HMX Poro vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the HMX Poro and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Poro and KTT Strawberry linear switches stand out as compelling choices for enthusiasts seeking an exceptional typing experience. The HMX Poro is renowned for its utterly smooth keystrokes, thanks to meticulous lubrication that ensures an effortless glide. Its ultra-light actuation force generates a poppy and clacky sound profile, making it an enticing option for those who appreciate a bit of auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry, with its appealing pink and clear housings, combines a sleek design with a frictionless and silky actuation that promises both comfort and reliable performance. This switch is ideal for users who prioritize a smooth touch and polished feedback without the extra noise. While both options share the characteristic of being linear switches designed for seamless keystrokes, they cater to different preferences in sound and feel. 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
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the HMX Poro and KTT Strawberry switches, a clear distinction arises in their choice of housing materials, which greatly influences their acoustic profiles. The Poro utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings. This material is known for its softer texture, which results in a deeper, fuller sound when typing. The nylon’s absorbent qualities contribute to a rounder acoustic signature, making it an ideal choice for users who appreciate a muted and rich typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry employs polycarbonate for its top and bottom housings. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, produces a sharper and crisper sound profile, enhancing clarity and resonance with each keystroke. This difference in materials results in notably distinct auditory experiences while typing, reflecting preferences for either deep or high-pitched sound profiles.
The aesthetic implications of the materials further differentiate the two switches. The Poro's nylon construction is opaque, which may not provide the same visual appeal as the KTT Strawberry's transparent polycarbonate housing. The translucent nature of polycarbonate is particularly advantageous for setups utilizing RGB lighting, as it allows light to shine through more distinctly, creating visually striking keycap effects. Consequently, gamers and typists who appreciate dynamic backlighting may prefer the KTT Strawberry due to its vibrant aesthetic qualities. Conversely, the matte finish of the Poro accentuates a more subdued appearance, which may appeal to users preferring a minimalist or professional look.
Despite their material differences, both the HMX Poro and KTT Strawberry provide unique tactile and sonic experiences that can yield satisfying typing feedback. By understanding how each housing material affects the sound profiles, users can choose switches based on their auditory preferences. For instance, if users seek a rounded sound profile with a plush bottom-out feel, the Poro is suitable. However, those desiring a precise and resonant typing experience would favor the KTT Strawberry. Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials dictates the unique feel and sound of each switch, leading to diverse outcomes that cater to individual preferences, whether for gaming, typing, or aesthetic appeal.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Poro and KTT Strawberry linear switches, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces reveal distinct typing experiences. The Poro switch features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it feel relatively light and conducive to extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Strawberry switch has a slightly lighter actuation force at 43 grams but a significantly higher bottom out force of 62 grams, which provides a more substantial push feel when the key is fully pressed down. This difference means that while both switches cater to users who prefer lighter actuation forces, the heavier bottom out of the Strawberry switch creates a different tactile experience. Therefore, for users seeking a lighter switch with a modest resistance, the Poro is the better option, while those who enjoy a stronger push feel with a heavier bottom out experience may prefer the Strawberry switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Poro linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, the Poro has a distance of 3.7 mm, while the Strawberry measures 4 mm. This makes the Poro the shorter of the two, appealing to gamers or users who favor quicker response times due to its reduced travel distance. On the other hand, the Strawberry's 4 mm distance is more traditional and offers a deeper feel, which might be preferred by those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience. For users who value rapid actuation, the Poro would be the better choice, whereas those who appreciate a bit more depth in their keystrokes may lean towards the Strawberry. Ultimately, selecting between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus a hearty feel.
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 Strawberry comes in at $4.91 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 switches deliver a poppy and clacky sound profile, which can provide an engaging auditory experience for users who appreciate a satisfying feedback during their typing sessions. This sound is enhanced by their ultra-light actuation force, making each keystroke feel lively. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry switches produce a low-pitched sound, characterized by a more mellow and bass-heavy tone. This makes them less intrusive, offering a subtler acoustic experience. However, it's important to note that the overall sound profile can also be influenced by your choice of keyboard housing and keycaps; thus, both switches may yield different experiences based on these factors.
In terms of feel, the HMX Poro switches boast a silky smooth keystroke, meticulously lubricated to ensure an effortless glide during typing. While the specific feel qualities of the Poro were not outlined, it can be inferred that their smooth actuation aligns well with the overall user experience. The KTT Strawberry switches stand out with descriptors such as frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished, which collectively indicate an exceptionally smooth and fluid typing experience. These attributes minimize any sense of resistance in the key press, allowing for a seamless transition between strokes. Users of the Strawberry switches can expect a refined and pleasant tactile experience with each keystroke.
In conclusion, while both the HMX Poro and KTT Strawberry linear switches emphasize smoothness, they cater to different auditory preferences. The Poro switches offer a lively poppy sound, while the Strawberry switches provide a deeper, more bass-rich tone, promoting a tranquil typing environment. When combined with their exceptional smooth feels, both switches can deliver enjoyable typing experiences, so users can select based on their sound preference while enjoying a high level of comfort and performance.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Poro linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a lighter actuation with a bottoming out force of 50 grams, the Poro switch is a fantastic option. Its ultra-light feel, coupled with a silky, smooth keystroke experience, makes it ideal for those who enjoy rapid typing or gaming, as it allows for quick engagement without much effort. Additionally, if you appreciate a more popping and clacking sound profile, the Poro will certainly add some auditory satisfaction to your typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium actuation force with a more grounded feel, the KTT Strawberry, featuring a 62-gram bottom out force, might be more to your liking. Known for its frictionless and buttery smooth actuation, the Strawberry switch is well-suited for users who prioritize a reliable and tactile experience. Its low-pitched sound adds a mellow tone to your keystrokes, which can be more subdued and pleasant in quieter environments. Ultimately, whether you lean towards the light and lively Poro or the solid and smooth Strawberry will depend on your specific typing needs and aesthetic preferences.
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