Outemu Milk Peach vs. HMX Poro

Overview

When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Milk Peach and HMX Poro stand out among linear options, each offering a unique set of features tailored to different typing experiences. The Outemu Milk Peach, while lacking a specific hallmark, appeals to users seeking a straightforward, reliable performance without any frills, making it a great choice for gamers and typists who prioritize consistent key presses. On the other hand, the HMX Poro is celebrated for its silky smooth keystrokes and an impressively light actuation force, which makes for an effortless typing experience, complemented by a distinctively poppy and clacky sound profile that adds character to each keystroke. Both switches cater to linear switch enthusiasts yet diverge in their overall feel and auditory feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Milk Peach Linear

HMX Poro Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Outemu Milk Peach and HMX Poro differ significantly in their top housing materials, which leads to distinct sound profiles when typing. The Milk Peach utilizes a polycarbonate top, a material recognized for its stiffness that contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This sonic clarity is especially notable when RGB lighting is employed, as the transparency of polycarbonate enhances visual effects as well. In contrast, the HMX Poro’s nylon top housing brings a softer and more muted sound, characterized by a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This difference illustrates a fundamental contrast: the Milk Peach is designed for those who prefer a more pronounced and ringing sound, whereas the Poro caters to users looking for a rounded and subdued typing experience.

However, both the Milk Peach and HMX Poro share the same nylon material in their bottom housings, which lends them both a deeper and fuller sound profile. This commonality means that despite the differences in the top housing, the inherent qualities of nylon will play a significant role in the overall acoustic output when the keys bottom out. As noted, nylon absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, thus contributing to a consistent experience during key presses. This shared bottom housing material promotes a synergy between the two switches, establishing a baseline for sound dampening and tactile response, thereby ensuring that both switches maintain a satisfying feel in terms of keystrokes.

When considering how the distinct top housing materials balance each other out, one can appreciate how the combination of differing materials ultimately leads to varied sound profiles across the two switches. The Milk Peach's crisp and high-pitched sound from the polycarbonate top sets it apart from the HMX Poro, which showcases a duller sound due to its nylon top. However, both fulfill their roles effectively; the Poro's nylon bottom housing reinforces its characteristic sound while the Milk Peach's nylon bottom supports a relaxing and full bottom-out experience. Therefore, even though the Milk Peach and HMX Poro have different top housing materials affecting their peak sound, their shared nylon components ensure that the overall typing experience remains enjoyable and deeply satisfying.

Weight

The Outemu Milk Peach linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch share the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning both require the same level of pressure to trigger a keystroke, making them suitable for users seeking a light touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom-out forces differ significantly; while the Poro has a bottom-out force of 50 grams, the Milk Peach's bottom-out force is unknown. This discrepancy indicates that the Poro provides a slightly more substantial feel at the end of a keystroke, which some users might prefer if they enjoy a heavier typing experience. Thus, the Milk Peach can be considered the lighter option overall, as it maintains the same actuation force but lacks the additional push required at the bottom, making it potentially more comfortable for prolonged use compared to the heavier feel of the Poro linear switch.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, we find that the Milk Peach has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Poro measures slightly longer at 3.7 mm. This means that the Milk Peach switch is the shorter option, offering a more responsive feel due to its reduced travel distance. In contrast, the Poro, with its longer travel distance, may provide a deeper and potentially more satisfying tactile experience for users who prefer a less abrupt action. Therefore, if you prioritize rapid response times in gaming, the Milk Peach would be the better choice, while those who enjoy a more pronounced depth might lean towards the HMX Poro for its more extended travel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Outemu Milk Peach linear switch does not have any sound profile information available, making it difficult to compare directly with the HMX Poro. The HMX Poro is noted for its "poppy and clacky" sound, which contributes to an engaging auditory experience when typing. The sound characteristics of a switch can vary considerably based on the keyboard build, including the choice of board material and keycaps, which means that even if the Milk Peach does not have a defined sound quality, using different setups can lead to varying acoustic experiences.

When evaluating feel, the Milk Peach switch lacks specific descriptors for its tactile sensation. In contrast, the HMX Poro switches are praised for their "silky smooth keystrokes" due to meticulous lubrication, which enhances the overall typing experience by providing a seamless and effortless glide when pressing the keys. This smoothness can contribute to a more enjoyable typing experience and reduce finger fatigue during extended use. Without definitive descriptions for the Milk Peach's feel, one cannot make a direct comparison; however, users gravitating toward smooth keystrokes may find the Poro more appealing.

In summary, the HMX Poro is celebrated for its pleasing sound profile and ultra-smooth feel, making it an attractive option for those prioritizing acoustic delight and effortless keystrokes. Meanwhile, the Outemu Milk Peach lacks specific information in both sound and feel aspects. If the Milk Peach were to deliver similar qualities, particularly in terms of smoothness, users might still achieve a comparable experience by pairing it with well-matched keycaps and a suitable keyboard design. For anyone considering these switches, the Poro provides a clear appeal for those who value auditory and tactile satisfaction, while the Milk Peach remains somewhat of an enigma in those areas.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch largely hinges on your specific typing experience and preferences. If you prefer a smooth and effortless keystroke with an especially light actuation, the HMX Poro may be your ideal pick. Its 50-gram bottom-out force combined with its silky smooth feel makes it perfect for extended typing sessions or fast-paced gaming, where you might appreciate that slight pop in sound and tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you tend to enjoy a more traditional linear switch experience that provides unique tactile characteristics—assuming the Milk Peach brings specific benefits alongside its unknown metrics—then you might opt for the Outemu Milk Peach. The Milk Peach could be favored for its potential nuanced feel or sound profile, making it suitable for those who prioritize a more classic switch attribute. Ultimately, it comes down to how you want your keyboard to sound and feel—whether you lean towards the pronounced, clacky sound and smooth glide of the HMX Poro or the distinctive characteristics of the Milk Peach, you’ll make your choice based on your personal typing style and the atmosphere you want to create.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Milk Peach Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

HMX Poro Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more