Outemu Green vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the Outemu Green and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Green and the HMX Poro offer distinct experiences tailored to different types of users. The Outemu Green, a clicky switch, is often favored by typists who appreciate tactile feedback and an audible click with each keystroke, providing a satisfying sensation that many find enhances their typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Poro is a linear switch, celebrated for its silky smooth keystrokes and ultra-light actuation force, making it an ideal choice for gamers seeking swift and uninterrupted key presses without any tactile bumps or clicks. Each switch has its unique appeal: if you thrive on auditory and tactile responses, the Outemu Green could be your go-to, while if seamless, fluid motion is what you seek, the HMX Poro may be more suitable. 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
65g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Standard
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 Green and HMX Poro switches utilize contrasting materials for their top housings, with the Green featuring a polycarbonate top and the Poro utilizing a nylon top housing. This difference creates distinct auditory profiles; the polycarbonate used in the Green switch contributes to a sharper and more crisper sound due to its stiffer composition, which enhances resonance and clarity. This characteristic makes the Outemu Green particularly appealing for users who prioritize high-pitched feedback and a vibrant RGB lighting experience, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for optimal light diffusion. In contrast, the nylon top of the Poro produces a noticeably deeper and fuller sound, as the softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a sound profile that is rounder and more subdued, giving a sense of warmth to the keystrokes.
On the other hand, both switches share a similarity in their bottom housing material, featuring nylon for the Outemu Green and the HMX Poro alike. This commonality means that the deeper and fuller sound profile characteristic of nylon is a unifying aspect of both switches, influencing the overall auditory experience during key presses. The nylon bottom housing is responsible for the bottom-out sound and feel, meaning that despite the differing top housings, users will experience a consistent depth and warmth whenever they bottom out either switch. This duality creates a unique interplay, where the softer nylon bottom moderates the sharper sound of the Green's polycarbonate top, while at the same time enriching the Poro's already full-bodied sound.
Ultimately, the main difference in the sound experience when using the Outemu Green and HMX Poro switches boils down to their top housing materials. The crisper upper register of the Green's polycarbonate contrasts with the rounder tones of the Poro's nylon top, allowing keyboard enthusiasts to choose a switch that best suits their auditory preferences. However, the nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches maintain a certain compatibility in acoustic performance, particularly in terms of how the sound profile evolves during key presses. This means users can expect distinct sound characteristics based on the top housing, while still benefiting from the familiar depth and warmth attributed to the nylon bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Green clicky switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Outemu Green requires a heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience as it delivers a noticeable push-back. In contrast, the HMX Poro features a significantly lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, which allows for easier and quicker keystrokes, making it suitable for those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions without fatigue. Therefore, if you favor a heavier, more tactile feel, the Outemu Green is the better choice, while the HMX Poro caters to users seeking a lighter touch with faster actuation.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Green clicky switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, the Green switch possesses a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer of the two. In contrast, the Poro switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, which is shorter and may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times. The difference in travel distance between these switches reflects varying user preferences; the Outemu Green offers a more substantial tactile experience for those who appreciate a deeper keystroke, while the HMX Poro caters to individuals who may find shorter distances more conducive to rapid input and responsiveness. Therefore, if you prioritize a hearty depth in your typing experience, the Outemu Green would be the preferred choice, whereas the HMX Poro might be more suitable for those who favor a snappier feel.
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 Green 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Green clicky switch is notable for its distinct auditory feedback, delivering a sharp, pronounced click with each keystroke. This sound can be quite satisfying for those who enjoy an audible cue while typing. On the other hand, the HMX Poro linear switch offers a different auditory experience with its satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound profile, which creates a smoother, less intrusive noise level, making it suitable for quieter environments. While the Outemu Green's clickiness can be a highlight for some, the Poro's sound leans towards a more subdued yet pleasing character, giving users the choice between a pronounced and a more refined acoustic experience. However, keep in mind that the overall sound of either switch can be influenced by the keyboard construction and the type of keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Green clicky switch is designed to provide a tactile bump before the actuation point, giving users a pronounced feedback that can enhance typing accuracy and provide a more engaging experience. This tactile nature is often favored by typists who appreciate the distinction between unpressed and pressed keys. Conversely, the HMX Poro linear switch emphasizes a smooth keystroke experience, enhanced by meticulous lubrication that promotes effortless glides through each movement. This design reduces resistance and eliminates the tactile bump, appealing to those who prefer a consistent and fluid typing experience. While the Outemu Green offers feedback through its tactile nature, the Poro focuses on seamless operation, catering to different preferences in keyboard feel.
In conclusion, the Outemu Green clicky switch and the HMX Poro linear switch present distinct experiences in both sound and feel. The Green excels with its auditory feedback and tactile sensations that characterize a clicky switch, making it ideal for users who thrive on definitive keystrokes. The Poro, conversely, offers silent elegance with its smoothness and subtle sound profile, providing a more fluid typing experience without tactile interruption. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on what qualities you prioritize, whether it’s the satisfying click and tactile feedback of the Green or the serene glide and smoothness of the Poro.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Outemu Green clicky switch and the HMX Poro linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and use case scenarios. If you enjoy tactile feedback and prefer a heavier key press, the Outemu Green, with its pronounced click sound and robust 80-gram bottom-out force, would be an excellent choice, especially for typing tasks where you want to feel that satisfying resistance. It’s ideal for those who thrive on audible and tactile confirmation of each keystroke, making it a great fit for typists who love the clicky experience, albeit at the cost of potentially causing some fatigue after extended use. On the other hand, if you seek a smoother, quieter typing experience, the HMX Poro linear switch is your ticket to effortless keystrokes with its light 50-gram actuation force. This switch is perfect for gaming or rapid typing, where speed and fluidity are paramount, allowing for quick and seamless input without the distraction of sound. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style, noise tolerance, and whether you prefer the tactile assurance of the clicky Green or the silken smoothness of the Poro.
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