Cherry MX Purple RGB vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the differences between switches can significantly affect your typing experience. The Cherry MX Purple RGB offers a refined tactile experience, featuring a short, medium-strength bump that provides satisfying feedback, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate tactile response without overly loud noise. This switch, developed in collaboration with keyboard enthusiast Glarses, is ideal for typists who seek a balance between comfort and performance. On the other hand, the HMX Poro switch presents a contrasting option with its linear design, allowing for silky smooth keystrokes that glide effortlessly, thanks to meticulous lubrication. With an ultra-light actuation force, the Poro switch is perfect for users who favor quick, uninterrupted key presses and enjoy a satisfyingly poppy sound profile. Both switches cater to different preferences—whether you lean towards tactile feedback or a smooth linear experience. 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
N/A
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
Nylon
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 Cherry MX Purple RGB and the HMX Poro switches share a noticeable similarity in their choice of housing materials, both utilizing nylon for both their top and bottom housings. This choice is significant as nylon is well-regarded in the mechanical keyboard community for its acoustic properties. The use of nylon contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, which is attributed to its relatively softer structure. As a result, both switches will likely provide similar auditory experiences, characterized by a duller and rounder sound due to the material's ability to absorb sound better than harder alternatives.
In addition to sound quality, the physical characteristics of the nylon housing in both switches further enhance the typing experience. Since the bottom housing considerably impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, both the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the HMX Poro are designed to deliver a soft and satisfying keystroke. The nylon material ensures that when a user presses down on the switch, they experience a comfortable resistance, complemented by the muted sound that contributes to a more pleasant typing environment. The consistent use of nylon in both switches reinforces a tactile feedback that complements the auditory generation.
While the housing materials between the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the HMX Poro may be identical, it is essential to understand the dynamics of how the top and bottom housings interact during use. Each switch's acoustic profile can be contributed through a blend of properties from both the top and bottom housings. The sound produced upon releasing a key is primarily influenced by the top housing while the tactile sensation from bottoming out is significantly dictated by the bottom housing. This concert of properties across both switches ensures that users experience a cohesive and pleasing typing overall, regardless of the specific brand, thanks to the shared characteristics of the nylon material.
Weight
The Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the HMX Poro linear switch exhibit similarities in their actuation forces, both requiring 45 grams of pressure to register a keystroke. This means that for typing or gaming sessions, users will experience a consistent tactile response with either switch, promoting a similar typing feel. However, the HMX Poro switch diverges when considering bottom out force, which is specified at 50 grams, indicating it requires slightly more force to fully press the key down compared to the MX Purple RGB, for which the bottom out force is unknown. As a result, users trying to choose based on weight will find the Cherry MX Purple RGB to be the lighter option overall, making it a suitable choice for extended typing sessions or gaming, whereas the HMX Poro with its heavier bottom out force may appeal to those who prefer a more robust tactile feedback and a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Poro linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the MX Purple RGB the longer option, providing a more substantial keypress that some users may find satisfying for typing or gaming. In contrast, the Poro's 3.7 mm travel distance offers a more responsive experience conducive to faster reaction times, a characteristic favored by many gamers. While both switches have their own advantages depending on user preference, the MX Purple RGB will deliver a deeper keypress feel compared to the more abrupt response of the HMX Poro.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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
The sound profile of the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches offers a refined and distinct auditory feedback, characterized by a noticeable tactile bump that gives off a satisfying “thock” during typing. In comparison, the HMX Poro linear switches present a poppy and clacky sound that resonates well with those who prefer a more pronounced audio response with their keystrokes. While both offer unique sound experiences, it's important to remember that the overall sound can vary based on the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used, meaning one can achieve desirable auditory results with either switch depending on their specific setup.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches provide a tactile experience that features a short, medium-strength bump developed for a comfortable typing experience, making it ideal for users who want a bit of feedback without the starkness of a full click. On the other hand, the HMX Poro linear switches excel in their silky smooth operation, allowing for an effortless glide throughout the keystroke, with no tactile feedback but a very lightweight actuation. This difference in feel leads to distinct typing experiences; the Cherry MX Purple RGB is excellent for those who appreciate tactile feedback, while the HMX Poro is suited for users who prefer a linear feel and smooth transitions.
Overall, the choice between the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the HMX Poro linear switch largely depends on individual preferences for sound and feel. The MX Purple RGB impresses with its tactile feedback and refined sound, while the HMX Poro shines with its smooth action and vibrant auditory response. Both switches cater to different typing experiences, so the key is to consider what aspects are most important to you: the tactile sensation and sound of the Cherry MX Purple or the smoothness and clackiness of the HMX Poro.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switches and HMX Poro linear switches ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and intended use. If you appreciate a tactile feel with a noticeable bump that enhances your typing experience—especially if you're typing long documents or coding—the Cherry MX Purple switches would be ideal. Their medium-strength tactile feedback allows you to feel each keystroke without requiring excessive force, making them suitable for users who enjoy a bit of feedback but not too much resistance. On the other hand, if you prefer the smoothness of a linear switch that glides effortlessly during key presses, the HMX Poro linear switch is the better option. With a light actuation force and a satisfying sound profile, these switches are fantastic for gaming and fast-paced typing scenarios, as they can help you achieve rapid key presses without the distraction of tactile feedback. Ultimately, consider how you plan to use your mechanical keyboard: for tactile feedback and an engaging typing experience, go for the Cherry MX Purple; for a slick, responsive feel that promotes speed, choose the HMX Poro.
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