Jerrzi Orange vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Orange and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the Jerrzi Orange and HMX Poro can greatly influence your typing experience. The Jerrzi Orange switches are celebrated for their clacky and lively feel, providing responsive feedback that appeals to enthusiasts looking for a vibrant typing experience. With a feather-light actuation force, they are easy to press, making them ideal for users who value a playful and energetic keystroke. On the other hand, the HMX Poro switches offer a different kind of allure, featuring silky smooth keystrokes that glide effortlessly due to meticulous lubrication. While they also boast a poppy and clacky sound profile, the Poro switches focus on a consistent and smooth travel that can enhance typing comfort for extended sessions. Both switches cater to particular preferences, and while the Jerrzi Orange may excite those seeking a dynamic and tactile feedback, the HMX Poro provides a refined, hassle-free typing experience. 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
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Jerrzi Orange and HMX Poro switches showcase distinct sound profiles largely influenced by their respective housing materials. The Jerrzi Orange features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Polycarbonate's stiffer nature allows for a more resonant acoustic experience, especially beneficial when integrated with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the HMX Poro utilizes a nylon top housing, which leads to a sound profile that is deeper and fuller. The softer composition of nylon absorbs more sound vibrations, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. This fundamental difference in material between the two switches suggests that users might prefer one over the other depending on their desired acoustic characteristics.
Interestingly, both the Jerrzi Orange and HMX Poro share a commonality in their bottom housings, as both use nylon. This similarity ensures that both switches deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile from the bottom housing. Since nylon is a classic material for switch housings, both switches benefit from its ability to absorb sound, making the bottom-out experience for both quite harmonious. The softer impact of nylon contributes to a more rounded sound when the key is pressed down, bringing a tactile richness and a consistent typing experience across both switches despite the contrasting materials in their upper housings.
Ultimately, the blend of materials in the Jerrzi Orange and HMX Poro highlights how top and bottom housings differentially influence the overall sound profile. Because the Orange's top housing is made from a stiffer polycarbonate, it contributes to a clearer sound on release, while the Poro's nylon top housing softens the auditory experience. However, with both switches featuring the same nylon material in their bottom housings, key presses across both products will share a similar sense of depth and fullness. This combination demonstrates how varying materials can be leveraged to manipulate sound profiles in keyboards, catering to user preferences for tactile feedback and auditory satisfaction.
Weight
The Jerrzi Orange linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Orange switch features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making it more suited for those who prefer a keyboard that allows for extended typing sessions with less fatigue. Conversely, the Poro switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, catering to users who enjoy a more substantial push feel while typing. In terms of bottom out force, the Poro switch offers a definitive measurement of 50 grams, while the bottom out force for the Jerrzi Orange switch is unknown, leaving it unclear how it compares in this regard. Overall, if one seeks a lighter typing experience, the Jerrzi Orange is the preferable choice, while those who appreciate a firmer resistance should lean towards the HMX Poro, particularly given its established bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Orange linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.7 mm, meaning they provide the same tactile experience when pressed. This identical travel distance ensures that users can expect similar feedback and actuation between the two switches, making them interchangeable for those who prioritize consistent key feel. Since both switches share the same travel distance, anyone using either switch will likely enjoy a consistent and familiar pressing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Orange has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $2.30.
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 evaluating the sound profile of the Jerrzi Orange linear switch, it’s characterized by a clacky nature that delivers a sharp, bright, and percussive auditory response with each keystroke. This crisp feedback makes it an engaging option for those who relish a lively typing atmosphere. By contrast, the HMX Poro linear switch hasn't been as thoroughly described in terms of sound; however, it is noted for having a poppy and clacky sound profile, which suggests it might share a similar vibrant auditory experience. It's important to remember that the final sound output is influenced by various factors, including the choice of keyboard and keycap materials, but both switches are expected to offer an appealing sound that can enliven the typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Jerrzi Orange switches excel with their lightweight and feathery action, requiring minimal effort to press down while still providing robust feedback. This design reduces finger fatigue and enhances comfort during extended typing sessions, making them ideal for gaming, work, or school. The Orange's easy-to-press nature ensures a low-impact tactile experience that most users will appreciate. The HMX Poro linear switch is described as meticulously lubricated for a silky smooth keystroke experience, which implies an effortless glide during typing. While the direct tactile profile of the Poro isn't detailed, its craftsmanship hints at a focus on improving the overall feel, potentially aligning with the ease and comfort of the Jerrzi Orange.
In conclusion, both the Jerrzi Orange and HMX Poro linear switches offer distinct yet appealing qualities that can cater to different preferences. The Orange is celebrated for its lively sound and feathery feel, promoting a responsive and comfortable typing experience. Meanwhile, the Poro, while not as thoroughly benchmarked, appears geared towards a smooth and effortless action that echoes the lightweight characteristics of the Orange. For users seeking a balance between auditory enjoyment and tactile comfort, either switch would likely provide a satisfying experience, albeit with specific nuances that might appeal differently depending on personal preference.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Jerrzi Orange linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a lively and responsive keyboard experience with a pronounced auditory feedback, the Jerrzi Orange is the way to go. Its clacky sound profile and feathery touch make it perfect for gamers and typists alike who desire a critical auditory response and less finger fatigue during lengthy sessions. Conversely, if you prefer a smooth, effortless typing experience with a more subdued sound, the HMX Poro is an excellent option. Its silkiness and quieter operation allow for comfortable, focused work or casual use without overwhelming noise levels. Both switches provide unique benefits, so consider what aspects of typing and sound resonate more with you to make your final decision.