HMX Poro vs. KTT Purple Click

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often comes down to personal preference, and two popular contenders are the HMX Poro linear switch and the KTT Purple Click. The HMX Poro is celebrated for its effortlessly smooth keystrokes, providing a delightful tactile experience characterized by its bouncy, creamy, and clacky sound profile. This switch is ideal for typists and gamers who prefer a quieter and less distracting environment, as its ultra-light actuation force allows for swift key presses without the harsh noise. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click brings a distinctive auditory excitement to the typing experience with its high-pitched, satisfying click. It strikes a balance between tactility and auditory feedback, making it a great choice for those who relish a more pronounced keystroke sound without being overwhelmed. Both switches offer unique benefits catering to different user preferences—smooth stealth versus engaging clickiness. However, let’s dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Poro Linear

KTT Purple Click Clicky

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Poro and KTT Purple Click switches, a marked contrast is evident in their top housings. The HMX Poro features a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper, fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder options. This results in a sound profile that is duller and rounder, lending itself to a more muted auditory experience while typing. Conversely, the KTT Purple Click utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, a material recognized for its rigidity. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is crisper and more resonant. The inherent properties of polycarbonate also enhance its translucency, making it ideal for RGB lighting setups, while the Poro’s nylon housing tends to favor a cozier aesthetic.

In terms of bottom housing materials, both the HMX Poro and KTT Purple Click sway towards nylon, presenting a notable similarity. As both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, they share the characteristic deeper and fuller sound profile that this material provides. The nylon’s softer composition positively influences the bottom-out sound and feel, ensuring that the user experiences a consistent auditory quality when pressing down on the switch. Therefore, despite the distinct sound profiles derived from their top housings, the bottom housing offers a common ground for both switches, focusing on delivering a more muted, rounded sound.

Ultimately, the differing top and uniform bottom materials lead to an interesting dynamic in terms of the overall sound experience for users. While the top housing of the HMX Poro tends toward a warmer and softer auditory feedback, the KTT Purple Click's polycarbonate top delivers a clearer and crisper sound. Nevertheless, the switches will both exhibit a similar bottom sound, thanks to their nylon bottoms—creating a balance where users will appreciate the specific tonal qualities of each switch. Whether opting for the richer sound of the Poro or the sharper clarity of the Purple Click, the integration of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that both provide satisfactory typing experiences with distinct audible characteristics.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Poro linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, notable differences emerge. The HMX Poro switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing it as a light switch that allows for comfortable, prolonged typing sessions. In contrast, the KTT Purple Click features a slightly lighter actuation force of 40 grams but has a heavier bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that while the Purple Click requires less force to register a keystroke, it may feel more substantial when bottoming out due to the higher resistance. For users who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Poro would be a better choice, while those seeking a stronger tactile feedback might favor the Purple Click despite its higher bottom out force. Overall, the Poro is lighter overall, making it suitable for long-term use, while the Purple Click provides a more pronounced push feel with its varying forces.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Poro linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, it's clear that the two differ slightly in their specifications. The Poro switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Purple Click measures at 4 mm. This indicates that the Poro switch offers a shorter travel distance, which may contribute to quicker actuation times and potentially provide a more responsive feel, appealing to gamers who prefer faster key presses. On the other hand, the Purple Click, with its longer travel distance, may offer a more substantial key press experience, favoring those who appreciate a deeper tactile response. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on your personal preferences for speed versus depth in key actuation.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX Poro linear switch presents a clacky sound profile that is sharp and snappy, producing crisp, bright, and percussive auditory feedback with each keystroke. This creates an engaging typing experience that can be quite satisfying for users who prefer a more dynamic acoustics. In contrast, the KTT Purple Click switch is characterized by a higher-pitched, very resonant click that offers a clean and sharp sound. This distinct click not only adds a layer of feedback but also enhances the auditory enjoyment while typing. Both switches deliver unique auditory experiences, appealing to different preferences; however, the choice could depend on what you personally find more satisfying—a popping clack or a pronounced click.

In terms of feel, the Poro linear switch is unparalleled in its smooth and cushy experience, boasting a bouncy and creamy sensation that's exceptionally light and feathery to press. The lubricant applied to the switch ensures silky, effortless gliding for the fingers, making it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Purple Click switch offers a more invigorating feel, with pronounced feedback from a moderate to firm actuation force, creating a snappy and responsive typing experience. The stepped tactile nature allows users to distinctly feel the stages of pressing the key, which can enhance typing precision. Here, the two switches cater to different preferences—the Poro for sheer smoothness and lightness, and the Purple Click for a more tactile and responsive touch.

In summary, both the HMX Poro linear switch and the KTT Purple Click switch offer appealing qualities suited for different user preferences. The Poro’s clacky sound and buttery smooth feel make it a top choice for those who prioritize fluid keystrokes, while the Purple Click’s resonant sound and invigorating tactile feedback will attract those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory and physical typing experience. The choice between these two will ultimately hinge on whether you prefer a creamy, effortless glide or a snappy, responsive tactile experience, as each switch creates its own enjoyable typing environment.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the HMX Poro linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and intended use. If you prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience with a lighter actuation force, the HMX Poro is your best bet, particularly if you plan on engaging in extended typing sessions or gaming where fatigue can be a concern. Its silky, bouncy feel and clacky sound profile offer a satisfying feedback without being too harsh on the fingers. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile and clicky sound that provides a distinct auditory experience, the KTT Purple Click would be more suitable. With its slightly firmer actuation and invigorating feedback, this switch is ideal for those who appreciate clear tactile bumps and audible clicks while typing. Ultimately, your choice will reflect whether you value a smooth, gentle experience or a more pronounced, lively feedback, so consider what resonates with you as you make your decision.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Poro Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

KTT Purple Click Clicky

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

Learn more