HMX Poro vs. KTT Wine Red

Overview

When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Poro and KTT Wine Red stand out as two exceptional options for enthusiasts seeking a linear experience. The HMX Poro switches are celebrated for their silky smooth keystrokes, enhanced by meticulous lubrication that promotes effortless gliding. Users often appreciate the ultra-light actuation force, which contributes to a poppy and clacky sound profile, making it a great choice for those who relish responsive typing and auditory feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red switches entice users with their unique pillowy feel and deep, rich sound characterized as 'bassy' and 'low-pitched'. This makes them ideal for those who prefer a softer touch while maintaining a robust acoustic presence. Both switches have their distinct advantages, catering to different preferences in typing experience and sound, making the decision between them a matter of personal choice. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Poro Linear

KTT Wine Red Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$2.71 per 10

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Housing materials

The HMX Poro and KTT Wine Red switches utilize two distinct materials for their housings, which significantly influence their sound profiles and overall tactile experiences. The HMX Poro features a nylon top and bottom housing, celebrated for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound. The inherent softness of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in sounds that are duller yet more rounded. This characteristic makes the Poro an excellent choice for users who prefer a quieter typing experience that maintains a warm tone. In contrast, the KTT Wine Red switches are constructed with polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings. This stiffer material contributes to a sharper, crisper sound profile, which is often perceived as more resonant. Polycarbonate’s transparency also lends an aesthetic advantage, as it allows for better RGB lighting effects, appealing to gamers and customization enthusiasts.

While the materials used in the Poro and Wine Red housings differ, the overall typing experience is ultimately shaped by how these materials interact with various switch elements. The nylon in the Poro suppresses and muffles sounds, leading to a typing experience characterized by a subdued yet full auditory feedback. Conversely, the polycarbonate in the Wine Red enhances and clarifies sound, creating a bright and lively typing sensation. The differing properties of nylon and polycarbonate mean that users will notice distinct sound outputs during their typing sessions. For example, with the Poro’s nylon housings, the deeper sound may result in a more comfortable and less jarring experience over extended periods of typing, whereas the sharper tones of the Wine Red can be more invigorating, potentially enhancing productivity for certain tasks.

Furthermore, the different materials play a crucial role in how the switch engages with the user’s fingers during the keystroke. The plush nature of nylon allows the Poro to provide a smooth bottom-out feel, which can be more forgiving. This contributes to a sense of cushioned resistance during typing, which is often appreciated in prolonged use. In contrast, the polycarbonate construction of the Wine Red adds a more defined tactile feedback, pushing users to be more intentional with their keystrokes. Ultimately, while both switches can deliver satisfying typing experiences, the distinct properties of nylon and polycarbonate result in varied acoustic outputs and tactile feelings, thus appealing to different preferences based on individual typing habits and aesthetic inclinations.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Poro linear switch to the KTT Wine Red linear switch, both switches offer a relatively light typing experience, but there are key differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Poro features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it the lighter option, suited for extended typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Wine Red has a slightly lower actuation force of 44 grams, which is quite similar but gives it a marginal edge in ease of activation; however, its bottom out force is heavier at 55 grams, providing a more pronounced resistance when pressing down fully. This difference in bottom out force indicates that while both switches are designed for lighter typing, the Wine Red may feel more substantial due to the increased bottom out resistance. Therefore, users who prefer a feather-light touch with less resistance should gravitate towards the HMX Poro, while those who enjoy a firmer response might find the KTT Wine Red more appealing. Overall, the Poro is the lighter switch, while the Wine Red offers a heavier feel at the bottom of the keystroke.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Poro linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, the Poro has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Wine Red offers a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Poro the shorter option, catering to users who appreciate a more responsive feel during key presses, particularly beneficial for gamers seeking quick response times. Conversely, the Wine Red, with its longer 4 mm travel distance, may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial tactile experience, as it provides a bit more depth when engaging the key. Ultimately, if you are looking for better responsiveness, the HMX Poro would be the preferable choice due to its shorter travel distance, while the KTT Wine Red would be suited for users who favor a heartier key press.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound of the HMX Poro linear switch presents a satisfyingly poppy and clacky profile, which makes it appealing for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. This sound is characterized by a notable brightness, partly due to the ultra-light actuation force that contributes to its lively acoustic characteristics. In contrast, the KTT Wine Red linear switch offers a deeper and richer auditory experience, defined by a bassy and low-pitched sound. This resonates with a more subdued tone, creating a stark contrast to the Poro’s sharper auditory feedback. The deeper resonance of the Wine Red is likely to appeal to users desiring a more mellow and immersive sound during their typing experience. However, it's important to remember that the overall sound profile of both switches may be influenced by the specific keyboard setup, including the choice of board and keycaps.

When it comes to feel, the HMX Poro linear switch is renowned for its silky smooth keystrokes, made even better through meticulous lubrication that enhances the overall typing experience by providing a seamless glide. This makes it a delightful choice for typists looking for fluidity and effortless keystrokes. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red linear switch is described as having a pillowy light typing feel, offering a softer response as compared to the Poro switch. This somewhat cushioned sensation may be more forgiving and enjoyable for users who prefer a gentler touch during long typing sessions.

In conclusion, while both the HMX Poro and KTT Wine Red linear switches provide distinct auditory and tactile experiences, they cater to different preferences. The Poro’s poppy and clacky sound alongside its incredibly smooth feel makes it ideal for those who appreciate sharp feedback, while the Wine Red’s deeper, bassy sound paired with its pillowy feel offers a richer, more cushioned typing experience. For users seeking similarity in experience, they can expect satisfying results from either switch, albeit with their unique tonal and tactile flavors to explore.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the HMX Poro linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, your decision should hinge on your personal preferences for feel, sound, and bottom-out force. The HMX Poro, with its light 50-gram actuation force, is ideal for those who favor a swift and effortless typing experience. Its silky smooth keystrokes, enhanced by meticulous lubrication, deliver a pleasant and satisfying feel, perfect for fast typists or gamers seeking quick responsiveness. If you appreciate a more "poppy" sound profile to accompany your keystrokes, the Poro will certainly elevate your typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly more substantial feel paired with a deeper, richer sound, the KTT Wine Red is a fantastic choice, thanks to its medium-light 55-gram bottom-out force. This switch offers a pillowy typing sensation that some users find comforting, coupled with a bassy and low-pitched sound profile that can make your typing feel more immersive. Therefore, if you’re navigating a variety of typing tasks and value sound depth, go for the Wine Red. Ultimately, your choice should reflect what you prioritize in your keyboard experience, whether that's lightness and smoothness with the Poro or a richer sound and more tactile presence with the Wine Red.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Poro Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

KTT Wine Red Linear

$2.71 per 10

Learn more