Outemu Blue Jade vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue Jade and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Blue Jade and HMX Poro stand out for their distinct characteristics and user experiences. The Blue Jade, celebrated for its clicky feedback and tactile engagement, provides a satisfying auditory and physical response that many typists and gamers enjoy, making it a great choice for those who appreciate a more interactive typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Poro linear switch offers an entirely different appeal, characterized by its silky smooth keystrokes and meticulously lubricated design for a seamless typing experience. The Poro delivers a uniquely quiet environment with a poppy and clacky sound profile, catering to users who prefer less resistance and a focus on fluidity in their key presses. Both switches have their merits depending on personal preferences in tactile feedback and sound, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.20 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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Blue Jade and HMX Poro keyboards both utilize nylon as their housing material, which significantly influences their acoustic properties and tactile feedback. Both the top and bottom housings of these switches are made from nylon, a classic switch housing material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The inherent softness of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, leading to the characteristic duller and rounder sound associated with these switches. As a result, users can expect a notably pleasant typing experience characterized by muted tones and a more substantial auditory feedback during use.
With identical housing materials in both the Blue Jade and HMX Poro, the sound quality will largely remain consistent across both models. Since the nylon composition is consistent in both the top and bottom housings, the qualities imparted by the nylon will blend harmoniously, contributing to a cohesive typing experience. The shared material means keyboards can deliver a similar bottom-out sound and feel, along with soft acoustic feedback when the key is released. Consequently, the typing dynamics and overall auditory results remain largely analogous, making them appealing choices for users seeking a uniform sound profile.
However, it is essential to note that while both models utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, variances in design and other components may still yield subtle differences in the overall performance. Factors such as the switch mechanism itself and the mounting method can influence the feel and feedback during typing. Therefore, even with similar materials utilized in their construction, it is possible for each switch to exhibit distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, both the Outemu Blue Jade and HMX Poro will offer similar auditory experiences due to their nylon composition, but individual design aspects may lead to slight variations in overall tactile and sound delivery.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Blue Jade requires an actuation force of 50 grams and has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy option that provides a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Poro switch features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, appealing to those who prefer a softer touch for prolonged typing sessions or gaming. Thus, if you're looking for a switch that offers a lighter feel, the HMX Poro is the better choice, while the Outemu Blue Jade is suitable for those who enjoy a firmer push with its heavier forces. Overall, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces suggest that users will experience distinct typing dynamics with each switch, aligning their preferences with either the light or heavier side of the spectrum.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, the Blue Jade has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Poro measures slightly shorter at 3.7 mm. This difference means that the Blue Jade offers a more substantial key press, appealing to those who prefer a hearty depth in their typing experience. On the other hand, the Poro's shorter travel distance caters to gamers and users who value a quicker response time. As a result, the Poro may feel more abrupt but can enhance performance for fast-paced activities. Ultimately, if you lean towards a more traditional feel, the Blue Jade is the better choice, while the Poro is ideal for those seeking responsiveness.
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 Outemu Blue Jade comes in at $3.10 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
The Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch is known for its distinctive sound profile, which features a pronounced click that provides clear auditory feedback with each keystroke. This characteristic makes it popular among users who appreciate the nostalgic and tactile feedback associated with traditional typewriter-like sounds. In comparison, the HMX Poro linear switch offers a more subtle auditory experience due to its linear design, which is generally quieter and more subdued. The Poro's sound is described as poppy and clacky, although the overall volume is usually less intrusive than that of clicky switches like the Blue Jade. Both switches' sound qualities can be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, meaning users seeking a particular acoustic signature should consider how these factors interact with each switch.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Blue Jade provides a tactile experience marked by a noticeable bump and click with each press. This feedback can enhance typing accuracy and provide a satisfying feeling for those who enjoy a more dynamic engagement with their keyboard. On the other hand, the HMX Poro linear switch is celebrated for its silky smooth keystrokes, thanks to meticulous lubrication that allows for an effortless glide. This smoothness eliminates any tactile bumps, making it ideal for users who prefer a continuous keystroke without interruption. While both switches cater to different preferences in feel, they each provide a distinct typing experience that can be tailored to individual users' tastes.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and HMX Poro linear switch differ significantly in sound and feel, each has its unique appeal. The Blue Jade's pronounced click and tactile feedback cater to those who enjoy auditory and physical cues during typing, while the Poro's smooth linearity and quieter sound profile are perfect for users seeking a subtler experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences regarding both sound and feel. Users can expect to achieve different typing experiences with these two options, enriching their overall mechanical keyboard journey.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, you should consider your typing preferences and use case. If you enjoy a tactile and audible feedback while typing, the Blue Jade, with its medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, is an excellent choice, providing a pronounced click that can enhance the typing experience, especially for those who relish the sound and feel of each keystroke. This can be particularly beneficial for typists looking for a more engaging experience or gamers who prefer the tactile distinction in key presses. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, quieter typing experience without the distraction of clicks, the HMX Poro linear switch is more suited to your needs. With a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, these switches offer silky smooth keystrokes that glide effortlessly, making them ideal for prolonged typing sessions or gaming where rapid key presses are required. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you prioritize tactile feedback and sound or a smooth and quiet keystroke, allowing you to tailor your mechanical keyboard experience to fit your specific preferences.
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