Gateron Ink Black V2 vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the HMX Poro stand out as compelling options for enthusiasts seeking a linear experience. The Ink Black V2 has earned its reputation as a long-time community favorite, celebrated for its smooth downstroke and rich, low-pitched clack, which gives typists and gamers alike a satisfying auditory feedback with every keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Poro offers a silky smooth typing experience; its meticulous lubrication ensures an effortless glide while delivering a surprisingly poppy and clacky sound profile, ideal for those who prefer an ultra-light actuation force. These switches cater to different preferences: the Ink Black V2 appeals to those who enjoy a deep, bassy sound, while the HMX Poro enchants users with its refined smoothness and lighter touch. 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
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Black V2 and HMX Poro, notable differences arise in their compositions and the resultant acoustic characteristics they provide. The proprietary INK blend utilized for both the top and bottom housings of the Gateron Ink Black V2 results in a pointed, high-pitched sound profile that many users describe as clacky. In contrast, the HMX Poro employs nylon for its top and bottom housings, which is a traditional material known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound. The inherent softness of nylon allows it to absorb more sound than harder housing materials, leading to a rounder and more muted auditory experience. Thus, in terms of sound profile, the Ink Black V2 leans toward a sharper, more vibrant output, while the Poro favors a softer, more subdued sound.
The impact of material choice in the housing construction also extends to tactile feedback when key presses are made. The Gateron Ink Black V2's INK blend housing, designed for a more pronounced auditory response, lends itself to a crisper and more exciting key feel. On the other hand, the nylon housing of the HMX Poro contributes to a smoother and less abrupt bottom-out experience, as the material dampens the sound impact upon activation. While both switches can provide satisfying performance, the tactile and auditory results are distinctly tailored by the inherent properties of their materials—one creating an engaging and stimulating typing experience, and the other fostering a more comfortable, near-silent typing environment.
Despite these differences, there are commonalities that allow for similar performance outcomes between the two switches under specific conditions. Both the Gateron Ink Black V2 and HMX Poro are designed to deliver distinctive auditory responses driven by their housing materials, but they do so on different sound spectrums. Users might find that, depending on their preferences, the Poro's soft sound can yield a satisfying experience for those who favor a quieter workspace without sacrificing key feel. Similarly, enthusiasts may appreciate the clacky sound of the Ink Black V2, enjoying the auditory feedback without compromising speed and accuracy. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences, though both can deliver positive typing experiences through their unique sound and feel profiles.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Ink Black V2 requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and has a bottom out force of 70 grams, which contributes to a more substantial typing experience that some users may find satisfying, especially during intensive typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the HMX Poro linear switch features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it easier to press down and ideal for prolonged use, such as in work environments or during extended gaming. This significant difference means that the Gateron Ink Black V2 is better suited for those who prefer a more robust tactile response, while the HMX Poro is tailored for users who favor a lighter touch. Overall, both switches cater to different preferences in typing feel and force requirements, ensuring that there’s an option for everyone.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, the Ink Black V2 stands out with a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Poro measures in at 3.7 mm. This makes the Gateron Ink Black V2 the longer option, providing a more substantial key press that some users may find preferable for its satisfying depth. In contrast, the HMX Poro's shorter 3.7 mm travel distance may appeal to those who favor quicker response times, particularly gamers looking for greater efficiency in their key presses. As shorter travel distances become increasingly popular, the Poro's diminished distance allows for faster actuation, which could be beneficial for rapid typing or gaming scenarios. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer the deeper, more traditional feel of the Ink Black V2 or the snappy responsiveness of the Poro.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Black V2 has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Black V2 for $7.24.
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 Gateron Ink Black V2 switch stands out with its distinctive acoustic profile. Known for its low-pitched and bassy qualities, it produces a richer and deeper tone during key presses, which can be quite satisfying to listen to. The added chirp lends a unique character, giving a hint of personality to each key stroke. In contrast, the HMX Poro switch does not have a clearly defined sound profile provided, so its acoustic characteristics remain a bit of a mystery. It’s essential to remember that the sound produced by both switches can be affected by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, which may bring subtle nuances to their auditory performance.
In terms of feel, the Ink Black V2 is characterized by its mild and polished attributes. This makes for a gentle typing experience, as its smooth key travel helps mitigate any potential discomfort during extended use. The polished nature of this switch leads to reduced friction, promoting a seamless glide that makes typing enjoyable. On the other hand, the feel of the HMX Poro switch is unspecified in the provided details, leaving its tactile experience unknown. Without concrete descriptions, it’s difficult to gauge how it might compare in terms of feedback and overall ergonomics.
Overall, while the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch offers a well-rounded auditory and tactile experience with its bassy sound and smooth feel, the HMX Poro switch leaves some aspects shrouded in uncertainty, particularly regarding its sound and feel. If you opt for the Ink Black V2, you can expect a classic, refined experience that many enthusiasts appreciate. The choice between these two switches may ultimately come down to personal preference, especially if the characteristics of the HMX Poro become more defined in future descriptions or reviews.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for force, sound, and overall typing experience. If you gravitate towards a heavier keystroke with a satisfying low-pitched sound and enjoy a polished feel that offers substantial feedback, then the Ink Black V2 would likely suit you well. It's an excellent choice for those who prefer a more robust typing experience and don’t mind a bit of effort in each press. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lightweight actuation and crave silky smooth keystrokes with a playful, poppy auditory feedback, the HMX Poro would be a better fit. Its lighter 50-gram bottom out force allows for rapid typing with minimal strain, making it ideal for extended sessions or those who prioritize speed. Therefore, consider what aspects of a switch matter most to you—whether it's the weight, sound profile, or feedback—when making your decision.
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