HMX Poro vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the HMX Poro and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the decision often revolves around personal preference and usage needs. The HMX Poro linear switch stands out for its silky smooth keystrokes, thanks to meticulous lubrication that ensures an effortless glide. With an ultra-light actuation force, its poppy and clacky sound profile adds a layer of auditory satisfaction, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists alike who favor speed and fluidity in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch provides a contrasting experience with its light to medium resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump that enhances typing precision. Notably, these switches are celebrated for their muted sound profile, making them ideal for quiet office environments or late-night gaming sessions. Both switches cater to different preferences—whether you prioritize speed and sound or tactile feedback and noise reduction. 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Poro and the TTC Silent Brown switches, distinct differences can be observed, particularly in their top housings. The Poro features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is largely attributed to nylon's softer characteristics, which allow it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. In contrast, the Silent Brown incorporates a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, contributes to a more resonant sound, making the auditory experience quite different for the user. Thus, while both switches provide unique sound profiles, they cater to different preferences in typing acoustics, with the Poro emphasizing warmth and softness and the Silent Brown offering clarity and brightness.
The bottom housings of both the HMX Poro and TTC Silent Brown switches, however, present a notable similarity: both utilize nylon as their material. This shared aspect results in a consistent deep and full sound profile regardless of the top housing used. With nylon's acoustic properties dominating the bottom housing, users can expect a rich bottom-out feel in both switches. Here, the impact that the bottom housing has outweighs that of the top housing when it comes to the tactile and auditory sensations experienced while typing. This similarity in the bottom housing ensures that while there are variations in sound due to the top housings, the essential typing experience remains fairly close in terms of depth thanks to the nylon material.
Ultimately, the differences between the HMX Poro and TTC Silent Brown are most pronounced when focusing on their top housings, which significantly shape the overall sound profile and typing experience. Users seeking a warmer and more muted sound may gravitate towards the Poro's nylon top housing, while those who prefer a brighter and more resonant typing experience would likely choose the Silent Brown’s polycarbonate top. However, since both switches share nylon for their bottom housing, they can achieve complementary sound characteristics that highlight the importance of a switch's overall design. This interplay between the different materials underscores how nuanced the crafting of mechanical switches can be, influencing both sound and tactile feedback for the user.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Poro linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, both exhibit an actuation force of 45 grams, resulting in a similar feel when initiating a keystroke. However, the bottom out force differs significantly; the Poro switch has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Silent Brown requires a heavier 63.5 grams to fully compress. This makes the Poro switch lighter overall, making it ideal for users who favor extended typing sessions or gaming without fatigue. On the other hand, the Silent Brown, with its heavier bottom out force, provides a more substantial typing experience that some users may prefer for tactile feedback. Ultimately, if you seek a smoother, lighter experience, the HMX Poro is the better choice, whereas if you appreciate a firmer push for each keystroke, the TTC Silent Brown would be more suitable.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Poro linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, we find that the Poro has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Silent Brown extends slightly longer at 3.8 mm. The difference is subtle but noteworthy, with the Poro being the shorter option and the Silent Brown the longer. For those who prioritize responsiveness, the Poro's slightly shorter travel distance may provide a quicker actuation, appealing to gamers and those who prefer a faster response. Conversely, the Silent Brown's longer travel distance may be favored by users who appreciate a more substantial tactile feel during key presses. Thus, while both switches offer similar functionality, the choice ultimately hinges on an individual's preference for travel distance and feedback characteristics.
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 TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $3.68.
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 delivers a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound profile, making each keystroke feel lively and engaging. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch is characterized by its muted sound, designed to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. This results in a quieter typing experience, making the Silent Brown switches a potentially better choice for environments where noise is a concern. While the Poro brings a more pronounced auditory feedback, the Silent Brown's softer sound caters to those who prefer a more subdued acoustic environment.
In terms of feel, the HMX Poro switch boasts a silky smooth keystroke experience, enhanced by meticulous lubrication that ensures an effortless glide during typing. This aligns well with the tactile experience of the TTC Silent Brown, which provides a rounded tactile bump that is both comfortable and approachable. The Silent Brown is described as buttery, mild, and polished, indicating a smooth and refined typing sensation that many will find pleasant. While both switches offer positive qualities, the Poro’s linear nature presents a different typing feedback compared to the tactile bump of the Silent Brown, catering to different preferences among users.
In conclusion, if you are seeking an engaging and vibrant typing sound, the HMX Poro linear switch is a fantastic option with its lively audio feedback. For those prioritizing a quieter and more subdued experience, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch stands out with its muted profile while still delivering a satisfying feel. Although one offers a clacky auditory experience and the other is whisper-quiet, they each provide unique yet enjoyable experiences depending on your typing style and environment preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Poro linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a lighter keystroke and enjoy the sensation of smooth, effortless gliding while typing or gaming, the HMX Poro is an excellent option. Its poppy and clacky sound profile adds a tactile satisfaction, making it particularly appealing for those who enjoy a more dynamic auditory feedback. However, if you work in a quieter environment or need a switch that offers a comfortable typing experience with a satisfying tactile bump, the TTC Silent Brown may be the way to go. With its muted sound profile and medium-heavy actuation force, this switch provides a well-rounded typing experience that balances tactile feedback and a discreet audio footprint. Ultimately, consider where you will be using your keyboard most frequently—whether that’s in a lively gaming session or a professional workspace—to select the switch that best fits your lifestyle.
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