HMX Poro vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Poro and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream offer unique experiences, each tailored to different preferences while retaining the smooth mechanics characteristic of linear switches. The HMX Poro is celebrated for its silky, effortless keystrokes and a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound profile, achieved through meticulous lubrication and an ultra-light actuation force. This switch is ideal for those who prioritize smooth performance and a lively auditory experience during typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream stands out with its innovative use of POK materials in both the stem and bottom housing, creating a buttery and creamy sensation with a high-pitched, clacky sound signature that adds a delightful auditory twist. This switch leans towards users who crave a distinctive tactile feel combined with a resonant sound that enhances the typing experience. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Poro Linear

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials used in the HMX Poro and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches reveal distinct characteristics that lead to different typing experiences. The HMX Poro features a nylon top and bottom housing, which is known for its sound-absorbing qualities. Being a softer plastic, nylon produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, muted effectively by its inherent material properties. This makes the Poro switches ideal for users who prefer a more subdued auditory experience while typing, as the sound is dampened, creating a duller and rounder sound profile that enhances typing comfort during prolonged use.

In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches utilize a proprietary top housing blend, referred to as KTT, alongside a POK bottom housing. The KTT material, described as a "special mixed material," offers a higher-pitched and clacky sound signature distinct from the Poro's nylon. Meanwhile, the POK bottom housing provides exceptional durability and smoothness, with its low friction properties contributing to a more responsive typing feel. The combination of these materials leads to a typing experience that is not only louder and more pronounced but also marked by the switches' enhanced durability, thanks to the strength of the polyketone used in the bottom housing.

Despite these contrasts, the similarities in how the materials influence the typing experience cannot be overlooked. Both switches, with their unique housing combinations, result in distinct sound profiles and tactile feedback that cater to different user preferences. While the Poro's nylon offers a muted, deeper sound, the Vanilla Ice Cream's hybrid materials engage users with a brisk and clacky feel. Ultimately, understanding how these materials interact when keys are pressed reveals the complex interplay of design and acoustics, contributing to a diverse landscape of mechanical keyboard options that allow users to tailor their experience to their liking.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Poro linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, both exhibit light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience. The Poro switch requires an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is slightly lighter with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. As such, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream is the lighter option, offering less resistance for prolonged use during typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Poro, being marginally heavier, may provide a more substantial feel for those who prefer a stronger push. Both switches deliver a comfortable experience, yet the Vanilla Ice Cream will produce a lighter touch, appealing to users looking for minimal fatigue during extended periods of use.

Travel distance

The HMX Poro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference indicates that the Poro switch provides a more pronounced keypress experience, which may appeal to users who appreciate a deeper feel when typing. Conversely, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch's 3.5 mm travel distance caters to those who favor quicker actuation, making it a preferable choice for gamers seeking faster response times. Ultimately, users who prefer a more responsive and expedited feedback from their switches might opt for the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream due to its shorter travel distance, whereas those who enjoy a more substantial keypress might gravitate toward the HMX Poro.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX Poro linear switch produces a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound profile. This resonates with users who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch boasts a high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sound. The sharp and crisp tones provide a clean auditory experience that can be quite appealing, especially to those who prefer a brighter sound. Both switches, while distinct in their sound characteristics, can create a lively typing environment, but ultimately the experience will vary based on the keyboard assembly, including board and keycap choices.

Regarding feel, the HMX Poro switch is known for delivering silky smooth keystrokes due to meticulous lubrication, allowing for an effortless glide during typing. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a buttery and creamy sensation, which further enhances the smoothness of keystrokes. This experience is reminiscent of a seamless, flowing motion, akin to gliding over the keys. While both switches provide a premium feel, they cater to slightly different preferences; the Poro emphasizes smoothness through lubrication, while the Vanilla Ice Cream focuses on a creamy texture that enhances the overall typing experience.

In conclusion, when comparing the HMX Poro and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches, both offer a distinct auditory and tactile experience that can satisfy different user preferences. The Poro provides a poppy and clacky sound with a silky smooth typing experience, while the Vanilla Ice Cream delivers a high-pitched, marbly sound paired with a buttery, creamy feel. Regardless of the switch you choose, both will yield a pleasurable typing experience, with sound and feel that can be tailored further through the choice of keyboard setup. The final decision would ultimately boil down to personal preference in sound and feel characteristics.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing between the HMX Poro linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you lean toward an ultra-light actuation force and enjoy a smooth, effortless glide combined with a satisfyingly poppy sound profile, the HMX Poro is an excellent choice for you. Its meticulous lubrication enhances the experience, making it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming where quick reflexes are crucial. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that offers a creamy and buttery typing feel with a sharper, more resonant sound signature, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream would likely suit you better. Its unique POK material contributes to a wonderfully smooth keystroke, making it a delight for typists who value tactile satisfaction along with auditory feedback. Therefore, assess your needs in terms of feel, sound, and force preference to find the perfect match for your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Poro Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

Learn more