KTT Peach vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the KTT Peach and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Peach and HMX Poro offer distinct experiences within the realm of linear switches, catering to different user preferences and typing styles. The KTT Peach is renowned for its syrupy smooth keystrokes and a deep, thocky sound profile, which exudes a sense of richness and depth that many users find appealing. Its characteristics of being low-pitched and neutral create a mellow typing environment ideal for users who prioritize a quieter and more focused experience. On the other hand, the HMX Poro switch provides an exhilarating tactile experience with its silky smoothness and a poppy, slightly clacky sound profile attributed to its ultra-light actuation force. This switch stands out for those who enjoy a more invigorating and responsive typing feel, making it a great choice for gamers and fast typists alike. While both switches share the linear design that minimizes tactile feedback, their unique sound profiles and actuation characteristics can significantly influence your overall typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect 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
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
13mm progressive spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Peach and HMX Poro differ significantly in their top housings while sharing a commonality in their bottom housings. The KTT Peach features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and ability to produce a sharper, clearer sound profile. This material's translucency also makes it ideal for RGB lighting setups, enhancing the visual appeal of the keyboard. In contrast, the HMX Poro utilizes a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer characteristics. Nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory experience. Thus, when comparing the two, the Peach may offer a brighter, more resonant sound, while the Poro will provide a warmer, mellower tone.
Both switches share nylon as their bottom housing material, which generates a deeper and fuller sound profile in both switches. This similarity means that regardless of the distinct top housing, the bottom housing will yield a consistent auditory experience characterized by the soft and absorbing qualities of nylon. This shared material will influence the overall sound when the keys bottom out, making the experience of typing on both switches feel significant and substantial, albeit contributing to subtle differences in sound and feel based on the unique attributes of the top housings.
While the contrasting top materials create different sound profiles, the similarities between the nylon bottom housings offer a degree of consistency in the overall user experience. When one types on either switch, the bottoming-out sound and the tactile feedback experienced from the nylon bottom will be similarly deep and full. Consequently, the differences in sound are largely dictated by the top housing material, leading to diverse auditory experiences depending on individual preferences for brightness or warmth in sound. The KTT Peach's polycarbonate and the HMX Poro's nylon ultimately lead to similar outcomes while demonstrating the compelling influence of their varied top housing compositions.
Weight
The KTT Peach and HMX Poro linear switches offer interesting comparisons when it comes to their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, which provides a consistent keystroke feel, allowing users to experience a light touch while typing or gaming. However, the bottom out force differs slightly, with the Peach having a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it the heavier option compared to the Poro's bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that while both switches are equal in triggering a keystroke, the KTT Peach provides a slightly firmer feel when fully depressed, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the Poro's lighter bottom out force may be more suitable for those who enjoy longer typing sessions without fatigue, while the Peach may appeal to those who desire an extra tactile push at the end of their keystroke.
Travel distance
The KTT Peach linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Poro linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This difference indicates that the Peach switch offers a more substantial depth, appealing to those who appreciate a more pronounced key press. In contrast, the Poro switch, with its shorter 3.7 mm travel distance, may be more suitable for gamers or users seeking faster response times. Therefore, if you favor a more responsive experience, the Poro switch would be the better option, whereas the Peach switch would be preferable for those who enjoy a deeper key press. In summary, the KTT Peach has the longer travel distance, while the HMX Poro has the shorter one.
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 Peach 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 Peach linear switch stands out with a deep, thocky profile that provides a low-pitched, bass-heavy response, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a more mellow auditory experience. This neutral sound profile allows for versatility, making the Peach an excellent option whether you're using your keyboard at work or in a quieter home environment. In contrast, the HMX Poro linear switch is characterized by a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound. Each keystroke can deliver an auditory experience that adds a rhythmic quality to your typing. With its ultra-light actuation force and carefully lubricated components, the Poro switches also contribute to a unique sound dynamic that may appeal to users who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback. It's important to note that the overall sound produced by either switch can be influenced by other factors, such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Peach switch offers a mildly gentle typing experience, making it approachable for both beginners and seasoned users alike. This mild feel translates to a smooth typing experience where feedback is subtle but enjoyable, encouraging a pleasant rhythm during prolonged usage. The Poro switches, while specifically noted for their silky smooth keystrokes and effortless glide, do not detail their tactile response, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison. However, their lubrication suggests a seamless typing experience that might complement the generally smooth nature of linear switches.
In summary, both the KTT Peach and HMX Poro linear switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Peach switch excels in delivering a deeper, thocky sound paired with a mild typing experience, making it versatile for various contexts. On the other hand, the Poro switches bring a poppy auditory punch alongside a silky smooth feel that aims for effortless keystrokes. While they differ in certain qualities, both switches share a commitment to smoothness, ensuring that users will find satisfaction in whichever switch they choose.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the KTT Peach linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences for feel, sound, and typing experience. If you value a medium-light bottom-out force and crave a typing experience characterized by a syrupy smooth action paired with a deep, thocky sound profile, the KTT Peach is the ideal option for you. This switch offers a balanced approach that appeals to both beginners and seasoned typists who appreciate a more mellow audio experience while typing. On the other hand, if you prefer an ultra-light actuation force and are after a delightful, silky-smooth keystroke along with a poppy, clacky sound, the HMX Poro switch would be your best bet. These switches are meticulously lubricated for an effortless glide, making them perfect for those who enjoy rapid typing or gaming sessions with minimal resistance. Therefore, your decision should align with what kind of auditory feedback and tactile sensations enhance your typing pleasure and productivity.
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