Outemu Brown vs. HMX Poro

Overview

When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, preferences often sway between tactile feedback and smooth keystrokes, exemplified by the Outemu Brown and the HMX Poro switches. The Outemu Brown, known for its tactile bump that provides clear feedback with each keypress, is ideal for typists who appreciate the sensation of actuation, enabling more accurate typing and reduced typing fatigue during long sessions. In contrast, the HMX Poro offers a linear experience, celebrated for its silky smooth keystrokes and ultra-light actuation force, allowing for quicker response times and a quieter typing experience, making it a favorite among gamers and those who prefer a seamless feel with minimal resistance. While both switches cater to different preferences—one emphasizing tactile feedback and the other prioritizing effortless gliding—these general characteristics merely scratch the surface. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Brown Tactile

HMX Poro Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

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Housing materials

The Outemu Brown and HMX Poro switches utilize different materials for their top housings, specifically polycarbonate for the Brown and nylon for the Poro. Polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic, contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that enhances clarity and resonance. This characteristic makes the Brown particularly well-suited for RGB lighting applications, as its translucency allows the light to shine through effectively. In contrast, the HMX Poro's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer and more absorbent properties. This results in a softer, rounder sound that may feel more muted compared to the sharper tones of the Outemu Brown, indicating that the choice of housing material greatly influences the overall acoustic experience when typing.

Both switches feature nylon as the material for their bottom housing, which is integral in shaping the typing experience. The nylon bottom housing's softer characteristics contribute similarly to both switches' overall sound profiles by providing a fuller and deeper sound. This shared material means that both the Outemu Brown and HMX Poro will deliver a satisfying keystroke feel with a hushed bottom-out sound, which is desirable for users seeking a more subdued auditory feedback when typing. The similarity in their bottom housings helps bridge the differences created by their top housings, showing that despite their distinct sound profiles, both switches can provide comparable tactile experiences.

Ultimately, the contrast between the top housing materials reveals the multifaceted nature of the switching experience. With the Outemu Brown’s polycarbonate top housing contributing to brighter, more resonant sounds while the HMX Poro’s nylon top housing creates a more subdued tone, each switch offers unique auditory feedback. However, since both share nylon in the bottom housing, they achieve a balance where the bottoming-out sounds are rounded and deep, ensuring that users of both switches will find enjoyment in their typing experience, even if the initial keystroke characteristics differ.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, significant differences exist in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Outemu Brown has an actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy option that may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Poro features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, catering to those who favor a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. The lower actuation and bottom out forces of the Poro can result in less finger fatigue over time, whereas the heavier Brown might be preferable for users seeking tactile feedback and sturdiness. Overall, individuals who prioritize lighter switches for comfort during long usage might lean towards the Poro, while those who appreciate a more robust feel might prefer the Outemu Brown.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, there is a notable difference—the Outemu Brown has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Poro features a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that tactile feedback enthusiasts might prefer the Outemu Brown for its more substantial depth, allowing for a heavier press that can be more satisfying for typing. On the other hand, the HMX Poro, with its shorter travel distance, may be favored by gamers seeking quicker response times, as the reduced distance allows for faster actuation of keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for tactile feel versus rapid response, with the Outemu Brown offering a longer travel distance ideal for those who appreciate a deeper typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Brown tactile switch does not have a specific description provided for its auditory qualities, leaving it ambiguous. In contrast, the HMX Poro linear switch is characterized by a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound profile that emerges from its ultra-light actuation force. This distinctive sound can create an engaging typing experience, while the Brown's sound has yet to be defined, suggesting that it may be more neutral or subdued. As a result, those familiar with noise levels in mechanical keyboards may find the Poro Switch to produce a more lively and interactive auditory experience compared to the possibly more muted sound of the Brown.

Regarding feel, the Outemu Brown is notably a tactile switch, although specific details are not provided on its tactile qualities. Meanwhile, the HMX Poro linear switch is celebrated for its silky smooth keystrokes, attributed to meticulous lubrication which allows for an effortless glide. This lack of tactile feedback in the Poro makes it ideal for users who prefer a uniform key press without the bump associated with tactile switches like the Brown. The Brown's tactile nature likely offers a different experience, especially for typists who enjoy that discernible feedback, but without further details, it’s challenging to provide a thorough comparison.

In conclusion, while the Outemu Brown may offer a tactile experience, its sound and feel characteristics remain undefined, making it difficult to assess against the more clearly articulated qualities of the HMX Poro linear switch, known for its smooth keystrokes and engaging sound profile. Ultimately, if you are seeking a tactile experience, the Brown may be a better fit, while the Poro’s smooth and light action holds appeal for those who prioritize a fluid keystroke.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, consider your typing needs and preferences. If you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback and are comfortable with a medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams, the Brown switch is an excellent choice. It’s ideal for those who enjoy a responsive feel while typing, making it suitable for both gaming and general typing tasks, especially if you appreciate a tactile bump that provides some typing satisfaction. On the other hand, if you favor a smoother and quieter typing experience with less resistance, the HMX Poro linear switch, with its lighter 50-gram actuation force, would be more suitable. This switch shines in applications where rapid key presses are essential, such as gaming, thanks to its silky smooth keystrokes and satisfying sound profile. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style; if you seek feedback and a bit of resistance, go for the Browns, but if you prefer effortless gliding keystrokes, the Poros should be your switch of choice.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Brown Tactile

$3.10 per 10

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HMX Poro Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more