Outemu Crystal Brown vs. HMX Poro

Overview

When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preferences in feel and feedback, with the Outemu Crystal Brown and HMX Poro serving as prime examples of contrasting options. The Crystal Brown, a tactile switch, offers a subtle bump that allows typists to feel the actuation point, making it a favorite among those who seek a more traditional typing experience with satisfying tactile feedback. On the other hand, the HMX Poro is a linear switch designed for smooth keystrokes, delivering an effortless glide thanks to meticulous lubrication. Its ultra-light actuation force not only enhances speed but also contributes to a poppy and clacky sound profile that can be particularly appealing for gamers and fast typists alike. While the Crystal Brown is ideal for those who appreciate tactile sensations and precise keystrokes, the Poro is perfect for users who prioritize a smooth, uninterrupted keypress. 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 Crystal Brown Tactile

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 Crystal Brown and the HMX Poro switches, a clear distinction arises in the choice of materials for their respective top housings. The Outemu Crystal Brown utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is largely due to polycarbonate's rigidity, allowing it to resonate more clearly, thus enhancing the auditory feedback experienced when typing. The translucency of polycarbonate also adds an aesthetic advantage, particularly for RGB enthusiasts who desire a vibrant light diffusion. In contrast, the HMX Poro opts for nylon as its top housing material, which yields a deeper, fuller sound that is rounder and more muted. The softness of nylon absorbs sound waves, resulting in a less resonant experience when compared to polycarbonate.

On the other hand, both the Outemu Crystal Brown and HMX Poro utilize nylon for their bottom housings, establishing a commonality that influences the overall sound profile of each switch. The nylon material is celebrated for its ability to absorb sound, offering a duller quality that contrasts with the sharper response of the polycarbonate top housing on the Crystal Brown. Typing on either switch will elicit a similar feel from the bottom housing, providing a solid foundation that enhances the tactile experience. With both switches sharing nylon in the bottom housing, users can expect a consistent and familiar depth of sound, regardless of the differing characteristics provided by their top housings.

Ultimately, the interplay between the top and bottom housing materials results in a distinctive typing experience for each switch. While the Outemu Crystal Brown's polycarbonate top enhances the sound upon key release, the nylon bottom produces a warm and rounded bottom-out sound. Conversely, the HMX Poro's top housing contributes a more muted typographical output, while still benefiting from the fuller sound that nylon provides at the bottom. This nuanced combination of materials means that although the Crystal Brown and HMX Poro differ in their top housing, the similarities in their bottom housing lead to a somewhat comparable tactile and auditory experience, with each switch bringing unique elements to the table.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, both shares an actuation force of 45 grams, resulting in a similar feel during initial keystrokes, which can cater to typists who prefer a relatively light touch. However, the bottom out forces differ between the two, with the Crystal Brown requiring a heavier force of 55 grams to bottom out compared to the Poro's lighter 50 grams. This distinction indicates that while both switches are equally easy to activate, the Crystal Brown provides a noticeably firmer response when pressed all the way down. Consequently, the Poro switch is generally better suited for users who favor a lighter overall typing experience, making it an excellent choice for long gaming sessions or extended work periods. In contrast, those who appreciate a more substantial, tactile feedback might lean towards the Crystal Brown due to its heavier bottom out force.

Travel distance

The Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the HMX Poro linear switch differ in their travel distances, with the Crystal Brown measuring 4 mm and the Poro measuring 3.7 mm. This makes the Crystal Brown the longer option, providing a more pronounced depth when pressed. The longer travel distance of the Crystal Brown may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel while typing, allowing for a more tactile experience. In contrast, the HMX Poro, with its 3.7 mm travel distance, offers a slightly shorter and potentially more responsive feel, which may be favored by gamers seeking quicker key actuation for faster response times. While both switches cater to different preferences, choosing between them ultimately depends on individual user needs, whether for a hearty depth with the Crystal Brown or a more abrupt feel with the Poro.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch does not have a specific characterization provided, leaving it somewhat undefined in this aspect. On the other hand, the HMX Poro linear switch is known for its pleasingly poppy and clacky sound profile, which enhances the typing experience significantly. However, it's important to remember that the final sound produced by any switch can be heavily influenced by additional factors, such as the keyboard’s build quality, the choice of keycaps, and even the surface it rests on.

Regarding feel, the Crystal Brown switch lacks a defined tactile experience, making it difficult to provide a comprehensive overview. In contrast, the HMX Poro switch offers a silky smooth keystroke, thanks to its meticulous lubrication, which allows for an effortless glide during typing. This combination of smoothness and an ultra-light actuation force creates a unique tactile experience that many users find enjoyable, although it may not offer the same level of tactile feedback as a more prominent tactile switch.

In conclusion, while the Outemu Crystal Brown switch presents some uncertainties regarding both sound and feel, the HMX Poro linear switch stands out with its noted smoothness and satisfying acoustic profile. If you're considering which switch to go for, your choice may hinge on whether you prefer a more defined tactile feedback or the effortless smoothness of the Poro switch, as those qualities will shape your overall typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the HMX Poro linear switch largely hinges on your preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. If you appreciate a tactile bump that provides physical feedback when a key is actuated, the Crystal Brown is your go-to option, particularly if you enjoy a medium-light keystroke feel with a bottom-out force of 55 grams. This switch is ideal for typing and gaming where you prefer to know when a key has been activated without bottoming out, thus enhancing precision. On the other hand, if you favor a smoother, linear keystroke with a lighter actuation force of only 50 grams, the HMX Poro switch is likely more up your alley. It offers a silky, effortless glide with a satisfying poppy sound profile, making it more suitable for fast-paced gaming or typing where you want to minimize fatigue from heavier keystrokes. Ultimately, consider your typing style, the types of tasks you frequently engage in, and your sound preferences when making your decision, as choosing the right switch can significantly enhance your overall keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Crystal Brown Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

HMX Poro Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more