KTT Mint vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the KTT Mint and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your typing or gaming experience, the KTT Mint and HMX Poro linear switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The KTT Mint is celebrated for its satisfyingly smooth feel and is equipped with a long pole stem that delivers a unique poppy thockiness, making every keystroke feel both crisp and tactile. Its low-pitched, neutral sound profile provides a mild yet polished typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a balance between performance and subtlety. On the other hand, the HMX Poro switch is characterized by its meticulously lubricated design, which ensures an effortlessly smooth glide during typing. With an ultra-light actuation force, the Poro switch enhances the experience with a more pronounced poppy and clacky sound profile, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize auditory feedback and quick response times. Ultimately, while both switches deliver smooth linear experiences, they cater to different user preferences in terms of sound and tactile feedback. 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
53g
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
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Mint and HMX Poro switches differ significantly, particularly in their top housings. The Mint features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucency. This combination results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile that enhances the perceived clarity of each keypress. This material is particularly well-suited for RGB lighting, allowing light to pass through effectively and creating vibrant effects. Conversely, the HMX Poro's top housing is made of nylon, a softer plastic that absorbs sound more than harder materials like polycarbonate. As a result, the Poro produces a deeper, fuller sound profile, offering a more muted and rounded auditory experience. This fundamental difference shapes the overall character of the switches and affects how users perceive their typing experience.
In terms of bottom housings, both the KTT Mint and HMX Poro utilize nylon, which contributes similarly to the sound profile of each switch. Nylon's softer properties absorb sound, leading to the deep, rich bottom-out noise that typists often enjoy. This consistency in material for the bottom housing means that both switches will yield comparable tactile feedback and sound quality upon bottoming out, despite their differences in top housing materials. This shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience when pressed down, effectively bridging the gap between their distinct sound profiles created by the differing top materials.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate in the Mint's top housing and nylon in the Poro's top housing leads to distinct auditory results. While the Mint offers a bright, crisp sound thanks to its polycarbonate makeup, the Poro leans toward a warmer, rounder tone released from its nylon composition. However, this contrast in top housing materials does not diminish the overall quality of the typing experience, as the shared nylon bottom leads to a cohesive feel during key presses. Therefore, while users will notice differences in the sound produced when releasing a key, the foundational typing experience remains solidly rooted in the consistency provided by the nylon bottom housing in both switches.
Weight
The KTT Mint and HMX Poro linear switches provide an interesting comparison in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them suitable for users looking for a similar typing experience that allows for longer sessions without fatigue. However, the bottom out forces differ, with the Mint switch requiring 53 grams to bottom out, while the Poro switch has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that while both switches feel similar when initially pressing a key, the Mint offers a slightly stronger push at the bottom of the keystroke, providing a more substantial feedback. Therefore, the Mint is considered heavier overall due to its higher bottom out force, while the Poro, with its lighter bottom out force, may be preferred by users who enjoy a less demanding experience during extensive typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
The KTT Mint linear 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 in travel distance means that the Mint switch offers a deeper key press, which some users may find more satisfying and hearty, providing a tactile feedback that can enhance the typing experience. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Poro switch may appeal to gamers or those seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two will hinge on personal preference: if you favor a more traditional and substantial feel, the KTT Mint with its 4 mm travel distance is the better option, while those looking for speed and quickness might opt for the HMX Poro with its 3.7 mm travel distance.
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 Mint comes in at $2.91 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, the KTT Mint linear switch produces a low-pitched and neutral tone. This gives it a more bass-heavy, mellow quality, making it versatile for various settings, whether you're typing at home or in a professional environment. Its sound profile is subtle yet satisfying, promoting a balanced auditory experience without being too overpowering. In contrast, the HMX Poro linear switches add a layer of character with a poppy and clacky sound profile, which suggests a lighter touch and might resonate well with users seeking a more pronounced auditory feedback. The distinct clackiness of the Poro, however, remains subjective as it is influenced by your choice of keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the KTT Mint linear switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. The mild characteristics ensure a gentle touch, making it approachable for both novices and seasoned typists alike. The polished finish enhances this experience, resulting in smooth key travel and reduced friction, which can lead to a more enjoyable and fluid typing rhythm. Unfortunately, the specific feel of the HMX Poro linear switch is not detailed, so while the smoothness is implied through its meticulous lubrication, there remains a level of uncertainty about its tactile feedback and overall typing experience.
In summary, both the KTT Mint and HMX Poro linear switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The Mint is ideal for those seeking a mellow sound and a gentle feel, while the Poro may better suit those who appreciate a poppy and clacky sound with potentially lighter actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two may come down to personal preference regarding sound and feel, but both can deliver satisfying results depending on your typing style, keycap selection, and board compatibility.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the KTT Mint linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and needs. If you prioritize a medium-light feel with a satisfying thocky sound, the Mint is an excellent choice. Its 53-gram bottom out force provides a balanced typing experience, and its smooth, polished finish makes long typing sessions comfortable. The low-pitched and neutral sound profile of the Mint makes it suitable for various environments, whether you're at home or work. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a more pronounced sound character, the Poro, with its 50-gram actuation force, may be the better fit. Known for its silky smooth keystrokes and clacky sound profile, the Poro offers a light and effortless typing experience that many find appealing, especially for gaming or fast-paced typing. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you value a more robust and thocky feedback (Mint) or an ultra-light, quick activation with a lively sound (Poro).
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