HMX Poro vs. TTC Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the HMX Poro and the TTC Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves pondering over various options, and two notable candidates are the HMX Poro and the TTC Speed Silver, both linear switches that cater to different preferences. The HMX Poro is celebrated for its silky smooth keystrokes, meticulously lubricated for an effortless glide, and a satisfyingly poppy sound profile that adds a bit of character to each press. Its ultra-light actuation force makes it an appealing choice for users who prefer a lighter touch and enjoy a more tactile auditory feedback. In contrast, the TTC Speed Silver is tailored for speed and precision, boasting a light-medium level of resistance that enhances typing accuracy. With a reduced travel distance, these switches excel in quick, effortless actuation, making them an ideal pick for gamers and fast typists alike who seek a more efficient workflow. Both switches offer unique benefits, depending on whether you prioritize a smooth typing experience or rapid responsiveness. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.08 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 Speed Silver, striking differences in sound profiles emerge due to the choice of plastics used in their top housings. The HMX Poro features a nylon top housing, known for its softer plastic characteristics, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This softer material absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a sound profile that is more muted and rounded. In contrast, the TTC Speed Silver incorporates a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and engenders a higher-pitched, crisper sound. The translucency of the polycarbonate allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, leveraging its clear structure to enhance the aesthetic appeal of keyboard setups.
Conversely, the bottom housings of both the HMX Poro and the TTC Speed Silver utilize nylon material, ensuring similarity in sound characteristics when pressing the keys down. Since both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, they share the advantage of delivering a controlled and consistent sound profile with a richer bottom-out experience. Typing on either switch would elicit the same deep and full feedback when the key is fully depressed, creating a cohesive foundation for the overall auditory experience. In this aspect, the switches align closely, and users can expect a similar tactile sensation and sound profile at the point of actuation.
The contrast primarily lies in the handling of sound during the release of the key. With the nylon top housing of the Poro, users can expect a smooth and rounded sound as they lift their fingers away from the keys, reflecting the material's sound-absorbing qualities. On the other hand, the Speed Silver's polycarbonate top housing will provide a sharper and more resonant sound during key release. This difference is notable for users who consider key sound profiles an essential factor in their typing experience. Thus, the overall acoustic character of each switch is a blend of the unique effects brought by their respective top and bottom housing materials, ultimately impacting the user's typing experience in distinct ways.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Poro linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, both share the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning users will experience a similar ease of triggering a keystroke with either switch. However, the bottom out forces reveal a distinction between the two; the Poro requires 50 grams to fully bottom out, while the Speed Silver has a slightly heftier bottom out force of 55 grams. This difference indicates that the Poro switch is lighter overall, making it more suitable for those who may type for extended periods or require a lighter touch for gaming. Conversely, the additional resistance of the Speed Silver switch provides a more substantial feel, potentially appealing to users who prefer a heavier push experience. Thus, while both switches feature the same actuation force, the Poro ultimately offers a lighter touch compared to the heavier bottom out force of the Speed Silver.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Poro linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, the Poro measures 3.7 mm, while the Speed Silver comes in at a shorter 3.4 mm. This difference highlights the Speed Silver's design geared towards quicker response times, making it a potentially more appealing choice for gamers who favor rapid key presses. On the other hand, the Poro’s longer travel distance provides a more substantial feel, which might be preferred by users who appreciate a deeper key press. Ultimately, those looking for responsiveness will benefit from the Speed Silver's shorter travel distance, whereas the Poro caters to those who enjoy a more tactile and deliberate typing 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 TTC Speed Silver has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Speed Silver for $4.58.
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 boasts a satisfyingly poppy and clacky profile, making each keystroke feel lively and engaging. Users will appreciate the auditory feedback that comes from the switch's ultra-light actuation force, which enhances the overall typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Speed Silver linear switch presents a neutral sound profile that strikes a balance suitable for a variety of environments, whether at home or in an office setting. This moderate sound profile is achieved through its light-medium resistance, contributing to a quieter experience while still providing tactile satisfaction.
As for the feel, the Poro switch is characterized by its silky smooth keystrokes, resulting from meticulous lubrication that ensures an effortless glide. This attention to detail translates into an incredibly enjoyable typing experience that feels natural and fluid. On the other hand, the Speed Silver switch offers a mild and polished feel, fostering a gentle typing experience that is approachable for all users. The smoothness is further enhanced by either the materials used or factory lubing, leading to minimal friction and smooth key travel. Together, these factors make the Speed Silver switches suitable for those who prioritize speed and precision in their typing.
In conclusion, while the HMX Poro linear switch provides a vibrant sound and a luxuriously smooth feel, the TTC Speed Silver linear switch offers a more neutral auditory experience combined with a mild and polished typing sensation. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Poro appealing to those who enjoy auditory feedback and smooth gliding, while the Speed Silver serves those who favor speed and a balanced sound profile. Regardless of which you choose, both options can lead to satisfying results in the mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Poro linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch ultimately depends on your typing style and personal preferences. If you favor an ultra-light actuation force and enjoy a smoother, more effortless keystroke experience, the HMX Poro is the perfect switch for you. Its silky smoothness and satisfyingly poppy sound profile make it an excellent choice for extended typing sessions or casual gaming. On the other hand, if you prioritize speed and precision, the TTC Speed Silver's slightly higher bottom out force and reduced travel distance might suit you better. Its neutral sound profile and mild but polished feel cater to both beginners and advanced users alike, making it versatile for both casual and competitive environments. Therefore, consider what aspects matter most to you—whether that’s a light and airy typing experience or a quicker, more responsive feel—to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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