HMX Deep Navy vs. HMX Poro

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect linear mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Deep Navy and HMX Poro each offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Deep Navy switches are celebrated for their rich, sharp sound profile and smooth keystrokes, thanks to their full nylon construction and specially designed Ly stem. This makes them a great choice for those who appreciate a solid auditory feedback while enjoying a luxurious typing feel. On the other hand, the HMX Poro switches stand out with their meticulously lubricated design that promotes a seamless glide, combined with a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound due to their ultra-light actuation force. This switch may appeal more to users looking for a lighter touch and a more pronounced sound with every keystroke. While both switches offer exceptional smoothness and a linear typing experience, factors such as sound profile, actuation force, and overall feel make each switch uniquely suited to different users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Deep Navy Linear

HMX Poro Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

Both the HMX Deep Navy and HMX Poro utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, which standardizes their sound characteristics and tactile feedback. Nylon is known for its softer nature, allowing it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. This shared choice in housing material ensures that users of both switches experience a consistent auditory signature, producing a rounded and somewhat muted sound when compared to switches made with stiffer materials. Therefore, regardless of which switch users choose, they can expect similar acoustic results thanks to the nylon construction.

When evaluating the specific structures of the HMX Deep Navy and HMX Poro, it is essential to recognize that both switches bring the same core properties due to the identical materials used for their housings. As the qualities of nylon enhance the sound absorption capabilities, both switches will provide a similar response while bottoming out and releasing keys. However, the individual performance of each switch may still vary slightly based on factors such as design nuances or internal mechanisms. Nonetheless, the overall sound profile remains intact, ensuring a comparable typing experience for users across both models.

In practical terms, if users are keen on differentiating between the HMX Deep Navy and HMX Poro during usage, they would focus on aspects beyond the housing material. While both switches will feel and sound similar due to their nylon housings, other factors such as actuation force or switch design can lead to variations in tactile feedback. Even if the housings yield nearly identical acoustic outcomes, the way each switch interacts with the user’s typing style can create subtle distinctions in feel. This interplay between material and design ultimately fosters an enjoyable typing experience, whether using the Deep Navy or the Poro.

Weight

The HMX Deep Navy and HMX Poro linear switches both feature relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for a variety of typing experiences. The Deep Navy has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Poro has slightly heavier specifications, with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that those who prefer a lighter touch will find the Deep Navy to be more favorable, allowing for prolonged typing sessions with less exertion. On the other hand, the Poro provides a slightly stronger push feel, which can enhance the typing experience for users who enjoy a more substantial resistance. Both switches offer a different balance for users—deep Navy is the lighter option, while Poro is the heavier, catering to varying preferences in typing dynamics.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, we find that the Deep Navy has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Poro has a slightly longer distance of 3.7 mm. This means that if you're seeking a more responsive experience, the Deep Navy may be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, which can lead to faster actuation times favored by gamers. On the other hand, the Poro, with its longer travel distance, may offer a deeper and more substantial feel, appealing to users who prefer a more pronounced key press. In summary, if fast response times are your priority, go for the Deep Navy, whereas if you appreciate a heftier key press, the Poro could be more suitable.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Deep Navy linear switch offers a rich and sharp sound profile, largely attributed to its full nylon construction. This construction contributes to a distinct auditory experience, elevating the acoustic characteristics of each keypress. In contrast, the HMX Poro linear switch is known for its satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound profile, enhanced by its ultra-light actuation force. While the Deep Navy produces a more pronounced and crisp sound, the Poro provides a livelier and more playful auditory feedback. It's important to keep in mind that the sound of each switch can also be influenced by other factors, such as the choice of keyboard plate and keycaps.

When it comes to feel, the Deep Navy switch excels with its silky smoothness, thanks to the Ly stem. This design ensures a seamless and fluid keystroke experience, making it ideal for users seeking an easy typing experience without any tactile interruptions. The Poro switch, on the other hand, focuses on creating an effortless glide due to its meticulous lubrication. While both switches provide a smooth typing experience, the Poro’s design may lend itself to a slightly lighter touch due to its ultra-light actuation force, making it easier to register presses, whereas the Deep Navy might appeal more to those who enjoy a steadily firm keystroke.

Overall, both the HMX Deep Navy and HMX Poro linear switches deliver exceptional performance in their own unique ways. The Deep Navy switch is characterized by its rich sound and silky smooth feel, making it a great choice for users who appreciate depth and clarity in their typing experience. Conversely, the Poro switch stands out with its playful sound and effortless glide, catering to those who prefer a lightweight touch and lively feedback. Depending on personal preference, one can choose to experiment with these switches based on their sound profiles and tactile sensations to achieve the desired typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the HMX Deep Navy and HMX Poro linear switches ultimately boils down to your personal preferences regarding sound profile, keystroke feel, and the specific typing experience you desire. If you appreciate a richer sound profile and a smooth keystroke experience, the Deep Navy is your go-to option, especially with its quieter, silky feel and full nylon construction that enhances durability. It's perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in their typing or gaming without distracting loud noises. On the other hand, if you lean towards a more tactile experience with a poppy and clacky sound that adds a bit of character to your keystrokes, the HMX Poro switches would be better suited for you. Despite having slightly heavier resistance, they offer an effortlessly gliding motion due to their meticulous lubrication, making them ideal for long typing sessions where you want both comfort and a zingy auditory feedback. Therefore, consider what matters most to you in your mechanical keyboard experience, and you'll find the right switch that complements your style.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Deep Navy Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

HMX Poro Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more