Jerrzi Coral vs. HMX Poro

Overview

When selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, it's essential to consider both feel and sound, and two noteworthy options are the Jerrzi Coral and the HMX Poro, both of which are linear switches. The Coral is celebrated for its distinctively crisp typing feel and lower-pitched resonance, offering a sophistication in every keystroke that appeals to users who appreciate nuanced feedback. Its silky texture adds an element of luxury to typing, making it an enticing choice for those who seek a balance of performance and comfort. On the other hand, the HMX Poro switch shines with its ultra-light actuation force and meticulously lubricated design, resulting in silky smooth keystrokes that feel effortless. This switch delivers a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound, appealing to those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. Both switches have their unique strengths—a crisp and sophisticated experience with the Coral and a smooth and engaging feel with the Poro. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that truly suits your typing style and preferences.

By the numbers

Jerrzi Coral Linear

HMX Poro Linear

$2.79

$2.30 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Jerrzi Coral and HMX Poro utilize distinct materials for their top housing, which leads to varied acoustic characteristics in their sound profiles. The Coral features a polycarbonate top housing that is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Due to its stiffness, polycarbonate allows for a more resonant sound, particularly beneficial for those who enjoy the clarity of keystrokes. In contrast, the Poro's top housing is made from nylon, a material that fosters a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature dampens sound, resulting in a type of keystroke feedback that is rounder and more subdued. This fundamental difference sets the tone for how each switch will feel and sound when in use.

When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Coral and the Poro share a commonality, utilizing nylon in their constructions. This consistency means that both switches will deliver a similar acoustical experience at the bottom-out level—where the keypress is fully completed. The characteristics of nylon provide a sound that is deeper and absorbs more resonance, allowing for a rounded auditory result that softens abrupt impacts. As a result, regardless of the differences in the top housings, users can expect a unified and mellow typing experience from both models when their keys are fully depressed, courtesy of the nylon bottoms.

In summary, the variation in top housing materials creates distinctive sound profiles for the Jerrzi Coral and HMX Poro during key releases, with polycarbonate offering clarity and nylon providing warmth. However, the similarities in their nylon bottom housings bring together an element of sound absorption that enriches the overall typing experience for both switches. Therefore, while the nuanced auditory differences will appeal to various user preferences, both switches ultimately capitalize on the benefits of nylon in a way that ensures a pleasing bottom-out sensation, thereby uniting their appeal even amidst their distinct construction differences.

Weight

When comparing the actuation forces of the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, we see some differences. The Coral has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, while the Poro requires a slightly heavier 45 grams to register a keystroke. This means that typists who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may find the Coral more comfortable. However, the Coral's bottom out force is unknown, while the Poro's bottom out force is measured at 50 grams, indicating that the Poro provides a more substantial feel when pressed down fully. Consequently, for those who favor a more significant tactile response and don't mind a heavier switch, the Poro would be the better choice, whereas users looking for easier actuation may lean towards the Coral. Overall, the Coral is the lighter switch in terms of actuation force, whereas the Poro’s defined bottom out force adds a layer of feedback that may appeal to different preferences.

Travel distance

Both the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch have an identical travel distance of 3.7 mm, meaning that when pressed down, both switches respond with the same feel and feedback. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users will experience a consistent keypress sensation across both switch types, making them equally suitable for those who prefer a linear feel in their typing experience. Therefore, one can expect to achieve similar results in terms of responsiveness and travel distance when using either the Coral or the Poro switch.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Jerrzi Coral linear switch presents a distinctive low-pitched resonance that offers a more mellow tone, making it suitable for environments where a softer auditory footprint is preferred. This bass-heavy quality contributes to a more nuanced and sophisticated typing experience. In contrast, while the HMX Poro linear switch is highlighted for its "satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound profile," specific descriptors for its sound are less defined. However, this suggests that the Poro may have a sharper and perhaps louder auditory presence compared to the Coral. Ultimately, the true acoustic quality of both switches will be affected by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, but the Coral is likely to lend a more subdued auditory experience, while the Poro leans towards a livelier sound.

In terms of feel, the Coral switch boasts a silky typing experience, designed to minimize resistance during key presses and releases, making it exceptionally smooth. This quality can enhance comfort over prolonged typing sessions. The HMX Poro switch, described as meticulously lubricated for effortless gliding, indicates a similar intention for a smooth interaction, although specific tactile characteristics are not detailed. If both switches emphasize smoothness—one through its silky nature and the other through lubrication—users can expect a satisfying tactile experience regardless of the choice between them.

In conclusion, both the Jerrzi Coral and HMX Poro linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Coral's low-pitched sound and silky feel are ideal for those seeking a softer and refined typing experience, while the Poro's poppy sound and emphasis on glide make it suitable for users looking for a more dynamic auditory and tactile feedback. Whether one prefers the smooth sophistication of the Coral or the lively character of the Poro, each provides an enjoyable typing experience that can be tailored through keyboard and keycap choices.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, your choice should hinge on your specific typing preferences and the overall experience you desire. If you prioritize a distinctly crisp typing feel and appreciate a polished, sophisticated sound profile, the Coral switch will likely be your best bet. Its lower-pitched resonance offers a unique auditory experience, making it particularly appealing for those who enjoy a more refined typing atmosphere. On the other hand, if you’re looking for an ultra-smooth gliding experience combined with a satisfying poppy sound, the HMX Poro switch may be more suited to your needs. With its light 50-gram bottom-out force and lubricated mechanism, it’s designed to provide effortless keystrokes that can make long typing sessions much more enjoyable. Ultimately, consider what aspects—like sound, feel, and actuation force—are most important to you in your keyboard experience, and choose accordingly.

Mentioned in this article

Jerrzi Coral Linear

$2.79

$2.30 per 10

Learn more

HMX Poro Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more