Outemu Ocean vs. HMX Poro

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly influence your typing experience, and two intriguing options are the Outemu Ocean and the HMX Poro. The Outemu Ocean, a tactile switch, offers a distinctive feel with a noticeable bump that provides satisfying feedback as you type, making it a great choice for users who appreciate tactile cues in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the HMX Poro, a linear switch, is celebrated for its silky smooth keystrokes, allowing for effortless gliding across the keyboard. These switches are meticulously lubricated for a seamless experience, accompanied by a poppy and clacky sound profile along with an ultra-light actuation force that caters to fast typists and gamers alike. While the Outemu Ocean shines in delivering tactile feedback for an engaging typing experience, the HMX Poro presents a smooth and quiet option ideal for a serene working environment. 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 Ocean Tactile

HMX Poro Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Ocean and the HMX Poro, it's important to note their distinct characteristics that influence sound profiles and user experience. The Outemu Ocean utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffer composition. This material's translucency also allows for RGB lighting to shine through effectively, enhancing the overall visual appeal of the switches. In contrast, the HMX Poro features a nylon top housing that provides a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. The nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a more muted auditory response, providing a distinctly different typing experience compared to the Ocean's polycarbonate top.

Interestingly, the bottom housing for both switches is made from nylon, which further aligns their sound profiles. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for absorbing sound, and both the Outemu Ocean and HMX Poro utilize this quality in their lower housing. As a result, both switches will provide a similar feeling when fully pressed down, giving users that full and rounded sound characteristic that nylon is known for. This shared use of nylon in the bottom housing contributes to a consistent experience when it comes to the bottom-out feel across both switch types.

In essence, while the Outemu Ocean and HMX Poro differ significantly in their top housing choices—polycarbonate for the Ocean, nylon for the Poro—their bottom housings share the same material. This contrast in top housing materials will mean that the two switches will produce different auditory experiences when letting go of a key, with the Ocean providing a sharper sound and the Poro a deeper tone. However, the matching nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent feel upon bottoming out, allowing users to appreciate the nuanced differences in sound and tactile feedback that each design offers. This careful balance between materials results in distinct but complementary sensations and sounds, catering to different preferences among typing enthusiasts.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, we see notable differences in their actuation forces. The Ocean has an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Poro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Ocean requires a stronger push to register a keystroke, making it suitable for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Poro’s lighter actuation force allows for easier keystrokes, making it an excellent choice for those who type for extended periods or prefer a softer feel. However, the bottom out force for the Ocean is unknown, whereas the Poro features a bottom out force of 50 grams. The absence of the Ocean's bottom out measurement leaves it unclear how it compares in terms of the force felt when the switch is fully pressed down. Overall, if you favor a heavier switch feel, the Outemu Ocean is the better option, while the HMX Poro caters to those seeking a lighter and more effortless typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, the differences are notable, with the Ocean featuring a travel distance of 4 mm and the Poro at 3.7 mm. The Outemu Ocean, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more traditional typing experience, giving users a satisfying depth that some may prefer for tactile feedback. In contrast, the HMX Poro's shorter 3.7 mm travel distance caters to those who prioritize quicker response times, making it a potentially better choice for gamers or users who seek a more rapid keystroke. Ultimately, while both switches offer their own advantages based on travel distances—4 mm for the Ocean and 3.7 mm for the Poro—individual preferences will dictate which switch suits a user’s style best.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profiles of the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, the Ocean's auditory characteristics remain largely unclear, leaving it difficult to assess its overall sound quality. In contrast, the Poro switch is noted for its poppy and clacky sound profile, which contributes to a more engaging typing experience. This enjoyable acoustics is amplified by the ultra-light actuation force, making the typing experience lively and satisfying. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that the sound produced by any switch is also influenced by the type of keyboard and keycaps used.

Regarding feel, the Outemu Ocean's tactile response is unspecified, leaving potential users without definitive information on how it might perform in terms of feedback during typing. Conversely, the HMX Poro linear switch is characterized by its silky smooth keystrokes, thanks to meticulous lubrication that ensures an effortless glide. This design choice means that users can expect a consistent and fluid keypress experience without the tactile bump that typifies other switch types, enhancing comfort during prolonged use.

In summary, while the Outemu Ocean remains somewhat of an enigma in both sound and feel, the HMX Poro linear switch stands out for its delightful acoustics and smooth typing feel. If you prioritize an engaging auditory experience alongside a fluid keystroke, the Poro is a strong contender. However, for those drawn to the Outemu Ocean, further exploration may be necessary to discover its distinctive qualities.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, you'll want to reflect on your personal typing preference and usage scenarios. If you enjoy a tactile sensation with an emphasis on feeling each keystroke, the Outemu Ocean would be preferable, providing a satisfying feedback that can enhance typing accuracy and comfort. However, if you prioritize a smooth and seamless typing experience, particularly for fast-paced gaming or extensive typing sessions, the HMX Poro linear switch, with its silky smooth keystrokes and lightly poppy sound profile, would be more suitable. Additionally, the Poro's 50-gram bottom-out force offers a balanced yet responsive touch, making it ideal for those who appreciate a subtle resistance without feeling fatigued. Ultimately, consider your own preferences for tactile feedback versus a smooth, linear action, and choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and needs.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Ocean Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

HMX Poro Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more