HMX Poro vs. KTT Semi Mute
An in-depth look at the HMX Poro and the KTT Semi Mute switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the smooth, responsive keystrokes of the HMX Poro against the whisper-quiet charm of the KTT Semi Mute. The HMX Poro is celebrated for its silky smoothness, achieved through meticulous lubrication, allowing for effortless gliding across the keys, complemented by a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound profile resulting from its ultra-light actuation force. This makes it an ideal choice for those who enjoy a tactile feedback experience and a lively typing ambiance. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute caters to users who prioritize a sound-dampened environment, making them perfect for late-night typing sessions or shared workspaces where noise can be a concern. With a linear actuation paired with advanced dampening technology, these switches deliver a buttery and neutral feel, ensuring an enjoyable yet quiet typing experience. Ultimately, both switches have unique benefits depending on your preferences; 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
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Poro and the KTT Semi Mute switches exhibit notable contrasts, particularly in terms of the plastics used for their top and bottom housings. The Poro employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a material recognized for its softer characteristics that create a deeper and fuller sound profile. This absorption of sound due to nylon's relative softness results in a duller and rounder auditory experience, making it suitable for users who prefer a classic typing sound with a rich tonal quality. In contrast, the KTT Semi Mute utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, which provides a distinctive sharper and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffer nature enhances resonance and clarity, leading to a typing experience characterized by high-pitched, clear feedback that many users find ideal for precise keystrokes.
While the differences in housing materials directly affect sound profiles and tactile sensations, there is a commonality shared between the two switches in how they perform overall. Both switches create unique auditory experiences shaped by their respective materials, which means that while the Poro's nylon promotes a warm, full sound, the Semi Mute's polycarbonate offers a bright, articulate feedback. However, it is essential to consider that the sound produced when typing also depends on the interaction of the top and bottom housings. In this regard, the Poro's nylon absorbs more sound, further muffling the keypress sound when the key is released, while the Semi Mute allows the sound to reflect, resulting in a more pronounced release sound.
Users looking for a particular acoustic experience may ultimately gravitate toward one switch over the other based on their preferences. However, it’s worth noting that both the Poro and the Semi Mute can achieve similar results depending on how they are implemented within a keyboard. For instance, with the right tuning and mechanical construction, a Nylon-housed switch can still provide a satisfying experience for users who enjoy sound clarity, much like the Polycarbonate surfaces. Conversely, someone prioritizing a full-bodied typing experience may find ways to customize the Semi Mute to dull its inherent brightness, thus achieving a suitable balance. Therefore, while fundamental differences exist between the two housing materials, both can cater to a broad spectrum of typing preferences when paired with appropriate customization techniques.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Poro linear switch with the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, we see distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Poro switch features a light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for individuals who prefer a lighter touch, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Semi Mute switch has a slightly lighter actuation force at 43 grams but a heavier bottom out force of 58 grams, which may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. This difference indicates that while both switches provide similar actuation characteristics, the experience will vary greatly at the bottoming out stage, with the Semi Mute feeling more resistant. Overall, if you're seeking an easier key press and lighter overall experience, the HMX Poro is the better choice, while the KTT Semi Mute offers a firmer feel that some users prefer for tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Poro linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, we see a clear difference: the Poro has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Semi Mute measures 4.0 mm. This makes the Poro the shorter option, appealing to those who prioritize faster response times, especially gamers who benefit from rapid key presses. On the other hand, the Semi Mute's 4.0 mm travel distance offers a more traditional and hearty depth, which might be preferred by users who enjoy a more substantial feedback with their key presses. Consequently, if you value responsiveness, the Poro would be the better choice, while those looking for a more pronounced feel may lean towards the Semi Mute. Overall, this contrast in travel distances highlights the preferences individuals may have for different switch types when selecting their ideal keyboard experience.
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 Semi Mute has an MSRP of $3.97 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi Mute for $3.55.
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 offers a poppy and clacky profile that provides an engaging auditory experience with each keystroke. This acoustics come from its ultra-light actuation force and meticulous lubrication, which together create a bright sound that many typists find pleasing. In contrast, the KTT Semi Mute switch is engineered for a completely silent operation, making it ideal for users who prioritize a noise-free environment. With advanced dampening technology, the Semi Mute produces a softer and quieter sound, paving the way for late-night typing without disturbing others. Thus, while the Poro provides a lively sound suitable for those who enjoy the audio feedback of their keystrokes, the Semi Mute’s silent design caters to a minimalist audio preference.
In terms of feel, the HMX Poro linear switch is designed to deliver a silky smooth keystroke experience, thanks to its precise lubrication and linear action, which allows for an effortless glide throughout the typing process. This results in a feeling of lightness and responsiveness, ideal for rapid typing. The KTT Semi Mute switch, on the other hand, offers a buttery tactile sensation with its mild characteristics. This switch’s feel is gentle and approachable, providing a seamless yet substantial typing experience suitable for a broad range of users. While both switches deliver satisfying typing sensations, the Poro leans towards an engaging smoothness, while the Semi Mute focuses on providing a refined, soft touch.
Ultimately, both the HMX Poro and KTT Semi Mute switches present distinct experiences tailored to different user preferences. The Poro excels in offering an engaging auditory and tactile experience that appeals to those who appreciate feedback in their typing. In contrast, the Semi Mute is perfect for those seeking a tranquil typing environment without sacrificing comfort. Thus, your choice should reflect whether you lean towards a vibrant and responsive feel with noticeable sound or a subtle and serene typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Poro linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch hinges on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you prioritize a light touch with an ultra-smooth glide and are drawn to a more tactile sound profile that delivers a satisfying yet soft auditory feedback, the Poro is an excellent choice. It's perfect for those who appreciate a lively typing experience and feel, making it ideal for both gaming and everyday typing when noise is less of a concern. On the other hand, if you're someone who types late at night or in shared spaces and values complete silence, the KTT Semi Mute is the way to go. With its medium bottom-out force and cutting-edge dampening technology, this switch ensures a buttery-smooth keystroke that minimizes noise without sacrificing comfort. Ultimately, by considering the sound, feel, and environment where you'll be using these switches, you can make an informed decision that enhances your overall typing enjoyment.
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