Everglide Bamboo Green vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Bamboo Green and the HMX Poro each offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Bamboo Green is celebrated for its tactile feedback, characterized by a sharp and polished feel, which gives typists a pronounced sensation with each keystroke. Its clacky sound signature adds an enjoyable auditory element to the writing experience, making it ideal for those who appreciate a more engaging and tactile interaction with their keyboard. Conversely, the HMX Poro linear switch delivers a silky smooth typing experience that is perfect for gamers or users who prefer silent operation. Its meticulously lubricated design ensures effortless keystrokes, while the satisfyingly poppy sound profile provides just enough auditory feedback without being overwhelming. These contrasting qualities make the Bamboo Green an excellent choice for tactile enthusiasts and typists seeking auditory feedback, while the HMX Poro caters to those who favor a seamless and quiet 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
PBT
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Everglide Bamboo Green and the HMX Poro switches, one of the most notable aspects is the material used for the top housing. The Bamboo Green utilizes PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), a material that is less common in switch housings, while the HMX Poro features nylon, a time-tested choice in the mechanical keyboard community. The PBT top housing of the Bamboo Green yields a neutral sound profile—balanced and neither overly crisp nor dull—while the nylon top of the Poro tends to create a softer and rounder acoustic experience. This difference in materials directly influences the auditory feedback that users will experience, with the PBT providing a more restrained sound and nylon producing a fuller tone.
The bottom housing of the two switches showcases a similar divergence. The Bamboo Green again employs PBT, whereas the Poro opts for nylon. Here, PBT continues to deliver that neutral sound profile, while nylon's softness leads to a deeper sound when compared to its harder counterpart. The softer nature of nylon means it absorbs sound vibrations more effectively, resulting in a rounder sound that can contribute to a different tactile experience during use. Both housings significantly affect the overall acoustic characteristics, particularly when a key is bottomed out, with the nylon bottom delivering a more resonant experience.
In essence, while both the Everglide Bamboo Green and the HMX Poro switches utilize different materials in their housings, they share the underlying principle that the top and bottom materials impact the overall switch sound and feel. Although the Bamboo Green's PBT provides a more neutral tone, the nylon employed by the Poro, known for its sound-absorbing properties, can lead to a complimentarily deeper profile. When combined, these materials allow for a rich acoustic experience, where the unique qualities of each contribute to the overall feel and sound during typing. Therefore, while their individual materials may differ, both switches can deliver similar high-quality results through the careful balance of their design and material choices.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Bamboo Green has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, categorizing it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the HMX Poro features a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, but impressively has a lower bottom out force of 50 grams, marking it as a lighter option overall. This means that while the Poro requires a marginally greater force to actuate, it feels lighter when fully pressed down, making it easier for users to avoid fatigue during long typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, those who prefer a lighter and more responsive feel for prolonged use might lean toward the Poro, whereas those who enjoy a more substantial push with tactile feedback may find the Bamboo Green more appealing due to its heavier bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, we find that the Bamboo Green boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Poro measures slightly shorter at 3.7 mm. This difference indicates that the Bamboo Green offers a more pronounced keypress experience, catering well to users who enjoy a deeper feel. In contrast, the HMX Poro, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers and those preferring quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation. While both switches cater to different user preferences, the Bamboo Green provides a more traditional experience, while the Poro's shorter travel distance may feel too abrupt for some users. Ultimately, the choice between these two will depend on whether a user prioritizes depth and feedback or speed and responsiveness in their typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Bamboo Green has an MSRP of $9.67 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bamboo Green for $7.19.
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.
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 Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switches are characterized by their clacky and high-pitched audio profile, which combines a crisp resonance that might appeal to those who prefer a sharper auditory experience. Users can expect a bright and sharp sound during typing, making it ideal for fans of distinct auditory feedback. On the other hand, the HMX Poro linear switches are noted for their satisfyingly poppy sound, though they lean toward a quieter profile compared to the Bamboo Green. The HMX Poro produces a smoother, less sharp sound due to its linear nature and ultra-light actuation force. While both switches bring a certain level of engagement through their sound, the Bamboo Green provides a more pronounced auditory feedback compared to the relatively muted characteristics of the Poro.
Regarding feel, the Bamboo Green switches stand out with a well-defined tactile feedback profile. They exhibit a stepped and sharp tactile response, allowing typists to feel distinct points during the keypress. This leads to a typing experience that many find to be balanced—neither too aggressive nor too subtle. The combination of polished finish adds a refined quality that reduces friction, enhancing the overall feel during typing. Conversely, the HMX Poro linear switches are designed for simplicity and smoothness, offering a seamless keystroke experience devoid of tactile bumps, making them ideal for those who prefer a flatter and uninterrupted typing action. This contrasts with the more complex feel of the Bamboo Green, highlighting the differences in tactile responsiveness and feedback intensity between the two.
In summary, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switches provide a vibrant and high-pitched sound profile along with a pronounced tactile feel characterized by clear feedback and a polished finish, making them suitable for those who enjoy auditory and tactile interactions. Conversely, the HMX Poro linear switches offer a smoother sound and feel, emphasizing fluidity without the complications of tactile bumps. Each switch caters to different preferences; thus, if you seek sharp feedback and sound, opt for the Bamboo Green, while the HMX Poro is perfect for those who prioritize a silky smooth typing experience devoid of tactile interruptions.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the HMX Poro linear switch will largely depend on your specific typing preferences and the type of sound profile you enjoy. If you appreciate a tactile feedback combined with a pronounced auditory experience, the Bamboo Green is an excellent choice. Its 62-gram bottom-out force provides a medium resistance that allows you to feel a distinct and satisfying bump with each keystroke, enhancing typing accuracy while delivering a sharp, high-pitched clacky sound. This switch is especially suitable for those who enjoy tactile typing experiences, whether you're coding, writing, or gaming, all while creating an engaging noise that adds character to your setup. On the other hand, if you favor a smooth and effortless typing experience, the HMX Poro is the way to go. With its ultra-light 50-gram actuation force, you can type with minimal effort, appreciating the silky glide that comes from its meticulously lubricated design. While it may not offer the same tactile feedback, its satisfying poppy sound adds a delightful auditory element without compromising on comfort. Therefore, consider what aspects of typing are most important to you: choose the Bamboo Green for a dynamic tactile experience and engaging sound, or opt for the HMX Poro if you prioritize smoothness and ease of use.
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