Gateron Ink Yellow vs. HMX Poro

Overview

When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between various options, each offering unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Ink Yellow and HMX Poro are two notable linear switches that stand out in their own right. The Ink Yellow is particularly appreciated for its shorter travel distance, providing a typing experience that bridges the gap between a laptop's soft keys and a traditional mechanical keyboard. It is known for its smoothness coupled with a pleasant clackiness, making it an appealing choice for those who seek a balance of feedback and comfort during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the HMX Poro switch is celebrated for its silky smooth keystrokes, thanks to meticulous lubrication, which translates into an effortless glide with each press. The Poro also boasts a delightfully poppy and clacky sound profile, complemented by an ultra-light actuation force, making it an excellent option for users who enjoy an audible response without the strain. Both switches cater to distinct typing experiences, catering to diverse user needs and preferences; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s right for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

HMX Poro Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Yellow switches and the HMX Poro switches, a distinct contrast emerges between the types of materials used. The Ink Yellow switches utilize a proprietary INK blend for both their top and bottom housings. This blend is engineered to produce a pointed and high-pitched sound profile, which is often described as clacky. In contrast, the HMX Poro switches employ a nylon material for both their top and bottom housings. As a classic switch housing material, nylon contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its softer nature allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics like those in the INK blend, producing a sound that is duller and rounder compared to the Ink Yellow's profile.

Another significant difference can be found in the tactile experience each switch provides due to the varying properties of their housing materials. The Gateron Ink Yellow's INK blend is designed to enhance the clackiness of key presses, providing an auditory feedback that is sharp and pronounced. This results in a crisp release sound when typing, which can be attractive to users who enjoy a more traditional clicky feel. In contrast, the nylon housing of the HMX Poro dampens the sound when keys are pressed, generating a much softer and more muted acoustic experience. This difference in tactile feedback can be very influential for users' typing preferences—those seeking an invigorating, higher-pitched response may lean towards the Ink Yellow, while players or typists desiring a smoother and quieter experience might favor the HMX Poro.

Nevertheless, if you intend to achieve similar acoustic results in terms of the sound profile for certain activities like gaming or typing, it is essential to recognize how the materials' differing characteristics interact. For instance, while the Ink Yellow's design emphasizes higher pitch and a clacky sound, the HMX Poro’s nylon material offers a rounded sound profile that might be beneficial for long typing sessions, where a softer auditory experience can minimize fatigue. If the top and bottom housings of both switches were combined, you could create hybrid switches that balance these properties, allowing users to customize their preferences further. Thus, despite clear distinctions between the housing materials, blending their qualities could yield an intriguing synthesis that focuses on enriching the user experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, it's clear that they cater to different preferences. The Ink Yellow, with a medium-heavy actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, provides a more substantial typing experience, which some users might find satisfying for longer sessions. In contrast, the HMX Poro offers a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it easier on the fingers and ideal for extended typing or gaming periods. Therefore, those who prefer a lighter switch may gravitate towards the Poro for its gentle feel, while those who enjoy a bit more resistance should consider the Ink Yellow for its heavier touch. Overall, these differences highlight the choices available to users based on their typing style and preferences.

Travel distance

The Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX Poro linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Ink Yellow, with its shorter travel distance, may provide a more responsive feel, making it a suitable choice for gamers who favor quick key presses. In contrast, the Poro's longer travel distance could cater to users who prefer a more pronounced tactile experience, as the additional 0.2 mm allows for a deeper actuation. Overall, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Ink Yellow would be the better option, while the Poro would appeal to those who enjoy a deeper, more substantial key press.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profiles of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, the Ink Yellow stands out with its clacky sound, offering a bright and percussive auditory experience that can enhance your typing enjoyment. Its neutral sound profile makes it versatile, suitable for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. This characteristic enables a pleasant acoustic backdrop that does not become intrusive. On the other hand, while the Poro switch boasts a poppy and clacky sound, specific descriptions of its sound qualities are not fully detailed, which leaves some ambiguity. However, due to its ultra-light actuation force, it likely provides an equally satisfying auditory experience, making both switches appealing for users who enjoy a pronounced sound while typing.

In terms of feel, the Ink Yellow offers a smooth and polished typing experience characterized by a mild touch. It strikes a commendable balance between being gentle and providing enough tactile feedback without overwhelming the user. This makes it approachable for beginners while still being enjoyable for more experienced typists. The factory lubing enhances its smoothness, resulting in a refined keystroke that reduces friction during use. The HMX Poro switch, while extensively praised for its silky smooth keystrokes, does not have more specific feel descriptors available. Thus, it’s challenging to compare the tactile experiences directly; however, it is reasonable to expect that the Poro shares a similar level of smoothness and ease of use, owing to the meticulous lubrication process applied.

Overall, both the Gateron Ink Yellow and the HMX Poro linear switches cater to users looking for a smoother and pleasing typing experience, albeit with different sound characteristics. The Ink Yellow’s clackiness and neutral quality make it versatile for many settings, while the Poro’s light actuation and lubricated design suggest a comparable smoothness that could also appeal to users seeking effortless keystrokes. If sound profile and feel are priorities in your keyboard selection process, you can expect a satisfying experience from either switch, allowing you to enjoy similar outcomes from both.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Yellow and the HMX Poro linear switches, consider your typing preferences and use cases. If you prefer a medium-heavy feel with a bottom-out force of 67 grams, the Ink Yellow is likely your best choice, especially if you're looking for a typing experience that balances between a laptop and a traditional mechanical keyboard. Its pleasant smoothness and clackiness make it an ideal option for both home and office settings, catering well to a variety of typing styles without being overly intrusive in sound. On the other hand, if you want a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of only 50 grams, the HMX Poro is designed to offer a silky smooth and effortless keystroke. This switch is particularly appealing for users who enjoy a more casual typing experience, with its ultra-light actuation and satisfying poppy sound profile. Ultimately, your choice should align with your personal taste—go for the Ink Yellow for a more robust tactile experience, or choose the Poro for a feather-light, smooth keystroke that is enjoyable for longer typing sessions.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more

HMX Poro Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more