Haimu Neo White vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the Haimu Neo White and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Haimu Neo White and HMX Poro both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Neo White switches are distinguished by their medium weight and slightly reduced travel, providing a unique typing experience with a smooth actuation thanks to their rare Ly stem design. This results in a mild and neutral feel, ideal for typists who appreciate a balanced response without excessive force. In contrast, the HMX Poro switches are known for their silky smooth keystrokes, enhanced by meticulous lubrication that ensures an effortless glide. They feature an ultra-light actuation force that delivers a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound profile, making them an excellent choice for users who desire a more auditory feedback with each keystroke. Both switches excel in their own right; 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
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Haimu Neo White and the HMX Poro, a distinct contrast emerges between their top housings: while the Neo White utilizes polycarbonate, the Poro features nylon. The polycarbonate top housing of the Neo White is designed to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, benefiting from the material's stiffness that contributes to clarity and resonance. This is particularly advantageous for users who appreciate a more defined sound, heightened further by the material's translucency, which plays well with RGB lighting. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Poro creates a noticeably deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon results in sound absorption, leading to a more rounded auditory experience. Thus, while the Neo White provides a bright and crisp sound, the Poro leans towards a warmer audio ambiance.
The bottom housings of both switches are crafted from nylon, which standardizes part of the auditory experience across both models. As nylon is a classic switch material known for its ability to dampen sound, users will likely notice a similar depth and fullness when typing on either switch. The characteristics of the nylon bottom housing significantly influence the bottom-out sound and feel when pressed. This consistency in bottom housing material allows both switches to share a level of similarity in tactile feedback, despite their contrasting top housings. Therefore, while the Neo White's top housing promotes a brighter sound, the shared nylon bottom mitigates that with a deep and absorbent response.
Ultimately, the combination of different materials in the Neo White and Poro switches creates unique auditory profiles that cater to varied user preferences. The polycarbonate top of the Neo White excels in enhancing sharpness and clarity, while the nylon top of the Poro emphasizes warmth and fullness. However, both switches provide a solid foundation through their matching nylon bottom housings, unifying the typing experience with a rich and rounded bottom-out sound. This blend of materials ensures that, although the switches may diverge in their acoustic properties at the top, they can deliver a similar and satisfying keystroke feedback due to the shared presence of nylon in the bottoms.
Weight
When comparing the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Haimu Neo White has an unspecified actuation force but a bottom out force of 58 grams, indicating a medium resistance at full depression. In contrast, the HMX Poro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, which is also on the lighter side. This means that while the Neo White requires more effort to reach the bottom, the Poro offers a gentler press, making it more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions for those who prefer lighter switches. Overall, the Poro is the lighter option, while the Haimu Neo White is the heavier choice, providing a more substantial feel for users who favor a stronger push in their typing experience.
Travel distance
The Haimu Neo White linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Poro linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This difference of just 0.1 mm highlights the subtle variation in feel when pressing down on the keys; the shorter Neo White may offer a more responsive experience, which is advantageous for gamers seeking quick reactions. Conversely, the Poro's longer travel distance might appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced key press, offering a feeling of depth that some users find more satisfying. Ultimately, if you're looking for quicker response times, the Neo White is the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, whereas the Poro may suit those who prefer a more substantial key feel.
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 Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70 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 Haimu Neo White linear switch offers a neutral profile, featuring a moderate actuation force that results in a balanced auditory experience. This versatility makes the Neo White suitable for a range of environments, whether at home or in an office setting, appealing to both newcomers and experienced users alike. On the other hand, the HMX Poro linear switch is characterized by its poppy and clacky sound profile. This distinct auditory quality stems from its ultra-light actuation force, which may offer a more lively acoustic experience compared to the more subdued sound of the Neo White. However, it is essential to remember that the actual sound produced can also depend on the keyboard's construction and choice of keycaps.
Regarding feel, the Neo White switch is designed with a medium weight and slightly reduced total travel, resulting in a typing experience that is both distinctive and pleasant. The implementation of a Ly stem further enhances the smooth actuation, contributing to a gentle, mild feel that caters to users who appreciate a more approachable typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Poro linear switch is noted for its silky smooth keystrokes, thanks to meticulous lubrication that ensures effortless gliding with each keystroke. These characteristics suggest a similarly smooth typing experience, but the Poro's ultra-light actuation introduces a different dynamic that might appeal to those seeking a speedier response.
In conclusion, while both switches provide smooth typing experiences, they differ significantly in sound and actuation feel. The Neo White's neutral sound and mild feel create a versatile option, ideal for a balanced typing experience, whereas the Poro’s clacky sound and ultra-light actuation force cater to users who prefer a more dynamic and lively keystroke. Ultimately, selecting between the two will be based on personal preference regarding sound dynamics and typing feel, but both switches promise an enjoyable experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences regarding actuation force, feedback, and sound profile. If you prefer a slightly heavier switch that provides a meditative balance between typing comfort and feedback, the Neo White is an excellent choice, particularly for all-purpose typing, whether at home or in a professional setting. Its medium actuation force of 58 grams ensures that you have enough resistance to avoid accidental key presses while still delivering a smooth feel with the distinct Ly stem. On the other hand, if you're drawn to a lighter touch with a poppy sound and ultra-smooth keystrokes, the HMX Poro's 50 grams of actuation force, combined with its meticulous lubrication, offers an effortless typing experience that is ideal for rapid keystrokes or gaming. Additionally, the Poro's sound profile is likely to be more engaging for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. Ultimately, consider your typing style and environment—whether you seek a versatile, balanced switch for everyday use or an enthusiastic, responsive switch for gaming and fast-paced typing—before making your decision.
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