HMX Poro vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the HMX Poro and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, preferences often come down to the tactile experience, sound profile, and overall feel. The HMX Poro linear switch is celebrated for its silky smooth keystrokes and meticulously lubricated design, which ensures an effortless glide that many gamers and typists appreciate. This switch also produces a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound profile thanks to its ultra-light actuation force, making it a great choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback during their typing sessions. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai linear switch offers a distinct typing experience characterized by its deep, rounded sound that contrasts with the sharper notes of the Poro. This switch also features an incredibly light actuation force, appealing to users who favor a more gentle and effortless feel while typing. Both switches cater to different preferences and can enhance your typing or gaming experience in unique ways. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Poro and the TTC Yunhai switches, it is intriguing to note that both are constructed with nylon for both the top and bottom housings. Nylon is a well-regarded material in the mechanical keyboard community, appreciated for its sound-dampening properties. In both models, the use of nylon contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile upon typing, resulting from its relatively softer nature. This inherent characteristic of nylon allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, which enhances the overall typing experience by creating a more subdued and rounded auditory response.
Despite the similarities in housing materials, the impact of the housing on typing dynamics remains distinct for each switch. The bottom housing plays a crucial role in the tactile feedback and bottom-out sound, while the top housing influences the sound produced when releasing a key. Given that both the Poro and Yunhai utilize nylon for both housing components, users can expect a similar auditory profile and tactile feedback across both switches. This means that the overall typing experience should feel familiar between the two, with both offering a consistent feel and sound signature attributed to their nylon construction.
In summary, while both the HMX Poro and TTC Yunhai employ the same nylon material for their switch housings, the direct influence on sound and feel will be distinctly realized through their structural design and the user experience. Since the qualities of the nylon material are consistently present in both the top and bottom housings, users can anticipate similar performance characteristics across both switches. This may lead to an overall consistent experience during typing sessions, where the expected benefits of nylon, like superior sound absorption and a pleasant tactile feedback, will be accessible regardless of the choice between the Poro and the Yunhai.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Poro linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, both exhibit light actuation and bottom out forces, but with slight differences. The HMX Poro requires a 45-gram actuation force and has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the TTC Yunhai has an even lighter actuation force of 42 grams, also with a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Yunhai the lighter of the two switches, which can be beneficial for users who prioritize comfort during extended typing or gaming sessions. Both switches have the same bottom out force, indicating that users will experience a consistent bottoming out sensation across both options. However, the Poro's heavier actuation force may provide a more pronounced tactile feedback for those who prefer a stronger push feel in their typing experience. Overall, the lighter actuation of the Yunhai may appeal to users looking for ease of use, while the Poro's slightly heavier actuation force could attract those desiring more resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Poro linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, there's a slight difference to note. The Poro features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Yunhai has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you're seeking a more responsive experience—common among gamers—the Yunhai might be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance. Conversely, if you prefer a more substantial feel when pressing the keys, the Poro’s longer travel distance could provide that hearty depth. Overall, while both switches offer relatively short travel distances favored in modern switches, the Poro stands out with its slightly greater travel distance.
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 Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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
In terms of sound, the HMX Poro linear switch features a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound profile that enhances the auditory experience of typing. This unique sound is a result of its ultra-light actuation force, which contributes to a lively, engaging atmosphere while typing. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai switch provides a distinct deep and rounded sound profile, creating a more subdued auditory experience. The gentle nature of this sound complements the switch's light actuation force, catering to users who prefer a more comforting and less intrusive sound when they type. It’s important to note that the overall sound will still be influenced by external factors, such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Poro switches are characterized by their silky smooth keystrokes, thanks to meticulous lubrication that allows for an effortless glide. This smoothness contributes to a premium typing experience, as each keystroke feels fluid and responsive. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai linear switch offers an incredibly light actuation force, resulting in a typing experience that feels gentle and delicate. The combination of the deep sound and light actuation fosters a comfortable environment for typists, making each press feel easy and unstrained.
In conclusion, both the HMX Poro and TTC Yunhai linear switches offer appealing qualities for different typing preferences. The Poro stands out for its lively sound and smooth keystrokes, providing an engaging and dynamic experience, while the Yunhai excels in delivering a more subdued auditory presence with an effortless feel. Despite their differences, both switches cater to those who appreciate a light actuation force and can create satisfying typing experiences, making them excellent choices for newcomers exploring the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing between the HMX Poro linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the type of experience you seek. If you value a smooth and gliding keystroke, accompanied by a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound, then the HMX Poro is the ideal choice for you. Its meticulous lubrication not only enhances the overall feel but also makes for an enjoyable typing experience, especially if you're someone who enjoys the sensation of rapid, fluid strokes during typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper, rounded sound profile and a gentle, effortless touch, the TTC Yunhai is likely to be more suitable for your needs. This switch’s unique characteristics provide a typing experience that feels welcoming and less tiring over extended use, making it a great option for heavy typists who prioritize a softer feel. Ultimately, both switches share a similar bottom-out force and light actuation, but your choice should hinge on which sound and feeling resonate with you the most.
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