Outemu Cream Pink vs. HMX Poro

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Cream Pink and HMX Poro both stand out as excellent linear options, each with unique characteristics catering to different user preferences. The Cream Pink is noted for its smooth keystrokes that provide a reliable typing experience, making it a solid choice for gamers and typists alike who seek consistency without any tactile bumps. On the other hand, the HMX Poro is celebrated for its silky smooth keystrokes combined with a satisfying poppy and clacky sound profile, which can enhance the auditory experience of typing or gaming. Thanks to its ultra-light actuation force, the Poro allows for effortless key presses, making it appealing for those who prefer a more responsive feel. While both switches offer exceptional performance in their own right, the choice ultimately depends on whether you prioritize a straightforward typing experience or desire a more tactile and auditory feedback. 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 Cream Pink Linear

HMX Poro Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

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Housing materials

The Outemu Cream Pink and HMX Poro switches both feature nylon as their top and bottom housing material, which is a well-regarded choice in the mechanical keyboard community. The use of nylon contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing, as this softer plastic effectively absorbs sound, resulting in a rounder and less harsh auditory experience. Due to their identical material composition, both switches promise similar acoustic characteristics, offering a consistent and enjoyable typing experience. The inherent properties of nylon, such as its ability to dampen sound, enhance the tactile sensation experienced while using these switches.

When it comes to the performance of the switches, the configuration of the top and bottom housings plays a significant role. Both the Cream Pink and the Poro benefit from the nylon material used in both housings, which means that the impact on sound will be balanced across the entire keypress. While the bottom housing contributes more to the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback, the top housing influences the sound upon release. Given that both switches use the same material throughout, users can expect not only a coherent acoustic profile but also a satisfying tactile experience that is consistent across both switches during prolonged use.

In contrast, if one of these switches had employed different materials for the top and bottom housings, the unique properties of each could lead to varied results. For instance, a switch with a harder plastic top housing might create a sharper sound when releasing the key, while a softer bottom housing could still enhance the dampening effect during bottoming out. However, this is not a factor for the Outemu Cream Pink and HMX Poro switches, as their uniform nylon construction ensures that they achieve similar auditory and tactile results. In conclusion, the consistency in housing materials is a key factor in delivering a unified user experience across both switches, making them strong candidates for those seeking a reliable and satisfying typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch to the HMX Poro linear switch, significant differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Cream Pink exhibits a higher actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the HMX Poro is lighter, with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This distinction means that those who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions would likely gravitate towards the Poro, while users seeking a more substantial typing feel may prefer the Cream Pink. Ultimately, this variance indicates that the Cream Pink provides a firmer response, making it suitable for users who appreciate more resistance, whereas the Poro offers an easier keystroke activation, ideal for longer use without fatigue.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, there is a notable difference: the Cream Pink has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Poro measures 3.7 mm. This makes the Cream Pink the longer of the two switches, offering a more traditional feel that many users appreciate for its hearty depth. In contrast, the Poro's shorter 3.7 mm travel distance caters to those who prefer a more responsive typing experience, which is often favored by gamers seeking quicker response times. Thus, if you value the sensation of depth in each keystroke, the Outemu Cream Pink is the optimal choice. However, if rapid feedback is more important to you, the HMX Poro may be the better fit.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch doesn't have specific characteristics noted, making its audio profile somewhat ambiguous. In contrast, the HMX Poro linear switch is renowned for its satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound profile, enhanced by its ultra-light actuation force. While both switches may vary based on the board and keycap selection, the Poro's distinctive sound is likely to provide a more engaging auditory experience, as it is specifically designed for that satisfaction.

Regarding feel, the Cream Pink's tactile qualities remain unspecified, leaving potential users to wonder about its overall experience. Conversely, the HMX Poro linear switch is celebrated for its silky smooth keystrokes, achieved through meticulous lubrication, which ensures effortless gliding during typing. This difference implies that while the Cream Pink may be more of an unknown in this aspect, the Poro will likely offer a consistently enjoyable tactile experience.

In conclusion, while the Outemu Cream Pink lacks defined qualities in both sound and feel, the HMX Poro stands out for its engaging audio and smooth tactile performance, hopefully setting the standard for those seeking a premium typing experience. If users prefer something more predictable or established, the Poro is clearly the choice, whereas the Cream Pink may require more exploration to fully appreciate its capabilities.

Conclusion

In summary, choosing between the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences for key feel, actuation force, and sound profile. If you find yourself gravitating towards a medium-heavy feel with a bit more resistance at bottom out—a characteristic of the Cream Pink—you may appreciate the tactile feedback it provides during typing and gaming. This switch's heft can help prevent accidental key presses, which is particularly beneficial for heavy-handed typists or gamers who prefer deliberate keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a smoother typing experience, the HMX Poro linear switch might be your best bet. With its lower actuation force and meticulously lubricated internals, it allows for effortless key presses that can enhance your speed and accuracy, making it a fantastic choice for fast typists or those who enjoy a gliding sensation when typing. Additionally, if sound profile plays a significant role in your selection, the Poro’s satisfying poppy and clacky sound may resonate with you more than the Cream Pink's characteristics, which are less defined in this regard. Ultimately, it all boils down to your specific preferences: opt for the Cream Pink if you desire more resistance and control, and choose the Poro for a smooth, light experience and delightful auditory feedback.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Cream Pink Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

HMX Poro Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more