Gazzew LT vs. HMX Poro

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between options that provide distinct tactile experiences, such as the Gazzew LT and the HMX Poro, both of which are linear switches. The Gazzew LT, with its striking lilac hue, is celebrated for its deep, resonant 'thocky' sound profile that offers auditory delight alongside a buttery smooth keystroke experience. Its categorization as 'bassy' and 'low-pitched' makes it an enticing choice for users seeking a more robust typing rhythm. In contrast, the HMX Poro switches offer a bright and lively experience with their silky smooth glide and ultra-light actuation force, producing a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound that appeals to those who favor a more responsive touch. While the Gazzew LT is ideal for achieving a low, thocky resonance during typing, the HMX Poro excels in providing a light and playful keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preference.

By the numbers

Gazzew LT Linear

HMX Poro Linear

$6.50 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gazzew LT and HMX Poro switches exhibit distinct approaches to their housing materials, influencing their sound profiles in unique ways. Both switches prioritize a softer plastic formulation for their top and bottom housings, with the Gazzew LT employing a proprietary blend known as "boba plastic" and the HMX Poro utilizing nylon. The softness of both materials is a significant factor in producing a rich and full sound experience. The LT’s Gazzew blend is specifically designed to enhance the auditory properties of the switch, while the nylon used in the Poro also contributes to a deeper sound profile. While their specific materials differ, the emphasis on softness in both contexts underscores a shared goal of achieving satisfying acoustics and tactile feedback during use.

Despite their differences, both the Gazzew LT and HMX Poro can offer similar results in terms of sound output and typing experience. Since both top and bottom housings in both switches prioritize softer materials, they share common traits that shape their acoustic characteristics. The softness of the Gazzew blend and nylon allows for sound absorption, dampening the impact noise and creating a more rounded auditory experience. Therefore, users can expect a comparably deep and satisfying sound profile from either switch, even though the specific plastics utilized are not the same. This alignment in goals demonstrates that various materials can achieve similar acoustical results when engineered thoughtfully.

When considering the impact of these materials on the overall switch experience, it is essential to note the roles of the top and bottom housings. The Gazzew LT's bottom housing, like the HMX Poro’s, plays a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and feel during typing while still benefiting from the acoustic-enhancing properties inherent in its soft construction. Similarly, the top housing of both switches influences the sound produced upon releasing a key. Hence, while there are materials differences, both switches create an engaging typing experience characterized by rich sound profiles, making both options appealing to enthusiasts looking for a blend of tactile feedback and auditory satisfaction in their keyboard setup.

Weight

The Gazzew LT linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, which can influence user preference based on typing or gaming needs. The LT switch has a bottom out force of 65 grams, classified as medium-heavy, but its actuation force is not specified. This makes it challenging to determine the force required for a keystroke. In contrast, the Poro switch features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a lower bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer less resistance and longer typing sessions without fatigue. Despite the LT's undefined actuation force, its higher bottom out force suggests a more substantial typing experience compared to the lighter Poro switch. Therefore, the Poro is the lighter option, while the LT, with its heavier bottom out force and unknown actuation, caters to those favoring a stronger push feel.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gazzew LT linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, there's a noticeable difference between the two. The Gazzew LT features a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the HMX Poro has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the LT the shorter option, which can be beneficial for users seeking a more responsive feel, particularly favored by gamers who benefit from quicker key actuation. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Poro at 3.7 mm may be preferable for those who enjoy a more substantial depth when pressing keys, providing a softer stop and potentially preventing abruptness in keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences regarding responsiveness versus key depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gazzew LT linear switches stand out with their deep, resonant profile, often referred to as "thocky." This sound is characterized by a low-pitched, bassy tone that produces a satisfying auditory experience reminiscent of a deep thud when key presses are engaged, creating an engaging atmosphere for typing. In contrast, the HMX Poro switches offer a poppy and clacky sound profile that is notably different. While the Poro's sounds are less defined in the description, the indication of an ultra-light actuation force suggests a potentially higher-pitched sound during key presses. Thus, while the LT provides a rich and full sound, the Poro may lean towards a brighter, more energetic audio experience.

In terms of feel, the Gazzew LT switches are known for their seamless glide during keystrokes, offering a tactile experience that enhances the overall actuation moment. This smoothness helps resist fatigue during extended typing sessions, creating a satisfying engagement. The HMX Poro, being meticulously lubricated, promises an effortless glide, which aligns with the goal of creating a smooth typing experience. However, specifics about the tactile response of the Poro switches are not provided. Thus, while both options emphasize a smooth action, determining how they would feel in terms of tactile feedback requires more detailed information about the Poro.

In conclusion, both the Gazzew LT and HMX Poro linear switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences tailored to different preferences. The LT's deep thocky sound may appeal to those who favor a richer auditory sensation, while the Poro's poppy sound might cater to individuals looking for a livelier typing experience. Both switches emphasize smooth keystrokes, suggesting a satisfying glide that can enhance typing comfort. Choosing between these two will ultimately depend on personal audio preference and tactile feedback expectations, and newcomers are encouraged to consider trying out both to determine which aligns better with their style.

Conclusion

To sum up, choosing between the Gazzew LT linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch ultimately depends on your preferences in feel, sound, and typing experience. If you favor a weightier feel and enjoy the satisfying thocky auditory feedback that comes with a deeper, bassy tone, the Gazzew LT is your go-to option. Its 65-gram bottom-out force creates a pronounced keystroke experience that many enthusiasts find gratifying for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and desire a smoother, more effortless glide with a delightful pop and clack sound profile, the HMX Poro switch would be the better choice for you. With a 50-gram bottom-out force, it is designed for quick and easy actuation, making it ideal for rapid keystrokes and extended typing sessions. Thus, when deciding between these two, consider your typing style and sound preferences to ensure you select the switch that best enhances your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gazzew LT Linear

$6.50 per 10

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HMX Poro Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more