Bsun Olive vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the Bsun Olive and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches for your typing or gaming experience, the BSUN Olive and HMX Poro stand out as compelling options, each with its unique characteristics. The BSUN Olive switches, celebrated for their all-POM housings, deliver a resonant, deep sound and prominent tactile feedback, making every keypress feel purposeful and satisfying—a significant delight for those who appreciate a pronounced feel when typing. They cater to users who enjoy the invigorating "snappy" sensation of a tactile switch, which can enhance the overall experience during prolonged use. On the other hand, HMX Poro linear switches offer a dramatically different approach with their ultra-light actuation force and silky smooth keystrokes. The poppy and clacky sound profile provides an engaging audio backdrop that complements the effortless glide of the keys, appealing to those who prefer a smoother, uninterrupted typing experience without tactile bumps. Both switches present compelling advantages, depending on your personal preferences. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Olive and the HMX Poro, it is evident that both switches utilize different materials, yet they achieve remarkably similar sound profiles due to the nature of their respective constructions. The Bsun Olive features a POM top and bottom housing, which are known for producing a sound that is deep and relatively muted. This distinctive sound profile is a hallmark of POM housings, which create a unique acoustic experience favored by many users. In contrast, the HMX Poro uses nylon for both its top and bottom housings. Nylon is recognized as a classic switch housing material and is known for generating a fuller sound. Due to its softer composition, nylon absorbs sound more efficiently than harder plastics, leading to a duller, rounder auditory experience.
Despite the difference in materials, both switches share the commonality of targeting a deeper and more immersive sound profile, albeit through different mechanisms. In the case of the POM of the Olive, it is the inherent qualities of the material that deliver its muted yet pleasant auditory feedback, while the HMX Poro achieves this through the soft absorption capabilities of nylon. Each housing material plays a crucial role—the top housing primarily affects the release sound while the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out feel. Therefore, both switches can evoke a similar auditory experience even though they employ distinctly different materials by balancing the characteristics of the top and bottom housings.
Ultimately, users should note that while the Bsun Olive and HMX Poro have different housing materials, their sound profiles converge due to the design and material properties they utilize. The POM's ability to create a unique muted sound complements the nylon's capacity to produce a fuller auditory experience, illustrating that this deep sound profile can be achieved through varied approaches. Whether one prefers the crisp subtleties of POM or the rounded fullness of nylon, both switches are crafted to provide an engaging typing experience with a satisfying auditory signature that can enhance overall usage.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, there are notable differences in both their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them feel similarly responsive during typing, which is advantageous for users who prefer a lighter switch for prolonged use, such as during long gaming sessions or work hours. However, the bottom out forces differ significantly; the Olive has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Poro provides a much lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. This difference indicates that while the actuation feels the same, the Olive requires more force to bottom out, offering a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a heavier feel. Consequently, the Olive switch may be better suited for users seeking a firmer keystroke feedback, while the Poro is ideal for those who prefer a lighter and more effortless typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, the Olive offers a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Poro has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Poro provides a deeper press, which may be more appealing to users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. Conversely, the shorter travel distance of the Olive makes it a suitable choice for those who favor quicker response times, like gamers, who can benefit from the reduced distance for faster key presses. In summary, if you desire a more responsive experience, the Bsun Olive tactile switch would be the better option, while the HMX Poro linear switch caters to those who appreciate a deeper, more satisfying key press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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
In terms of sound, the BSUN Olive switches produce a resonant, deep auditory profile that provides a unique character during operation. This is complemented by their use of all-POM housings, which contribute to the overall richness of the sound. In contrast, the HMX Poro linear switches offer a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound, largely due to their ultra-light actuation force and meticulous lubrication. While the Olive's deep sound is likely to resonate more in the lower frequencies, the Poro's sound profile lends itself to a higher-pitched, livelier experience. Given that sound is also influenced by the keyboard build and keycaps used, both switches can offer distinctive auditory experiences that reflect their designs.
When it comes to feel, the Olive switches shine with a medium tactile feedback, providing an invigorating experience characterized by pronounced and sharp tactile bumps. This tactile quality makes every keypress feel responsive and satisfying, creating a more immersive typing experience. Descriptors like "snappy" and "sharp" indicate that users can expect a notable reaction upon actuation, enhancing the overall interaction. In contrast, the Poro linear switches deliver a silky smooth experience, though there is less specification on their tactile feedback since they lack the pronounced bumps typical of tactile switches. Therefore, while the Poro is designed for effortless keystrokes, the Olive stands out in providing a more engaging tactile feedback.
In summary, the BSUN Olive and HMX Poro switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Olive is ideal for those who appreciate a deep and resonant sound accompanied by strong tactile feedback for an invigorating typing experience. Conversely, the Poro switches are better suited for users looking for smooth keystrokes and a more lively auditory profile. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on individual preferences for sound and tactility, ensuring that both can lead to satisfying results in their respective domains.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the HMX Poro linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences regarding feel, sound, and what you intend to use your keyboard for. If you enjoy a more pronounced tactile experience with a satisfying auditory feedback, the Olive is your go-to option. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams, accented feel, and invigorating feedback are ideal for typists and gamers who appreciate a sharper and snappier keystroke. You'll find joy in its deep, resonant sound profile that enhances the overall typing sensation. Conversely, if you prefer a smoother, effortless typing experience with quicker actuation and lighter keystrokes, then the HMX Poro linear switch, with its light bottom-out force of 50 grams and silky smooth travel, will suit you well. The Poro's clacky sound and ultra-smooth glide make it a favorite for fast-paced gaming or extended typing sessions where responsiveness is key. Ultimately, consider what aspects of a switch matter most to you, and choose accordingly to enhance your overall typing experience.
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