Cherry Nixie vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the Cherry Nixie and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often comes down to personal preference, and two popular options in the linear switch category are the Cherry Nixie and the HMX Poro. The Cherry Nixie is celebrated for its substantial heft and textured typing experience, drawing on a rich legacy within the keyboard community while incorporating modern advancements through the latest MX2A materials and springs. With a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, it offers a satisfying tactile sensation that many typists appreciate. In contrast, the HMX Poro boasts silky smooth keystrokes, enhanced by meticulous lubrication that allows for an effortless glide. Its ultra-light actuation force results in a poppy and clacky sound profile, creating an engaging auditory experience. Both switches cater to different user preferences, with the Nixie appealing to those who value a weighted, textured feel and the Poro attracting those who favor a lighter, smoother action. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
63.5g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry Nixie and the HMX Poro, it is important to note that both switches feature nylon as their primary material for both the top and bottom housings. This commonality suggests that they will have similar acoustic properties and tactile feedback. Nylon is recognized for its capacity to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Both the Nixie and the Poro will elicit a duller and rounder sound typical of switches made from softer plastics, thereby providing an enjoyable typing experience that minimizes harsh resonance.
While both switches share nylon as a housing material, any differences in design, such as the internal structure or spring mechanism, could influence the overall typing feel and sound profile. If the top and bottom housings of these switches differ—though they both use nylon—the characteristics of each component will interact in unique ways when the switch is actuated. The bottom housing, for example, plays a more significant role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing affects the sound produced as the key is released. This interaction can lead to differing experiences between the two switches, even if they have identical housing materials.
In conclusion, the similarities in housing materials suggest that Cherry Nixie and HMX Poro switches will generally produce comparable sound profiles due to their nylon composition. However, the nuanced differences in design and engineering will influence the overall typing experience, making each switch unique in its response. Ultimately, users can expect a rich auditory experience from both switches, but they might also benefit from trying each to identify any subtle variations in feel or acoustics that stem from differences in their design.
Weight
The Cherry Nixie linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch exhibit notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Nixie has a heavier actuation force of 63.5 grams, compared to the lighter 45 grams of the Poro, making the Nixie more suitable for users who prefer a stronger, more substantial typing experience. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Nixie is 80 grams, while the Poro's bottom out force is a significantly lighter 50 grams. This contrast means that typists and gamers who opt for the Nixie may find themselves exerting more effort when pressing keys, leading to fatigue over longer periods, while those who choose the Poro can enjoy a more effortless typing experience, ideal for extended use. Overall, if users are seeking lighter switches for endurance during prolonged use, the Poro is the advantageous option, whereas the Nixie caters to those who appreciate a heftier push feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, the Nixie features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Poro has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This difference indicates that the Nixie provides a more pronounced feedback during key presses, catering to users who prefer a deeper feel in their typing experience. On the other hand, the Poro, with its shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm, offers a more responsive and quicker actuation, making it potentially more suitable for gamers seeking faster response times. Ultimately, those who favor a hearty depth in their keystrokes should opt for the Nixie, while those who prioritize responsiveness may lean towards the Poro.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.19.
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 Nixie linear switch is characterized by its deep, thocky quality that delivers a rich and satisfying audio feedback when each key is pressed. The low-pitched tone adds a bass-heavy element to the overall experience, creating a sound that resonates nicely and feels substantial. This richness can provide a comforting auditory cue for typists who enjoy a more pronounced sound when typing. In contrast, the HMX Poro linear switch focuses more on a silky and smooth keystroke experience, which, while not specifically detailed in terms of sound descriptors, is highlighted for its poppy and clacky profile. The notable novelty of a poppy sound could enhance the overall experience, especially for users who appreciate a lighter, more effervescent auditory feedback. However, given the absence of more defined sound characteristics for the Poro, a direct comparison cannot definitively confirm superior sound quality but indicates a contrasting auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry Nixie switch is marked by its textured nature, offering a noticeable friction during key presses that some typists may find desirable as it provides a tactile feedback that can enhance the typing experience. This texture allows for greater control and a more engaged interaction with the keyboard, making it ideal for users who appreciate feeling the switch work beneath their fingers. On the other hand, the HMX Poro linear switch is described as meticulously lubricated for an effortless glide, suggesting a smoother and frictionless typing experience. This smoothness can facilitate rapid keystrokes and long writing sessions without the fatigue that textured switches may sometimes cause. While each switch offers a distinct typing feel, they cater to different preferences: the Nixie favors those who enjoy a tactile resistance, while the Poro caters to those who seek a seamless glide.
In conclusion, both switches provide unique characteristics that appeal to different typing preferences. The Cherry Nixie is well-suited for users who appreciate depth in sound and a textured experience, while the HMX Poro linear switch offers a smooth and potentially lighter sound experience with its silky glide. Ultimately, your choice may boil down to whether you prefer a richer auditory feedback and tactile sensation or a slick and effortless key press. Regardless of which switch you opt for, you can expect each to offer distinct, enjoyable typing experiences that reflect the craftsmanship behind mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Cherry Nixie and HMX Poro linear switches really comes down to your personal typing preferences and the type of experience you seek. If you prefer a more substantial key press and enjoy the tactile feel of a textured switch, the Nixie's heavier 80-gram bottom-out force will likely appeal to you. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate a deep, thocky sound and a richer, more pronounced vocality while typing, making it an excellent choice for enthusiasts who might enjoy a more traditional mechanical keyboard feel. On the other hand, if you gravitate toward a lighter, smoother typing experience, the HMX Poro linear switch will be your go-to option with its 50-gram bottom-out force. It provides an effortlessly fluid keystroke, ideal for fast-paced typing or gaming, paired with a lively poppy sound that adds an engaging audio dimension to your experience. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you value a heavier, textured responsiveness or a light, sleek, and smooth glide in your daily interactions with your keyboard.
Mentioned in this article
