Durock Black Lotus vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right linear mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Black Lotus and HMX Poro each offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Durock Black Lotus is celebrated for its silky smooth feel and remarkable precision, designed to minimize housing and stem wobble for an optimal typing experience. With a 55g actuation weight, it strikes a perfect balance between responsiveness and resistance, making it suitable for those who appreciate a substantial yet manageable keystroke. Additionally, its unique light column allows for customizable in-switch lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of your setup. On the other hand, the HMX Poro excels in providing an effortless glide due to its meticulous lubrication, delivering an incredibly smooth keystroke experience. The Poro’s ultra-light actuation force not only makes it easy to type but also contributes to a satisfyingly poppy sound profile, appealing to users who enjoy auditory feedback with their keystrokes. While both switches offer exceptional smoothness and linearity, their differing actuation weights and auditory characteristics may influence your choice. 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
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the HMX Poro switches present an interesting comparison. The Black Lotus features a modified PC and UPE blend for its top housing, which is designed to offer a unique and premium feel. The use of this specific blend could potentially enhance the characteristics of the switch by providing a firmer and more resilient feel during typing. In contrast, the HMX Poro utilizes nylon for its top housing, known for its classic qualities. This material typically results in a deeper and more resonant sound profile, illustrating the differences in approach between these two switches. While both aim to provide a pleasurable typing experience, the Black Lotus leans towards a sturdier and more tactile feedback, whereas the Poro's nylon housing emphasizes auditory qualities.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Black Lotus and Poro switches utilize nylon, suggesting similarities in their performance dynamics. On pressing down on either switch, users will experience the softer texture of nylon contributing to the sound profile, yielding a deeper and fuller auditory response. Since the bottom housing is crucial to the bottom-out sound and feel, the nylon material ensures that both the Durock Black Lotus and the HMX Poro provide a consistent experience regarding sound dampening. This shared characteristic allows users to expect similar sensory feedback when bottoming out, regardless of the differences in top housing materials.
In summarizing the overall effect of these materials, the Durock Black Lotus and HMX Poro switches each bring distinct elements to the typing experience. The contrast between the modified PC and UPE blend in the Black Lotus's top housing and the classic nylon in the Poro’s may result in differing tactile sensations and sound profiles during key release. Nevertheless, the utilization of nylon for both bottom housings provides a unifying factor that lends depth and warmth to the sound, effectively creating a similar auditory feedback. Hence, users can anticipate a rich sound experience from either switch, albeit with varying tactile and acoustic nuances shaped by the top housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, there are notable differences in both the actuation force and bottom out force. The Black Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which signifies a medium-heavy typing experience. In contrast, the Poro switch features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Poro switch more suitable for users who prefer a lighter feel, ideal for lengthy typing sessions or extended gaming marathons. Conversely, the Black Lotus offers a more substantial push feel, appealing to those who appreciate heavier switches. Overall, the Black Lotus is the heavier option, while the HMX Poro is the lighter choice, catering to different preferences in typing dynamics.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, the Black Lotus features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it longer than the 3.7 mm travel distance of the Poro. This difference signifies that the Black Lotus provides a more pronounced tactile feedback and deeper keypress, which can be beneficial for users who value a hearty depth in their typing experience. On the other hand, the Poro’s shorter travel distance might be more appealing to gamers or users looking for quicker response times, allowing for faster actuation and less effort when pressing keys. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference, with the Black Lotus catering to those who appreciate a deeper feel, while the Poro may suit those who prefer a snappier response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Black Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Black Lotus for $4.57.
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 considering the sound profile of the Durock Black Lotus and HMX Poro linear switches, the characteristics of the Black Lotus remain unspecified, leaving it open to interpretation based on the overall construction and design of the switch. In contrast, the HMX Poro is celebrated for its poppy and clacky sound profile, which is likely attributed to its construction and lubrication, enhancing the auditory experience when typing. However, it is essential to note that sound perception can be influenced by other factors, including the type of keyboard used and the choice of keycaps, which will also play a role in how each switch ultimately sounds in practice.
In terms of the feel, the Durock Black Lotus stands out for its exceptionally silky, buttery, and polished typing experience. This switch effectively minimizes resistance, providing a gentle and refined keystroke that is approachable for most users. The reduction of housing and stem wobble further contributes to the overall sensation of precision and smoothness during typing sessions. On the other hand, the specific feel qualities of the HMX Poro are not detailed, but as a meticulously lubricated switch designed for an effortless glide, one can expect a smooth and responsive typing experience as well. If these switches are comparable, both may offer a similar level of comfort and ease of use, making them suitable for various typing preferences.
In conclusion, while the Durock Black Lotus and HMX Poro linear switches may share certain characteristics, particularly in promoting a smooth typing experience, differences in their sound profiles and unspecified feel qualities set them apart. The Black Lotus delivers a unique and refined tactile sensation, while the Poro offers a more auditory experience with its clacky sound. Understanding these qualities will help you make an informed decision, as both switches can cater to different preferences within a mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Durock Black Lotus and the HMX Poro linear switches ultimately depends on your typing preferences and use cases. If you favor a more substantial and controlled feel with medium-heavy resistance, the Black Lotus is an excellent option. Its silky smoothness and precision can enhance your typing experience, turning every keystroke into a satisfying action, which is particularly beneficial if you type extensively or engage in sufficient gaming sessions. Plus, the unique in-switch lighting adds an aesthetic touch to your setup. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a more effortless glide, the HMX Poro is the way to go. Its 50g actuation force makes it suitable for rapid typing and gaming, complemented by a satisfyingly poppy sound profile. Additionally, the meticulous lubrication ensures a smooth experience that reduces fatigue during long sessions. In the end, choosing the Black Lotus will give you a refined and precise typing experience, while the Poro will deliver a quick and light touch, making for an exciting and enjoyable keystroke.
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