Gateron Oil King (V2) vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Oil King (V2) and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly impact your typing or gaming experience, and two popular options in the linear switch category are the Gateron Oil King (V2) and the HMX Poro. Gateron Oil Kings are highly regarded for their buttery smoothness and rich sound profile, often compared to the delightful snap of dark chocolate, offering a low-pitched, creamy tactile experience that many typists appreciate. On the other hand, the HMX Poro switches stand out for their ultra-light actuation force, providing a silky glide that makes every keystroke feel effortless, complemented by a poppy and clacky sound that appeals to those who enjoy a little acoustic feedback during their sessions. While the Oil Kings deliver a polished and bassy vibe perfect for those who favor deeper tones, the Poros are ideal for users looking for a more responsive and lively typing 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
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When evaluating the housing materials of the Gateron Oil King (V2) and the HMX Poro, it's important to highlight the similarities and differences in their design and acoustic characteristics. Both switches incorporate a nylon top housing, which is celebrated for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's softer plastic composition, which tends to absorb sound more effectively than harder materials. Thus, both switches will deliver a muted, satisfying acoustic experience when typing, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This shared characteristic allows users to expect similar auditory results from either switch when it's engaged primarily through the top housing.
However, the bottom housing materials of the Oil King (V2) and Poro differ significantly. The Oil King utilizes a proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing, which is designed to create a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. The clacky, thin audio quality produced by the INK blend complements the muted sound of the nylon top, allowing for a unique auditory experience upon bottoming out. In contrast, the Poro features a nylon bottom housing, which mirrors the top housing's characteristics of a warmer and rounder sound. This difference makes the Poro sound more cohesive with itself but potentially removes some of the sharpness and clarity that the INK blend provides to the Oil King.
In conclusion, the combination of the nylon top housing in both switches leads to similar experiences in terms of sound dampening, resulting in a consistent audible profile. However, the differing configurations of the bottom housings shape the overall acoustic output, with the Oil King (V2) offering a sharper, clackier feel thanks to its unique INK blend while the Poro maintains a more uniform, rounded sound. Consequently, both switches can cater to different user preferences: those who favor a sharper auditory feedback may lean towards the Oil King, while users who appreciate a more muted experience might prefer the HMX Poro.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Oil King (V2) linear switch to the HMX Poro linear switch, there is a notable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Oil King (V2) features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the HMX Poro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This lighter feel makes the Poro a better option for users who prefer a switch that allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue, while the Oil King (V2) offers a more substantial push, appealing to those who enjoy a firmer typing experience. Therefore, when considering weight preferences, the Gateron Oil King (V2) is the heavier option, while the HMX Poro is the lighter choice.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Oil King (V2) linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, it is evident that the Oil King (V2) features a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Poro has a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This slight difference can influence a user's typing experience significantly; the Oil King may provide a more traditional and deeper keystroke, appealing to those who favor a more pronounced bottom-out feel. On the other hand, the Poro's shorter travel distance caters to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more immediate key activation, albeit with a sensation that some may find too abrupt. Ultimately, your preference may hinge on whether you prioritize depth and feedback or speed and responsiveness when selecting between these two options.
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 Gateron Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Oil King (V2) switch presents a low-pitched and bassy auditory experience, akin to the rich tones associated with a dark chocolate bar snapping. This gives it a deeper, more mellow sound quality that is likely to be favored by those who appreciate a soothing and less intrusive keystroke noise. On the other hand, the HMX Poro linear switch lacks specific descriptions of its sound profile, making it difficult to compare directly. However, it does refer to a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound, which suggests a lighter and potentially more cheerful acoustic footprint than the Oil King.
When considering the feel, the Gateron Oil King (V2) stands out for its creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience, delivering a smooth and effortless glide that enhances overall comfort during use. The switch introduces a polished sensation, thanks in part to its factory lubrication, resulting in minimal resistance. The HMX Poro linear switch, while described as silky smooth, has less detailed qualitative feedback regarding its tactile characteristics. As a result, it is hard to ascertain whether it can match the Oil King’s refined feel, though both switches promise a pleasant typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Oil King (V2) is celebrated for its low-pitched, bassy sound profile and its luxurious, creamy typing experience, the HMX Poro linear switch offers an unknown but potentially lighter and clackier auditory experience alongside a silky feel. Ultimately, while both switches aim to deliver smooth keystrokes, the Oil King may provide a more defined auditory and tactile experience, whereas the Poro's characteristics remain less defined, leaving room for curiosity. For users seeking similar results, factors like board choice and keycap material will significantly influence both switches' performance and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Gateron Oil King (V2) and the HMX Poro linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences in typing experience and the kind of feel you desire from your keyboard. If you enjoy a medium-heavy switch that delivers a buttery smooth and creamy typing experience, along with a low-pitched, bassy sound profile, the Oil King (V2) would be your go-to option. It excels for users looking for a refined, polished feel, making it particularly suited for prolonged typing sessions where tactile feedback and sound quality enhance the overall experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force and a delightful, silky typing sensation that feels effortless, the HMX Poro is an excellent choice. Its ultra-light force and poppy, clacky sound profile cater to those who appreciate a quick and responsive typing experience, ideal for gaming or fast-paced typing. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your specific typing style, whether it's for work, gaming, or leisurely use, allowing you to select the switch that best meets your needs in comfort and performance.
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