, enhancing your overall experience. In summary, opt for the Mallo if you prefer tactile feedback and versatility, while the Poro should be your choice if you seek smoothness and lightness in your keystrokes.
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