Cherry MX Red vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Red and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Cherry MX Red and HMX Poro linear switches stand out for their unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Cherry MX Red is celebrated for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, offering a robust typing experience that combines responsiveness with a satisfying auditory depth. This switch is often favored by gamers and typists who appreciate a more substantial feedback and a 'thocky,' low-pitched sound with a textured feel. In contrast, the HMX Poro switch is designed for silky smooth keystrokes, featuring meticulous lubrication that ensures an effortless glide. Users of the Poro can expect a more poppy and clacky sound profile, attributed to its ultra-light actuation force, making it great for those who enjoy a lighter touch and rapid key presses. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference—whether you lean towards a robust auditory experience or a smooth, gliding sensation. 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
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 Red and HMX Poro switches both feature a nylon housing, which significantly influences their sound profiles and typing experiences. Both switches incorporate nylon in their top and bottom housings, a material recognized in the mechanical switch community for its ability to produce a muted, fuller sound compared to more rigid plastics. With both switches using the same housing material, users can expect similar auditory feedback characterized by a deeper and rounder sound. As nylon tends to absorb more sound due to its softer composition, typing on either switch will likely deliver a satisfying acoustic feedback that many enthusiasts seek.
While both the Cherry MX Red and HMX Poro share nylon as a common material for their housing, it’s important to note that the impact of the housing type on the overall switch feel and sound is nuanced. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and overall tactile sensation when a key is pressed, while the top housing predominantly influences the acoustic quality when the key is released. Since both switches contain the same nylon material in both their top and bottom housings, the characteristics of the switch experience, including sound and feel, are likely to harmonize closely. This means that even if the designs or mechanisms of the switches differ, the essence derived from the nylon housing will yield a familiar experience.
Thus, in scenarios where users are comparing the Cherry MX Red and HMX Poro, they can anticipate comparable performance regarding sound profiles due to the identical housing materials. This shared foundation of nylon across both switches not only aligns their acoustic qualities but also creates a consistent tactile experience during usage. Ultimately, whether typing on the Cherry MX Red or the HMX Poro, users can expect a blend of comfort and auditory satisfaction, as both switches essentially derive their shared characteristics from the qualities of the nylon used in their housings.
Weight
The Cherry MX Red linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch exhibit intriguing similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally responsive for typing and gaming tasks. However, the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Red is unavailable, while the HMX Poro has a specified bottom out force of 50 grams. This indicates that the Poro provides a slightly firmer resistance when fully depressed. Therefore, while both switches are fairly lightweight in terms of actuation, the HMX Poro is the heavier option due to its higher bottom out force. For users who favor a lighter touch over extended periods of typing or gaming, the Cherry MX Red would likely be the more comfortable choice. In contrast, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience might opt for the HMX Poro, appreciating its heavier bottom out feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, the Cherry MX Red has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Poro measures slightly shorter at 3.7 mm. This means that the Cherry MX Red offers a more pronounced depth upon keypress, catering to users who appreciate a more substantial tactile feedback. On the other hand, the HMX Poro, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers and users seeking quicker response times for enhanced performance. Thus, for those who favor a traditional typing experience with more depth, the Cherry MX Red is the better choice, whereas those who prefer a more rapid, albeit potentially less tactile experience might gravitate towards the HMX Poro. In summary, the Cherry MX Red has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Poro's 3.7 mm, making it better suited for users who enjoy a deeper keypress sensation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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 Cherry MX Red switch presents a notably thocky and low-pitched profile, delivering a rich auditory experience that contributes to a satisfying typing rhythm. This deeper sound echoes a sense of robustness, enhancing the tactile experience with its thudding tones that can be appealing in both gaming and typing scenarios. In contrast, while the HMX Poro linear switch is characterized by its satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound profile, specific descriptors regarding its audibility are unknown. However, the presence of a clacky quality suggests a sound that is more crisp and higher-pitched compared to the bass-heavy MX Red, thus creating a different auditory atmosphere.
In terms of feel, the MX Red is described as textured, which means it offers a slightly rougher feedback during key presses. This can create a unique typing sensation that some users may find compelling, as it involves a level of friction that engages the fingertips. However, the specific tactile qualities of the HMX Poro remain unknown. The Poro's reputation for silky smooth keystrokes, complemented by meticulous lubrication, implies a notably smoother experience, likely free of any friction or roughness. This could appeal to users seeking a consistently effortless typing experience without the interference of texture.
Overall, if you are looking for linear switches, both the Cherry MX Red and HMX Poro offer distinctive experiences that cater to different preferences. The MX Red lends itself to a deeper sound and a textured feel, creating a robust typing atmosphere that some may find more traditional. Meanwhile, the HMX Poro aims to provide a smoother touch with a poppy auditory charm that could attract those who prefer a lighter, more refined keystroke. Ultimately, your choice might depend on whether you prioritize an engaging sound profile or a uniquely smooth feel, as both switches promise reliable performance in their own right.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Cherry MX Red linear switches and HMX Poro linear switches largely depends on your personal preference and typing style. If you prioritize a robust typing experience with a satisfying auditory depth, coupled with a slightly heftier feel, the Cherry MX Red is an excellent choice. Its thocky sound profile and textured feel can enhance your typing experience, particularly if you enjoy a bit of feedback while typing. On the other hand, if you lean towards a silky smooth keystroke and an ultra-light actuation force, the HMX Poro might be the right fit for you. With its meticulously lubricated design and satisfyingly poppy sound profile, the Poro offers a more effortless and fluid typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you value the depth and texture of the MX Reds or the smoothness and lightness of the HMX Poros—both of which can cater to distinct preferences in the mechanical keyboard landscape.
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