Outemu Dustproof Brown vs. HMX Poro

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Dustproof Brown and the HMX Poro offer distinct experiences tailored to different user preferences. The Outemu Dustproof Brown, renowned for its tactile feedback, provides a noticeable bump at the actuation point, making it an excellent choice for typists who appreciate a more interactive typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Poro, with its linear design, is celebrated for its silky smooth keystrokes and minimal resistance, catering to gamers and those who favor rapid keystrokes without the interruption of tactile bumps. While the Dustproof Brown lends itself to a more satisfying feel for typing, the Poro delivers an effortless glide that some may find ideal for long gaming sessions. 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 Dustproof Brown Tactile

HMX Poro Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Outemu Dustproof Brown and HMX Poro switches utilize differing materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their sound profiles. The Dustproof Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness, which produces a sharper and more resonant sound. This material’s translucency also adds an aesthetic layer, especially beneficial for users who utilize RGB lighting, as it allows for vibrant illumination through the housing. In contrast, the HMX Poro employs a nylon top housing that offers a deeper, fuller sound due to nylon's softer nature. This difference in material creates a distinctive auditory experience, where the Dustproof Brown tends to have a crisper sound, while the Poro presents a more rounded acoustic quality.

Despite the differences in their respective top housings, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which contributes similarly to the overall sound profile. The use of nylon in the Dustproof Brown's bottom housing helps to create a deeper and fuller sound. It absorbs sound more effectively compared to harder plastics, leading to a muted bottom-out feel and sound that complements the top housing. The HMX Poro similarly benefits from its nylon bottom housing, which allows for a similar acoustic experience. Hence, regardless of the variation in top housing materials, both switches share a cohesive auditory trait thanks to the nylon bottoms, leading to a commonality in sound dampening and resonance.

Ultimately, the blend of materials in the Outemu Dustproof Brown and HMX Poro switches reveals how each contributes uniquely to the overall typing experience. The interaction between the stiffer polycarbonate top housing and the soft nylon bottom housing in the Dustproof Brown results in a sharper sound character, while the Poro's nylon top and bottom create a smoother, deeper sound profile. When typing on either switch, the distinct sonic characteristics of both the top and bottom housings become apparent, showcasing how thoughtful material choices influence the tactile and auditory qualities of keyboard switches. Therefore, even with their different top housings, users can achieve similar results in terms of sound dampening and acoustic richness through the nylon bottom components in both switches.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, which means users will experience a similar initial resistance when triggering a keystroke. However, the differences become apparent with their bottom out forces: the Dustproof Brown has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is medium-heavy, while the Poro features a significantly lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. This disparity may appeal to different user preferences; typists and gamers who seek a lighter switch might gravitate towards the Poro for easier key presses and extended comfort during long sessions. In contrast, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience will likely appreciate the heavier bottom out of the Dustproof Brown. Overall, the Dustproof Brown offers a more robust feel for those who enjoy tactile feedback, while the HMX Poro caters to users looking for a lighter experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, it is clear that they differ significantly. The Dustproof Brown has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional and deeper feel, providing a hearty depth that many users may prefer for a more tactile experience. In contrast, the HMX Poro has a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm, catering to users who seek a quicker response time, particularly beneficial for gamers who favor faster key presses. Consequently, if you opt for a switch that allows for greater responsiveness, the Poro may be the better choice; however, if you appreciate the rich depth of a more traditional switch, the Dustproof Brown would be ideal. Overall, the Dustproof Brown offers the longer travel distance while the Poro presents the shorter option.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profiles of the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, the Dustproof Brown is not specifically known for any distinct auditory characteristics, leaving its sound profile somewhat ambiguous. In contrast, the Poro is celebrated for its satisfyingly poppy and clacky acoustics, which stem from its ultra-light actuation force. This suggests that users may enjoy a lively auditory experience with the Poro, while the Dustproof Brown might offer a more subdued sound, though definitive characteristics are lacking.

In terms of feel, the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch is similarly not known for any specific tactile sensations, creating a gap in understanding its feedback or overall typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Poro linear switch is designed for a silky smooth keystroke experience, with meticulous lubrication facilitating effortless glides as users type. This clarity in the Poro’s feel indicates a focus on a seamless typing experience without tactile bumps, unlike what one might expect from a tactile switch like the Dustproof Brown.

In conclusion, while the HMX Poro linear switch is characterized by its smooth feel and lively sound profile, the Outemu Dustproof Brown lacks definitive attributes in both categories. The Poro offers an engaging typing experience with its prominent auditory feedback and effortless action. In contrast, the Dustproof Brown remains an enigma without clear characteristics to compare, making it an uncertain choice for those who prioritize defined sound and tactile feedback. If you're looking for a more expressive typing experience, the Poro stands out as the better option, while the Dustproof Brown may lead to similar results that simply remain undefined.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch and the HMX Poro linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing styles. If you prefer a medium-heavy tactile switch that provides a satisfying feedback with each keystroke, the Dustproof Brown may be the ideal option for you. Its 65 grams of bottom-out force offers a more deliberate typing experience, which can be beneficial for tasks that require precision, such as programming or heavy writing. However, if you favor lighter, smoother keystrokes and enjoy a poppy and clacky sound profile, the Poro linear switch, with its 50 grams bottom-out force, would suit your needs better. This switch is especially appealing if you are into gaming or fast-paced typing, as its effortless glide enhances speed and fluidity. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences—one delivering a tactile experience for those who enjoy feedback, and the other providing a silky-smooth, linear feel for those who value speed and ease of use. By evaluating how you type and what feels best under your fingers, you can make a more informed decision between these two mechanical switches.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Dustproof Brown Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

HMX Poro Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more