Outemu Dustproof Blue vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Blue and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Dustproof Blue and the HMX Poro offer distinctly different typing experiences that cater to varying preferences. The Outemu Dustproof Blue, a clicky switch, provides tactile feedback and an audible click with each keystroke, making it an excellent choice for typists who enjoy a more interactive and responsive feel, especially valuable for typing and producing. On the other hand, the HMX Poro, categorized as a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth keystrokes and low actuation force, ensuring a quieter experience that many gamers and minimalist typists appreciate for its seamless and fluid performance. Both switches have their unique advantages: the Dustproof Blue for its tactile satisfaction and satisfying sound, and the Poro for its effortless glide and muted operation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Dustproof Blue and the HMX Poro employ different materials for their top housings, which leads to distinct auditory experiences. The Dustproof Blue features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and translucency. This material effectively delivers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it particularly suitable for RGB lighting, as its clarity enhances visual effects. In contrast, the HMX Poro utilizes a nylon top housing. Nylon's characteristics provide a fuller and deeper sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to polycarbonate. As a result, while the Outemu Dustproof Blue offers a more resonant sound when releasing a key, the HMX Poro produces a richer and rounder tone, giving them distinct acoustic qualities.
Examining the bottom housings, both the Outemu Dustproof Blue and HMX Poro utilize nylon for this component, leading to similar sound profiles when the key is bottomed out. The nylon bottom housing, favored for its sound-dampening properties, helps generate a deeper and fuller sound for both switches. This consistency in material means that regardless of the differing top housings, the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback will share a modestly similar quality across both switch models. Consequently, while the release of a key will sound quite different between the two due to the contrasting top housing materials, the action of bottoming out will produce comparable results, emphasizing the deeper aspects of each switch’s audio signature.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in these two switches results in a nuanced sound experience shaped by the distinct top housings. The Dustproof Blue's polycarbonate top housing sharpens the sound profile upon release, while the Poro's nylon top produces a mellower tone. However, the bottom housings equalize the experience, as nylon contributes to a deep, rounded sound across both switches when pressed down fully. Users seeking a sharper release sound may gravitate toward the Outemu Dustproof Blue, while those who prefer a fuller sound can appreciate the HMX Poro. Yet, both switches will exhibit a satisfying tactile response at the bottom due to the common use of nylon in their lower housings.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Outemu Dustproof Blue requires a medium-heavy actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a heavier option that offers a substantial typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Poro features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, appealing to those who prefer a quicker, less strenuous keystroke, which is ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. Consequently, users looking for a heavier switch may favor the Dustproof Blue, while those desiring a lighter feel will likely opt for the Poro. Overall, the differences in weight and force characteristics highlight the distinct preferences of typists and gamers alike.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, we see a notable difference. The Dustproof Blue features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional depth, offering a satisfying tactile feedback that many users appreciate. In contrast, the HMX Poro has a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This slight reduction may appeal to gamers and users seeking quicker response times, as it can allow for faster actuation. Ultimately, if you favor a more pronounced key press with a deeper feel, the Outemu Dustproof Blue would be the more suitable choice. However, if you lean towards a snappier experience with less travel distance, the HMX Poro will likely meet your needs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Poro has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Poro for $2.99.
The Outemu Dustproof Blue comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
The Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch produces a distinctive sound profile characterized by audible clicks that provide an engaging auditory feedback with each keystroke. This clickiness is often preferred by typists who enjoy a more pronounced sound to signal actuation, enhancing the overall typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Poro linear switch offers a much quieter, smoother operation, engineered with a silky feel that ensures minimal resistance while typing. Its sound profile is closer to a soft thock when bottoming out, which is appreciated by those who seek a more subtle auditory experience while maintaining an efficient typing rhythm. Both switches' sound can be impacted by the keyboard design and the keycap material used, so users can customize their experience further through these components.
Regarding the feel, the Outemu Dustproof Blue utilizes a tactile bump and click mechanism, allowing users to feel a definitive point of actuation. This tactile response can enhance typing precision and satisfaction, making it particularly enjoyable for those who favor a feedback-rich experience. On the other hand, the HMX Poro linear switch is designed for an exceptionally smooth keystroke with no tactile bump, providing an uninterrupted typing experience ideal for rapid key presses. This smoothness results from its meticulous lubrication, which ensures that there is minimal friction during operation. The overall feel of the Poro linear switch is thus geared towards users who favor fluid and fast-paced typing without any interruptions caused by tactile feedback.
In summary, both the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch and the HMX Poro linear switch cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Dustproof Blue excels in producing a tactile feel with crisp auditory feedback, making it a great choice for those who appreciate responsive typing sounds. In contrast, the HMX Poro prioritizes smoothness and silence, appealing to users who desire a more fluid typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on your personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback while typing, as both options provide a distinct mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch and the HMX Poro linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a tactile and audible feedback while typing, and you enjoy the sensation of a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, the Dustproof Blue is likely the switch for you. This may be especially true if you often engage in typing-intensive tasks, as its clicky nature can enhance your rhythmic typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience, the HMX Poro linear switch with its light 50-gram actuation force may be more suitable for your needs. The silky smooth keystrokes of the Poro are ideal for fast-paced gaming or for someone who types for extended periods without the fatigue of a heavier switch. Therefore, consider what aspects matter most to you—whether it's the satisfying click of the Dustproof Blue or the effortless glide of the Poro— as both switches cater to different preferences and can significantly influence your overall typing experience.
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