Cherry MX Brown vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Cherry MX Brown and the HMX Poro provide distinct experiences catering to different preferences. The Cherry MX Brown is celebrated for its subtlety, offering a gentle tactile sensation and low-pitched audio feedback that makes it an excellent choice for typists who appreciate a moderate level of resistance without the disruption of loud clicking sounds. In contrast, the HMX Poro linear switch excels in delivering a smooth, effortless keystroke experience, complemented by a satisfying pop and clack sound profile. This switch appeals to gamers and fast typists who prefer an ultra-light actuation force and seamless key presses. While one focuses on tactile feedback and a more pronounced typing experience, the other prioritizes a fluid and rapid input style. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Cherry MX Brown and HMX Poro switches display remarkable similarities, particularly in their shared nylon construction for both the top and bottom housings. Nylon is regarded as a classic material for switch housings, and both switches utilize its properties to enhance the typing experience. The use of nylon contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a relatively softer plastic that effectively absorbs sound. This absorption minimizes the high-pitched ringing often associated with harder plastic housings, leading to a rounder and more muted auditory feedback when typing. As a result, users can expect a similar acoustic experience from both switches, characterized by a pleasing sound that enhances the overall feel of typing.
While both the Cherry MX Brown and HMX Poro switches utilize nylon for their housing, their performance characteristics may vary based on specific design choices beyond just the material. The distribution of sound and tactile feel when pressing a key can differ depending on the housing design. In the case of these two switches, the bottom housing plays a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound produced when releasing a key. Despite sharing the same material, nuances in shape, thickness, or venting between the Cherry MX Brown and HMX Poro could create subtle differences in keypress feedback and sound resonance, potentially appealing to distinct user preferences.
Ultimately, users can achieve similar results in terms of sound depth and absorption when utilizing the Cherry MX Brown and HMX Poro switches due to their identical housing materials. However, they should be aware that the tactile feedback and overall experience might still differ due to variations in switch design and construction. Those who prefer a specific sound or feel might gravitate toward one over the other, but the foundational quality provided by the nylon housing ensures that both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience rich in auditory and tactile pleasure.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch to the HMX Poro linear switch, we find some interesting distinctions in their force characteristics. Both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally accessible for triggering keystrokes, which is advantageous for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force differs: the Cherry MX Brown has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the HMX Poro has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that although both switches require the same amount of force to actuate, the Cherry MX Brown has a heavier feel when fully depressed, offering a more substantial typing experience. Consequently, for users who favor a lighter overall feel, the HMX Poro would be the more suitable choice due to its lighter bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, a noticeable difference emerges. The Cherry MX Brown switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Poro switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Cherry MX Brown provides a more pronounced depth when pressed, appealing to those who prefer a tactile experience. In contrast, the HMX Poro, with its shorter travel distance, caters more to gamers looking for quicker response times. Ultimately, if you prioritize a robust feel in your typing or gaming experience, the Cherry MX Brown is the better choice, while the HMX Poro is ideal for those who prefer a more immediate response with less travel.
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 Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00 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 Cherry MX Brown switches provide a bassy and low-pitched auditory experience, giving off a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. This tonal quality contributes to a mellow atmosphere that can be quite pleasing for users who prefer a more subdued audio feedback while typing. In contrast, the HMX Poro linear switches are known for their poppy and clacky sound profile, which suggests a more pronounced and lively auditory experience. However, it’s essential to note that the overall sound of both switches can be influenced by your choice of keyboard build and keycaps, meaning you'll find varying results depending on the arrangement you choose.
Regarding the feel of these switches, Cherry MX Browns feature a textured sensation, characterized by slight friction during key presses. This tactile feedback can be quite satisfying for users who appreciate a more engaged typing experience, providing a clear indication of actuation without being overly pronounced. On the other hand, while the HMX Poro switches are noted for their silky smooth keystrokes, there isn't specific information provided about their texture or friction, which leaves an aspect of their tactile quality unexamined. However, the smooth glide indicates they are likely to facilitate an effortless typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a fluid motion without tactile interruption.
Considering the overall comparison, Cherry MX Browns are a great choice for individuals who appreciate a balance of tactile feedback and subdued sound, while the HMX Poro linear switches cater to those who favor a smoother and poppier auditory experience. Each switch offers its own unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience, whether through the rich deeper tones of the Browns or the lively sounds of the Poros. Your choice will depend on personal preference, particularly regarding how you wish your keyboard to feel and sound during use.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, consider your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy a more tactile feedback experience with each keystroke, the MX Brown is an excellent choice. Its medium-light actuation force combined with a subtle tactile bump makes it ideal for those who appreciate a balance between typing feedback and a quieter environment—perfect for office settings or when you want to type with precision. The bassy and low-pitched sound profile also adds a layer of depth that can be satisfying if you enjoy the audible response of your keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, quieter typing experience with less tactile resistance, the HMX Poro linear switch is right for you. With its lighter actuation force and silky-smooth keystrokes, the Poro is particularly well-suited for fast-paced gaming or continuous typing tasks, where quick key presses are essential without the bump or sound that comes with a tactile switch. In summary, your choice ultimately hinges on your specific typing style and environment; whether you prioritize subtlety and feedback with the MX Brown or fluidity and minimal resistance with the HMX Poro will lead you to the right switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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