Gateron Jupiter Red vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Red and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Jupiter Red and HMX Poro stand out as two compelling options, each catering to different preferences in the typing experience. The Gateron Jupiter Red is celebrated for its smooth, uninterrupted keystroke, featuring a single-stage spring that provides a medium-heavy actuation force. This switch prioritizes a polished and creamy feel, making it ideal for users who value a seamless and consistent typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Poro offers a notably different tactile experience; its meticulously lubricated construction ensures silky smooth keystrokes, while the ultra-light actuation force and the satisfying poppy, clacky sound profile create an engaging auditory experience. While both switches are linear and excel in delivering a smooth typing sensation, they each appeal to different tastes—whether one prioritizes a heavier feel with a refined touch or a lighter, more playful interaction. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When analyzing the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Red and the HMX Poro switches, we see notable differences, particularly in their top housing construction. The Jupiter Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which contributes to a more resonant auditory experience. Its translucency also makes it ideal for RGB lighting, allowing the light to shine through clearly and enhance the aesthetic appeal of the switch. In contrast, the HMX Poro switch utilizes a nylon top housing, which has a classic reputation among switch enthusiasts. Nylon has a softer texture that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing sound to produce a duller, rounder quality. Thus, while the Jupiter Red may raise the brightness of sound when keys are released, the Poro dampens it, lending itself to a more subdued acoustics.
The bottom housings of both switches, however, are constructed from nylon, leading to uniformity in their performance here. The nylon bottom is indeed a common feature, contributing to a deeper and fuller auditory experience for both switches when keys bottom out. The plush sound quality from the nylon material helps to minimize noise and create a more satisfying typing feel. As a result, when bottoming out, you might find both switches to produce a similar auditory result due to the shared nylon bottom housing. This coherence in their bottom housings ensures that both switches maintain a level of acoustic stability, regardless of the differences in their top housing materials.
Overall, the differing top housings lead to varied sound profiles that users will experience when typing. The Jupiter Red leverages the crispness of polycarbonate to deliver a brighter auditory feedback, while the HMX Poro, with its softer nylon top, offers a more muted sound. Nevertheless, with both switches utilizing nylon for their lower sections, users can expect a comparable experience when it comes to the bottoming out sound. Therefore, while the properties of the top housing significantly influence the overall feedback and tone of keypresses, the similar nylon bottom housing ensures a sense of harmony when the keys are fully pressed.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, both share the same actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that users will experience similar responsiveness when pressing the keys. However, the differences lie in their bottom out forces; the Gateron Jupiter Red has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the HMX Poro exhibits a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. This contrast suggests that the Jupiter Red will provide a heavier typing experience, offering a more substantial feel as keys are pressed down completely, suitable for those who prefer a more robust sensation. In contrast, the lighter bottom out force of the Poro makes it easier to bottom out the keys, which could be more comfortable for extended typing sessions, making it a better choice for users who prioritize ease during prolonged use. Overall, while both switches deliver the same actuation feel, the Jupiter Red offers a heavier force upon bottoming out compared to the lighter and more forgiving Poro.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, we see a noticeable difference. The Jupiter Red features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Poro offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This difference may appeal to different users depending on their preferences for key feel and responsiveness. Gamers often favor the shorter 3.7 mm travel distance of the Poro, as it allows for quicker actuation and faster response times, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming scenarios. On the other hand, the Jupiter Red's 4 mm travel distance provides a more traditional and hearty depth that some users may find more satisfying and less abrupt. Ultimately, if you prefer the quicker response of a shorter travel distance, the Poro is the better choice; however, if you appreciate a more pronounced feedback, the Jupiter Red will likely suit your needs better.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Gateron Jupiter Red comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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 Jupiter Red linear switch delivers a neutral profile, making it versatile for various environments, whether at home or in the office. With a moderate actuation force, it maintains a balanced sound that is neither too loud nor too soft, catering well to both beginners and seasoned users alike. In contrast, the HMX Poro linear switch produces a poppy and clacky sound profile, attributable to its ultra-light actuation force. This characteristic lends itself to a more expressive auditory experience, perfect for those who enjoy a bit more flair with each keystroke, though the overall sound can also greatly depend on the board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Jupiter Red excels with its polished, creamy, silky, and mild characteristics. The combination of these traits ensures a smooth, refined typing experience with excellent key travel, significantly reducing friction. Users can expect an effortlessly buttery glide as their fingers traverse the keys, which can be inviting for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the feel of the HMX Poro switch is not specified in the information provided, leaving us with an unknown aspect of its tactile experience. However, it's likely that the meticulous lubrication contributes to a smooth typing sensation akin to that of the Jupiter Red.
Overall, while both switches serve distinct purposes, they also share similarities that could cater to users seeking specific qualities. The Gateron Jupiter Red offers a more balanced sound with a smooth, refined feel, making it ideal for individuals looking for a pleasant and versatile typing experience. The HMX Poro switch, with its poppy sound, may appeal to those who prefer added auditory expression, but without specifics on its feel, it's hard to make a direct comparison in that regard. Both switches have their merits, and the choice ultimately depends on the user's priorities in terms of sound dynamics and the tactile experience they desire.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, consider the type of typing experience and sound profile you prefer. If you enjoy a smooth, polished keystroke with a slightly heavier actuation force of 60 grams, the Jupiter Red will be your ideal choice. It’s perfect for those who appreciate a consistent and refined typing feel, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users across various environments, whether at home or in the workplace. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter touch and seek an effortlessly smooth typing experience with a delightful sound, the HMX Poro, with its 50-gram actuation force, might be more to your liking. Its ultra-light actuation coupled with a satisfying poppy sound profile makes it perfect for fast typists or those who enjoy a more spirited auditory feedback while typing. Ultimately, your choice should align with your personal preferences, typing habits, and the environment in which you'll be using these switches.
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