Outemu Gold vs. HMX Poro

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, preferences often hinge on the nuances of tactile feedback and acoustic experience, exemplified by the Outemu Gold, a clicky switch, and the HMX Poro, a linear switch. The Outemu Gold is designed for those who appreciate distinct tactile bumps and an audible click with each keystroke, offering a satisfying typing experience that can enhance productivity and provide a sense of nostalgia for those familiar with traditional typewriters. In contrast, the HMX Poro is celebrated for its silky smooth operation, characterized by meticulously lubricated linearity that allows for effortless keystrokes without any tactile interruptions. Its ultra-light actuation force contributes to a poppy and clacky sound profile, making it an excellent choice for gamers or anyone seeking to type quickly and quietly. While both switches cater to different user preferences, understanding their unique attributes is crucial for making an informed decision. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Outemu Gold Clicky

HMX Poro Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Gold and HMX Poro switches, a notable distinction arises in their top housings. The Outemu Gold features a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its stiff nature that yields a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This choice of material not only enhances the auditory experience but also makes the switch particularly suitable for RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows the light to diffuse beautifully through the housing. In contrast, the HMX Poro utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound due to its relatively soft composition. The nylon absorbs sound more effectively than tougher plastics, resulting in a more muted and rounded acoustic output, which might appeal to those who prefer a softer typing experience.

On the other hand, both switches share the same material for their bottom housings: nylon. The commonality in bottom housings means that both the Outemu Gold and HMX Poro deliver a consistent sound experience when it comes to typing, as both housing materials produce a deeper and fuller acoustic profile. The nylon bottom housing absorbs sound well, resulting in a more pleasant and muted bottom-out feel regardless of the top housing material. The nylon absorbs impact well, contributing to a cohesive sound signature that aligns well with the user’s tactile feedback during use. This shared material in the bottom housing helps bridge the differences found in their top constructions, allowing users to enjoy a similar feel when bottoming out each switch.

Ultimately, the divergence in the top housing materials leads to distinct audio profiles while typing on the Outemu Gold versus the HMX Poro. The polycarbonate top of the Gold enhances clarity and resonance, making it ideal for users who enjoy a bright sound, especially when RGB lighting is involved. Conversely, the nylon top housing of the Poro creates a more subdued auditory experience, aligning with preferences for a warmer and softer acoustic environment. However, since both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, they maintain a baseline similarity in terms of bottom-out sound and feel, allowing users to appreciate both switches’ unique characteristics while still experiencing a degree of coherence in their overall typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they require an equal amount of pressure to trigger a keystroke. However, they differ in their bottom out forces; the Gold switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, whereas the Poro switch has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. This difference indicates that while both switches can be activated with the same input force, the Outemu Gold provides a heavier resistance when pressed down fully, contributing to a more substantial typing experience that some users may prefer. In contrast, the lighter bottom out force of the HMX Poro may enhance comfort during extended use, making it an appealing option for those who favor a less strenuous key press, especially during long typing sessions or gaming marathons. Overall, the Outemu Gold is the heavier of the two, while the HMX Poro is lighter, catering to different user preferences in typing feel and endurance.

Travel distance

The Outemu Gold clicky switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Poro linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Poro switch more suitable for those who prioritize faster response times, as its shorter travel can enhance gaming performance by reducing the time it takes to register a key press. In contrast, the Gold switch's longer travel distance may offer a more substantial tactile feel, appealing to users who prefer a deeper keypress sensation that can prevent the abrupt feeling sometimes associated with shorter switches. Overall, if you're looking for a quicker response, the Poro is the better choice, while the Gold offers a more traditional and full-depth experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Gold clicky switch does not have a specific reputation for its auditory characteristics, leaving its acoustic performance open to interpretation. In contrast, the HMX Poro linear switch offers a distinctly satisfying sound profile that combines a poppy and clacky quality thanks to its ultra-light actuation force. This contrast highlights that, while the Outemu Gold’s sound remains undefined, the Poro’s acoustic feedback can add an engaging auditory element to typing.

In terms of feel, the Outemu Gold has no specific qualities attributed to its tactile experience, which leaves much to be gauged and understood personally by users. On the other hand, the HMX Poro linear switch is engineered for an effortlessly smooth experience that has been meticulously lubricated, providing silky keystrokes that glide seamlessly. This produces a tactile sensation that many find enjoyable, especially for extended typing sessions where comfort is key.

In summary, the Outemu Gold clicky switch remains somewhat ambiguous in terms of its sound and feel characteristics, which may appeal to users who appreciate a blank slate experience. Meanwhile, the HMX Poro linear switch stands out as a reliable option for those seeking a smooth typing experience paired with an engaging sound profile. If you're gravitating toward a switch with defined sound and tactile qualities, the Poro is a clear choice, while the Gold may leave you free to discover your personal preferences without predefined expectations.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the HMX Poro linear switch ultimately depends on your preferred typing experience and the context in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you favor tactile feedback and an auditory click while typing, and you enjoy a medium resistance that provides a bit of heft, then the Outemu Gold can be an excellent choice. This switch works well for typing documents or coding, where the tactile response can help you stay focused and provide clarity with each keystroke. Conversely, if you prioritize a smooth, effortless typing experience and prefer a quieter operation, the HMX Poro linear switch is the way to go. The lightweight nature and meticulously lubricated mechanism delivers a silky smooth experience perfect for gaming or long writing sessions, where speed and fluidity are key. Ultimately, your personal comfort and the specific environments in which you’ll use your keyboard will guide you to the switch that aligns best with your needs.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Gold Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

HMX Poro Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more