HMX Poro vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the HMX Poro and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Poro and KTT Sea Salt Lemon present two compelling options for enthusiasts seeking a high-quality linear experience. The HMX Poro is renowned for its silky smooth keystrokes and a satisfyingly poppy sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a more tactile auditory feedback along with an ultra-light actuation force. In contrast, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon offers a buttery smooth typing experience, thanks to its progressive spring design and dry-lube finish, making it ideal for users who prefer a more muted, yet equally enjoyable, touch. While both switches excel in delivering a responsive typing experience, the Poro provides a more pronounced acoustic characteristic, while the Sea Salt Lemon leans towards a quieter, neutral tone. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The HMX Poro and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches utilize different materials for their top housings, resulting in distinct sound profiles that can influence the typing experience. The Poro's top housing is made from nylon, known for its softer texture, which absorbs sound effectively. This characteristic yields a deeper and fuller auditory experience, creating a duller yet more rounded sound when typing. In contrast, the Sea Salt Lemon features a polycarbonate top housing, recognized for its stiffness and clarity. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that resonates more clearly and crisply. Thus, while both switches employ nylon for their bottom housings, the divergent materials in their top housings create distinctly different auditory experiences that users may prefer based on personal preference.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, it's notable that they share a common material: nylon. This similarity contributes to a consistency in the deeper and fuller sound profile when the switches bottom out. Since the bottom housing plays a crucial role in how a switch feels and sounds when pressed fully down, users can expect a comparable tactile experience regardless of the top housing material. The impact of the nylon bottom housing on both switches imbues them with a more muted sound quality and a softer feel, ultimately creating a cohesive experience when it comes to bottoming out, making them similar in this specific regard.
In summary, the HMX Poro and KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches exemplify how varying top housing materials can lead to markedly different sound profiles, while still maintaining some similarities in the overall typing experience due to their common nylon bottom housing. Users can appreciate the distinct tonal characteristics of each switch's top, yet also find a shared depth and roundness when engaging with the bottom housing. This dynamic interplay between the materials allows for a personalized typing experience that caters to both auditory and tactile preferences, enabling users to choose based on what resonates most with them—a fuller, softer sound from the Poro or a clearer, sharper note from the Sea Salt Lemon.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Poro linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, both exhibit the same actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that they require an equal amount of force to trigger a keystroke. This similarity means that users will experience comparable responsiveness when typing or gaming. However, the bottom-out forces reveal a distinction between the two: the Poro has a bottom-out force of 50 grams, while the Sea Salt Lemon's bottom-out force is slightly heavier at 53 grams. Consequently, while both switches provide a light typing experience overall, the Poro is the lighter option, offering less resistance when pressing the key all the way down. For users seeking a lighter typing feel for prolonged activities, the HMX Poro is likely the better choice, while those preferring a more substantial feel might lean towards the KTT Sea Salt Lemon.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Poro linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Poro has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Sea Salt Lemon measures slightly longer at 4 mm. This makes the Poro the shorter option, appealing to those who favor a quicker response time, which is often preferred by gamers seeking efficiency. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon, with its slightly greater travel distance, may provide a more substantial feel, catering to users who enjoy a deeper engagement with each keystroke. Thus, for individuals who prefer the more responsive nature associated with shorter distances, the Poro would be a better fit, while others who appreciate a more traditional and hearty depth in their typing experience might opt for the Sea Salt Lemon.
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 Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 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 HMX Poro linear switch is characterized by a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound profile resulting from its ultra-light actuation force. This creates a more engaging auditory experience, ideal for users who appreciate a lively sound while typing. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon's sound profile is described as low-pitched and neutral. The low-pitched quality provides a more bass-heavy, mellow tone, making it subtle and less intrusive. This neutrality makes the Sea Salt Lemon well-suited for various environments, from home to office settings, providing a versatile option for users seeking a balanced auditory profile.
In terms of feel, the HMX Poro linear switch offers a distinctly silky smooth keystroke experience due to meticulous lubrication, ensuring an effortless glide with each press. This smoothness enhances the overall typing experience, making it ideal for long bouts of typing without fatigue. Conversely, the Sea Salt Lemon switch is noted for its mild feel, providing a gentle typing experience that aims to strike a balance. This milder approach allows the Sea Salt Lemon to be more approachable for users transitioning to mechanical keyboards, as it offers a comfortable experience without any overly heavy or aggressive feedback.
In conclusion, while both switches have their own unique attributes, they cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The HMX Poro linear switch is preferable for those who favor a poppy, lively auditory experience paired with a smooth keystroke, while the KTT Sea Salt Lemon presents a more neutral sound with a gentle feel, making it versatile for various tasks. Although they offer different sensory experiences, both switches are designed to provide smooth operation, ensuring that regardless of choice, users will enjoy a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Poro linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, consider your typing style, preferences for feel, and sound profile. If you seek a keyboard that offers an ultra-light actuation force and a poppy, clacky sound profile, the HMX Poro is an excellent choice. Its light bottom-out force of 50 grams makes it especially appealing for users who prefer a lighter touch and smooth keystrokes, which can facilitate rapid typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you desire a more balanced experience with a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 53 grams, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon may cater better to your needs. Its buttery smooth feel paired with a mild and neutral sound profile makes it versatile, suitable for both home and office use while appealing to those who might appreciate a more subdued auditory experience. In your decision-making, think about whether you prefer the enhanced agility of the Poro or the well-rounded performance of the Sea Salt Lemon to find the switch that aligns best with your typing habits and environments.
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