KTT Matcha vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the KTT Matcha and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Matcha and HMX Poro offer distinct experiences catering to different preferences and typing styles. The KTT Matcha is a tactile switch that delivers a comfortable and snappy feedback, making it ideal for typists who enjoy a more pronounced response as they navigate their keyboard. Its long pole stem contributes to a clean bottom-out sound, enhancing the auditory pleasure of typing. This switch is often favored for its combination of snappiness and subtlety, appealing to those who appreciate a tactile bump without overwhelming noise. On the other hand, the HMX Poro is a linear switch designed for a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke experience. Meticulously lubricated, it allows for an effortless glide, making it a great choice for gamers or those who prioritize speed and fluidity over tactile feedback. With its delightful poppy sound profile, the Poro adds a satisfying auditory element that complements its ultra-light actuation force. While both switches offer unique benefits—tactile satisfaction versus smoothness—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the KTT Matcha and HMX Poro switches, the distinction between their housing materials produces notable differences in both acoustic profiles and tactile experiences. The Matcha switch utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing, which is recognized for its stiffer characteristics. This leads to a sound profile that is notably sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper, which many keyboard enthusiasts may describe as providing a more elegant auditory feedback. The translucency of the polycarbonate housing also enhances the visual component of RGB lighting, making it a preferred choice for users who prioritize both sound quality and aesthetics in their keyboard setups.
In contrast, the HMX Poro adopts nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a material renowned for its softer properties. The result is a deeper, fuller sound profile that tends to absorb more sound, leading to a more muted and rounder acoustic experience. This characteristic may appeal to users seeking a more subdued typing experience, as the nylon housing softens the impact of keypresses and creates a warm, less piercing feedback. Despite their differences, both switches share a common foundation in their use of plastic housing materials; however, the outcome is distinctly different due to the inherent properties of polycarbonate versus nylon.
When considering how each switch performs, one must recognize that the combination of top and bottom housing materials impacts the overall experience during typing. In the case of the Matcha, the clarity and punchiness from the polycarbonate top housing will shine through when releasing a key, while the bottom housing contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel. Meanwhile, the Poro’s nylon top and bottom housing creates a harmonious pairing, generating a uniquely rounded response that can be comforting for the user. Although the switches employ different materials, their construction ultimately leads to a rich sound experience; understanding these nuances allows users to select a switch that aligns with their personal preferences, whether they lean towards clarity or depth in their acoustic feedback.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Matcha has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option overall. In contrast, the Poro switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This variance means that for users who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing periods or intense gaming sessions, the Matcha would be the more suitable choice. Conversely, those who favor a more substantial push feel during typing may prefer the Poro switch due to its heavier forces. Overall, the Matcha is the lighter switch, while the Poro is the heavier, providing different tactile experiences depending on user preference.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Matcha tactile switch is 4 mm, while the HMX Poro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Matcha switch the longer of the two, providing a more substantial feel with its deeper travel, which some users may prefer for a more tactile experience. In contrast, the shorter 3.7 mm travel distance of the Poro switch may appeal to gamers who value quicker response times and a more responsive feel under their fingers. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preferences—those seeking a hearty depth should opt for the Matcha, while those who prefer a snappier action might go for the Poro.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Matcha has an MSRP of $5.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Matcha for $4.88.
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 Matcha switch delivers a distinctly clacky profile, characterized by a sharp, snappy noise that can be described as crisp and bright. This auditory feedback enhances the typing experience, providing clear acoustic confirmation with each keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Poro linear switch is known for its silky smooth operation, but there is no specific mention of its sound characteristics in the available information. However, it can be assumed that, since linear switches tend to produce quieter sounds compared to tactile or clicky switches, the Poro may offer a more subdued or muted auditory experience when compared to the Matcha.
Regarding feel, the Matcha excels with its multi-dimensional sensory feedback. It presents a stepped tactile feel, allowing typists to detect two stages during key presses. This is complemented by a snappy responsiveness, making each keystroke feel alive and engaging. Additionally, the tactical element is accented, providing a prominent yet not overwhelming experience. This blend of tactile features allows for comfortable typing over long sessions, reducing finger fatigue thanks to the thoughtful design of its actuation force. In contrast, details on the feel of the HMX Poro linear switch are not provided. However, given that it's described as meticulously lubricated for an effortless glide, one can infer a smooth typing experience without the tactile feedback that the Matcha offers, catering to those who prefer a seamless and unbroken keypress without distinct tactile stages.
In summary, the KTT Matcha and HMX Poro switches cater to different typing preferences. The Matcha's clacky sound and complex tactile feedback make it ideal for those who enjoy an engaging auditory and tactile experience during typing or gaming. Conversely, while the Poro’s specifics regarding tactile feedback remain unknown, its silky smooth operation positions it as a desirable option for those who favor a quieter, uninterrupted typing experience. Ultimately, both switches can provide satisfying results, but the Matcha will deliver a more dynamic interaction, while the Poro will likely appeal to minimalists desiring smoothness.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the HMX Poro linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the specific typing experience you're seeking. If you appreciate a more tactile feel with a distinct bump and the pleasant acoustic feedback of a clacky sound, the Matcha is an excellent choice. Its lighter bottom-out force of 45 grams makes it particularly suitable for long typing sessions, as it minimizes finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer smooth keystrokes and a quieter experience, the HMX Poro linear switch may be the better option for you. Its 50-gram bottom-out force and silky glide offer a seamless typing experience that is ideal for quick, rapid input without tactile interruption. Therefore, consider the nature of your tasks—whether you're typing up reports, coding, or gaming—along with your sound sensitivity and tactile preferences to select the switch that best enhances your setup.
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