Cherry MX Speed Silver vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the HMX Poro, both of which are linear switches designed for quick and responsive keystrokes. The Cherry MX Speed Silver is revered for its swift actuation and low spring resistance, making it a prime choice for gamers who rely on split-second reactions. Its full-height design not only enhances speed but also contributes to a thocky, textured feedback that many users appreciate. Conversely, the HMX Poro offers a distinct experience with its ultra-light actuation force and meticulously lubricated components, resulting in silky smooth keystrokes that glide effortlessly. While the Poro is characterized by a more poppy and clacky sound profile, it appeals to those who enjoy a tactile response without the weight typically associated with gaming switches. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to your specific needs—whether you prioritize rapid response times or a smoother and more satisfying typing 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 Speed Silver and HMX Poro switches share a common feature in their housing materials, both utilizing nylon for the top and bottom housings. Nylon is well-regarded in the mechanical keyboard community for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is largely attributed to its softer nature, which allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. As a consequence, users can expect a similar auditory experience when typing on either switch, giving them the benefit of a duller and rounder sound that enhances the overall typing experience.
While both switches employ nylon in their construction, the consistency in materials means that the sound characteristics throughout the actuation are relatively homogenous. The bottom housing of both the MX Speed Silver and HMX Poro switches notably influences the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback experienced during typing. Because they're both made from the same nylon, users will notice that the tactile response and auditory feedback are strikingly similar, regardless of which switch they are using. This continuity allows users to switch between the two without experiencing a significant change in sound or feel.
Moreover, the top housings, through their composition, further enhance the seamless typing experience across these switches. Since the nylon material remains constant, the impact of releasing a key also yields a consistent sound quality on both designs. In both cases, the softer plastic contributes to a diminished sharpness in sound that is often found in switches made of harder materials. Ultimately, whether typing on the MX Speed Silver or HMX Poro, enthusiasts can anticipate a cohesive and pleasurable typing experience, underlined by the acoustic properties and characteristics afforded by the nylon housing.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, one notices some similarities and differences regarding their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, which indicates that they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke, suggesting that users will experience similar responsiveness when typing or gaming. However, the HMX Poro switch features a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the bottom out force for the MX Speed Silver is not provided. This means that while both switches have the same actuation force, the Poro switch will require a slightly heavier press to bottom out, resulting in a more substantial feel that some users might prefer for a tactile typing experience. In contrast, the MX Speed Silver might be perceived as lighter overall due to the unknown bottom out force, appealing to those who favor less resistance for extended typing sessions. Thus, the Poro is heavier due to its bottom out force, while the MX Speed Silver may offer a lighter experience overall, depending on how the user interprets the absence of bottom out data.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, there is a noticeable difference: the MX Speed Silver has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Poro measures 3.7 mm. This makes the Cherry MX Speed Silver the shorter option, catering to gamers who appreciate quicker response times due to its reduced travel distance. Conversely, the HMX Poro’s longer travel distance of 3.7 mm may appeal more to users who favor a more substantial keystroke experience. Ultimately, if you are seeking rapid actuation and responsiveness, the shorter Cherry MX Speed Silver would be the ideal choice, whereas the Poro might be better suited for those who enjoy a more pronounced keypress.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Speed Silver 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 Speed Silver 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 Speed Silver switch offers a distinct auditory experience characterized by its thocky and low-pitched tones. This means that when you press a key, it produces a deep, rich sound reminiscent of a soft thud, lending a satisfying acoustic feedback that many users appreciate during gaming or typing. The sound profile of the Speed Silver adds to the overall gaming atmosphere, helping players stay immersed. In contrast, the specifications for the HMX Poro linear switch do not provide detailed information about its sound characteristics. Therefore, its auditory performance remains indeterminate; it's possible that it produces a softer sound due to its ultra-light actuation force, but this is speculative.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches are noted for their textured action, providing noticeable friction during key presses. While this can enhance the tactile feedback that some typists and gamers enjoy, it may not be ideal for everyone, especially those who prefer a smoother typing experience. On the other hand, there is no information available regarding the tactile feel of the HMX Poro switches. Given that they are positioned as "silky smooth" and "meticulously lubricated," it is likely they offer a much smoother actuation without the friction that characterizes the Speed Silvers.
In conclusion, both the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the HMX Poro switches cater to distinct user preferences, particularly when considering their sound and feel qualities. The Speed Silver is tailored for gamers seeking rapid response and satisfying acoustic feedback, while the Poro leans towards a smoother typing experience, although its sound profile remains unknown. If a linear switch experience is what you desire, you may find that choosing between these options largely depends on whether you value a textured feel with thocky sound or a potentially smoother experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the HMX Poro linear switches ultimately depends on your specific preferences and use cases. If you're an avid gamer, the Speed Silver switches might be your best bet due to their rapid response time and low spring resistance, providing you with an edge in fast-paced gaming scenarios where reaction time is crucial. The thocky sound profile and textured feel lend themselves well to a keystroke experience that many gamers find satisfying during intense gameplay. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth, effortless typing experience with a focus on comfort, the HMX Poro switches could be more appealing. Their light actuation force and ultra-smooth gliding action make them a great choice for extended typing sessions, while the satisfying sound also enhances the overall feel of your keyboard. In essence, whether you lean towards gaming performance or typing comfort will guide your decision between these two distinguished options.
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