HMX Lucky vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the HMX Lucky and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right linear switch for your mechanical keyboard, the HMX Lucky and HMX Poro present two intriguing options, each with its own unique qualities. The HMX Lucky is renowned for its softer, glittery nylon housings, delivering a lightweight and neutral typing experience that many typists find deeply satisfying. Its design emphasizes a gentle touch, making it an excellent choice for those who value comfort during long typing sessions. In contrast, the HMX Poro switch is celebrated for its silky smooth keystrokes, thanks to meticulous lubrication that facilitates an effortless glide. Users will appreciate the Poro's poppy and clacky sound profile, a delightful feature for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. Ultimately, choosing the right switch depends on your personal preferences, whether you prioritize tactile comfort or an engaging acoustic 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
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Lucky and the HMX Poro share a striking similarity in their choice of housing material, as both models feature nylon for both the top and bottom housings. This classic switch housing material is favored for its ability to deliver a unique sound profile that enhances the typing experience. When using switches with a nylon construction, typists can expect a deeper and fuller sound, attributed to nylon's softer plastic nature, which allows for greater sound absorption compared to harder plastic alternatives. Hence, both the Lucky and the Poro are designed to provide a similar acoustic performance, ensuring that the user experiences a well-rounded and engaging typing feel.
Despite the identical materials used in their housings, the HMX Lucky and the HMX Poro could still exhibit differences in user experience based on the specific tuning or design elements that might have been employed in their construction. For instance, while both models share the same nylon properties, factors such as switch weight, travel distance, and internal design might vary, leading to subtle distinctions in tactile feedback. However, because both top and bottom housings are constructed from nylon, the fundamental sound profile elicited from pressing the switches will still resonate in the same manner, characterized by that signature dull and rounded auditory effect that users have come to appreciate.
Ultimately, the impact of each housing's material on the user experience can be understood through the interaction of top and bottom components during operation. The nylon bottom housing plays a significant role in dictating the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the nylon top housing determines the sound generated when releasing a key. Since both the Lucky and the Poro utilize the same nylon materials for these components, users can expect a decidedly consistent auditory experience across both models. While there may be nuances to explore between the two switches, the similarities in housing construction lead to comparable results in terms of sound quality and feel during use.
Weight
The HMX Lucky linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch present a noteworthy comparison in terms of their actuation and bottom out forces. The Lucky switch features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it suitable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions without a high physical strain. In contrast, the Poro switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a more substantial tactile feedback that some users may prefer for a more engaged typing experience. While both switches are categorized as light, the Lucky is notably lighter than the Poro, which could be a deciding factor for users who prioritize comfort and ease of use, particularly during long periods of typing. Therefore, those seeking a softer touch should opt for the Lucky switch, while those who appreciate a firmer keystroke may find the Poro more appealing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lucky linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, it's clear that the Lucky offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Poro has a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This 0.1 mm difference, though minimal, might appeal to users who prefer the more pronounced feedback of the Lucky switch, providing a deeper feel with each key press. On the other hand, gamers and those favoring quick response times may find the Poro’s 3.7 mm travel distance aligns better with their needs, promoting faster actuation and a more immediate sensation. Overall, if you prioritize a hearty depth in key presses, the Lucky switch would be your go-to, whereas if you lean towards enhanced responsiveness, the Poro would be the preferable choice.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Lucky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lucky for $2.99.
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 HMX Lucky linear switch produces a neutral auditory experience that many find satisfying, though specific characteristics of the sound profile are not detailed. On the other hand, the HMX Poro switch is noted for its "poppy and clacky" sound, which is likely attributed to its ultra-light actuation force and meticulous lubrication processes. This gives the Poro a more pronounced auditory feedback, making it appealing to those who enjoy auditory cues in their typing experience.
In terms of feel, the HMX Lucky switch is known for its softer, lightweight action, offering a typing sensation that is described as deeply satisfying and neutral. In contrast, the HMX Poro switch emphasizes a silky smooth keystroke that enhances the typing experience with its effortless glide. This quality may appeal particularly to those who prioritize a smoother feel in their keystrokes, offering a distinct but enjoyable typing experience.
Overall, both the Lucky and Poro switches cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Lucky focuses on a deeply satisfying and neutral feel, the Poro elevates the typing experience with its silky smoothness and more pronounced sound. Choosing between them will largely depend on whether you prefer a balanced auditory experience or a more vibrant sound with an exceptionally smooth keystroke. In both cases, you can expect a delightful typing experience, albeit with distinct characteristics.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Lucky linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter touch with a softer feel and a more neutral typing experience, the Lucky switch would be an excellent choice for you. Its glittery nylon housing contributes to a satisfying, cushioned bottom out at just 43 grams, making it ideal for those long typing sessions where comfort is a priority. On the other hand, if you enjoy a slightly firmer actuation force and appreciate an ultra-smooth keystroke with a bit more auditory feedback, the HMX Poro switch, with its 50 grams of bottom out force and meticulously lubricated mechanism, will cater to your desire for a silky glide and an engaging poppy sound profile. Therefore, consider what aspects of the typing experience matter most to you—whether it's the lightweight and soft feeling of the Lucky or the refined smoothness and sound of the Poro—to make a choice that aligns with your typing preferences.
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