Outemu Dustproof Black vs. HMX Poro

Overview

When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often comes down to personal preference and the unique characteristics each switch offers. The Outemu Dustproof Black, known for its robust build, stands out for users who value durability and stability in their typing experience, despite its reputation lacking specific highlights. On the other hand, the HMX Poro switch offers an entirely different experience, featuring silky smooth keystrokes that have been meticulously lubricated for an effortless glide, making it a fantastic option for those who enjoy rapid and fluid typing motions. Additionally, the Poro's ultra-light actuation force and satisfying poppy sound profile provide a distinct auditory pleasure that can enhance the overall typing experience. With their contrasting characteristics, both switches cater to different types of users; 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 Dustproof Black Linear

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 Dustproof Black and the HMX Poro, it is evident that both switches utilize distinct materials for their top housings, leading to contrasting acoustic characteristics. The Dustproof Black is equipped with a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and translucency. This material produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile that enhances clarity, particularly beneficial for RGB lighting setups. In contrast, the HMX Poro features a nylon top housing, a classic choice that tends to absorb sound due to its softer nature. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, producing a rounder auditory experience. Consequently, while the Dustproof Black’s design supports a bright sound that shines through when RGB lighting is involved, the Poro offers a more muted and harmonious sound.

On the other hand, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, creating a notable parity in their sound profiles at that level. The nylon in the bottom housing contributes to a fuller sound, as it absorbs impact noise effectively. This aspect of both switches means that while the top housings exhibit distinct sounds, the bottom housings anchor the typing experience with similar acoustic qualities. As a result, the bottom-out sound and feel remain consistent between the two switches, as the soft plastic’s sound-dampening properties enhance the overall typing experience regardless of the top housing material.

Ultimately, the duality of materials in each switch results in a unique combination of sound profiles. The Outemu Dustproof Black delivers a bright and clear sound from its polycarbonate top, while still benefitting from the depth of the nylon bottom housing. Conversely, the HMX Poro offers a richer and more rounded auditory feedback due to its solely nylon construction. Thus, while users can expect a different experience when typing with the two switches based on their top materials, the similar contribution of nylon in the bottom housing provides a foundation that leads to some commonality in performance. This interplay affords users a nuanced exchange of auditory characteristics while maintaining a cohesive feel across both models.

Weight

The Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch differ significantly in their actuation and bottom out forces, appealing to different user preferences. The Dustproof Black features a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience favored by those who enjoy a firmer keypress. In contrast, the HMX Poro is much lighter, with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users seeking a more effortless typing experience, particularly during extended use. Consequently, while the Dustproof Black may lead to fatigue over time due to its heavier forces, the Poro allows for longer typing or gaming sessions without strain. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches depends on whether one prefers a lighter touch or a more robust tactile experience.

Travel distance

The Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option compared to the HMX Poro linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. This slight difference in travel distance highlights a distinction in user experience; the Dustproof Black provides a more pronounced key press, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feedback during typing. In contrast, the slightly shorter travel distance of the Poro switch offers a quicker, more responsive feel that gamers often favor for faster action. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches depends on personal preference: if you enjoy a deeper, more deliberate key press, the Outemu Dustproof Black will serve you well, while the HMX Poro may be the better choice for those who prioritize speed and agility in their keystrokes.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch has an unknown sound profile, making it difficult to compare directly with the HMX Poro. The Poro is renowned for its satisfying poppy and clacky sound, which is accentuated by its ultra-light actuation force. This auditory feedback is often appreciated by users who enjoy a more dynamic acoustic experience while typing, while the Dustproof Black's lack of a specified sound profile leaves its auditory qualities open to interpretation, suggesting that the actual sound may vary significantly depending on the keyboard and keycap combination utilized.

When it comes to feel, the Dustproof Black has an unspecified description, leaving it unclear how it measures up against the Poro. In contrast, the HMX Poro linear switch is characterized by its silky smooth keystrokes and meticulous lubrication, providing an effortless glide during use. This quality tends to lead to a very pleasant typing experience, allowing for rapid keystrokes without feeling hindered by any friction. The unknown qualities of the Dustproof Black’s feel make it difficult to gauge how its tactile experience would compare in everyday use.

In summary, while the HMX Poro linear switch offers a clearly defined auditory and tactile experience, the Outemu Dustproof Black remains an enigma in both sound and feel. The Poro’s lubricated design contributes to a smooth typing experience marked by a lively sound profile, making it an attractive choice for those seeking an engaging keyboard experience. However, without detailed information about the Dustproof Black, it’s challenging to draw a definitive comparison, emphasizing that user preferences and keyboard setups can significantly influence perceived qualities in switches.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch largely depends on your personal typing preferences and intended usage. If you prefer a heavier keystroke with a substantial bottom-out force of 80 grams, the Dustproof Black may be your go-to choice, especially if you lean towards a firmer typing feel that can reduce accidental key presses, making it ideal for gaming or coding where precision is key. Conversely, if you enjoy a lighter touch, the HMX Poro switch, with its mere 50 grams of actuation force, offers a dreamy typing experience characterized by silky smooth keystrokes and a delightful poppy sound. This makes it a fantastic option for extensive typing sessions or casual use, where comfort and reduced fatigue are paramount. Ultimately, your choice should reflect what feels best under your fingers, whether it’s the reassuring weight of the Dustproof Black or the effortless glide of the Poro.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Dustproof Black Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

HMX Poro Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more