Outemu Blue vs. HMX Poro

Overview

When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Blue and the HMX Poro offer distinct experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The Outemu Blue is renowned for its clicky feedback, providing a tactile and auditory response that many typists find satisfying, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a more traditional typing experience with pronounced keystroke confirmation. In contrast, the HMX Poro linear switch is celebrated for its smooth keystrokes, enhanced by meticulous lubrication that ensures an effortlessly fluid motion. While the Poro's ultra-light actuation force allows for quick and quiet typing, it lacks the audible click characteristic of the Blues, which may appeal to gamers or users who favor stealthy keystrokes. Each switch has its advantages depending on your typing style and sound preference; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Blue Clicky

HMX Poro Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Blue and the HMX Poro, a clear distinction emerges. The Outemu Blue features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to this clarity, making it an excellent choice for users who appreciate a more resonant auditory experience. Additionally, its translucency enhances the aesthetic appeal when paired with RGB lighting, allowing for vibrant color illumination. In contrast, the Poro opts for a nylon top housing, a material recognized for its softer characteristics and ability to absorb sound. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile that many users find more pleasing. The differing acoustic qualities of these two materials set them apart significantly in terms of both sound and visual appeal.

Both switches share an identical nylon bottom housing, which adds a layer of consistency in their sound profiles. The nylon material provides a plush, rounded sound that absorbs vibrations more effectively than harder plastics, leading to a muted bottom-out experience. Since the softer nylon contributes to a less harsh feel and sound, it ensures that the tactile sensation remains smooth and enjoyable for the typist. This shared bottom housing means that, regardless of the differences in the top housing materials, users of both switches will experience a similar depth of sound when bottoming out, creating a familiar tactile response.

Ultimately, the combination of different top housings with the same bottom housing results in a versatile typing experience. Users of the Outemu Blue will enjoy a clear and sharp sound when releasing the key due to the polycarbonate top, while the HMX Poro users will benefit from a deeper, softer sound profile with the nylon top. By splitting the acoustic qualities between the top and bottom housings, both switches cater to different preferences without sacrificing the overall feel and sound when the key is pressed down. Therefore, despite their differences, these switches complement each other, offering distinct textures and sounds while providing a partially unified tactile foundation.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, notable differences in actuation force highlight their suitability for different typing preferences. The Outemu Blue requires an actuation force of 50 grams, while the HMX Poro is slightly lighter, requiring only 45 grams for actuation. This means that those who prefer an easier push while typing might find the Poro more comfortable for extended use. However, the bottom-out force for the Outemu Blue is unavailable, making direct comparison difficult; on the other hand, the HMX Poro has a bottom-out force of 50 grams, which is considered light. This contrast suggests that while the Outemu Blue might provide a more tactile experience due to its heavier actuation force, the HMX Poro's overall lighter touch can make it a better choice for prolonged typing sessions or gaming. Thus, the Outemu Blue may appeal to users seeking a stronger sensation while typing, while the HMX Poro caters to those preferring a softer, lighter keystroke experience.

Travel distance

The Outemu Blue clicky switch and the HMX Poro linear switch exhibit distinct travel distances that cater to different typing preferences. The Blue switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it one of the traditional options that provides a more satisfying tactile feedback with each keypress. In contrast, the Poro switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm, appealing to those who favor quicker response times, particularly in gaming scenarios. While 4 mm is often seen as more robust and fulfilling for typists, the shorter 3.7 mm distance of the Poro switch can feel more abrupt, potentially enhancing speed for those who prefer a more responsive touch. Thus, if you value a deeper keypress, the Outemu Blue is the better choice, whereas the HMX Poro provides a sleeker feel for faster gaming actions.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Blue switch is renowned for its distinctive acoustic signature, characterized by a pronounced click on actuation that offers a satisfying auditory feedback, making it popular among typists who enjoy audible confirmation of their key presses. On the other hand, the HMX Poro linear switch produces a different auditory experience, as it features a notably quieter sound profile. While the Poro is celebrated for its silky smooth keystrokes, the noise it generates is more subdued, allowing for a more discreet typing experience. It's important to note that the overall sound of both switches can vary depending on the type of keyboard and keycap material you use, so both can be fine-tuned to fit your personal preference.

In terms of feel, the Outemu Blue switch is defined by its tactile bump and pronounced click, giving users a clear sense of the actuation point, thus making it a favorite for those who relish the sensation of each keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Poro linear switch offers a seamless, smooth feel throughout the entire stroke without any tactile feedback, providing a fluid typing experience that is devoid of resistance. This difference means that typists who prefer a more engaged typing experience may gravitate towards the Blue, while those who favor a faster, uninterrupted motion may find the Poro more appealing.

In summary, the Outemu Blue switch is ideal for those who appreciate audible feedback and a tactile feel during their typing sessions, making it well-suited for traditional typists or writers. Conversely, the HMX Poro linear switch presents a choice for users who prioritize a smooth, quiet operation for tasks that require speed and subtlety. Ultimately, the right choice depends on individual preferences for sound and tactile response; whether you lean towards the clicky and tactile nature of the Outemu Blue or prefer the smoothness of the HMX Poro, both switches cater to distinct typing experiences.

Conclusion

To sum up, the choice between Outemu Blue clicky switches and HMX Poro linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and intended use. If you relish an audible and tactile feedback while typing, the Outemu Blue switches are the way to go. They provide a satisfying click sound and tactile bump that can enhance your typing experience, making them ideal for those who enjoy the act of typing itself or for those in office environments where audible feedback can be beneficial. However, if you prioritize a smooth, silent typing experience with a lighter actuation force, then the HMX Poro linear switches may be your best bet. Their silky smooth keystrokes and lack of tactile feedback make them excellent for both gaming and prolonged typing sessions, as you won’t experience finger fatigue as quickly. Therefore, consider your primary activities—if you lean towards gaming or quiet office work, the Poro might serve you better, while the Blue would appeal to those who find joy in the classic clicky experience.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Blue Clicky

$3.10 per 10

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HMX Poro Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more