Outemu Peach vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the Outemu Peach and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often comes down to personal preference and typing experience, and two noteworthy contenders are the Outemu Peach and the HMX Poro, both linear switches that offer unique attributes. The Outemu Peach is renowned for its lightweight design and silent operation, making it an excellent option for typists who favor a soft, muted feel while typing. These switches are characterized as 'Neutral,' 'Mild,' 'Muted,' 'Subtle,' and 'Polished,' providing a polished typing experience that minimizes distraction in shared or quiet environments. In contrast, the HMX Poro switches boast an ultra-smooth keystroke, meticulously lubricated to ensure effortless gliding with a delightfully poppy and clacky sound profile, appealing to those who thrive on auditory feedback during their typing sessions. While both switches cater to linear aficionados, their distinct characteristics offer different typing sensations and acoustic experiences. 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
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Peach and HMX Poro switches reveal a striking similarity in their composition, as both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. Nylon, recognized as a classic switch housing material, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile in both switches. This commonality yields a distinct typing experience characterized by muted sounds; the softer nature of nylon dampens the impact noise when keys are pressed, thereby creating an overall duller but rounder auditory experience. As such, users of both switch types can expect a similar sound quality, enhancing the tactile feedback during typing sessions while minimizing harsh auditory peaks.
Despite the notable similarities, there is room for exploration regarding how each housing's design might interact differently during the typing experience. Both the Peach and Poro switches exhibit the same fundamental properties of nylon, yet differences in the design or internal mechanisms could still influence the typing feel and the resonance of the sound produced. For instance, variations in depth or fit of the housings could modify the way sound is transmitted when keys are pressed or released. Even subtle discrepancies in the molding process could result in slight differences in the audible characteristics, although the sonic quality will predominantly align due to the use of the same material.
Ultimately, the combined effect of two nylon housings in both the Outemu Peach and HMX Poro switches suggests that the typing experiences will resonate alongside one another. With both switches compromised of nylon across their top and bottom housings, users can anticipate a sound signature marked by rich depth and rounded tones. Even accounting for the potential variances introduced by design or construction nuances, the fundamental acoustic qualities remain intact, guaranteeing a consistent audio profile that is likely to please devotees of a softer typing experience. Thus, those who appreciate the characteristics of nylon will find satisfaction whether they choose the Peach or the Poro.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Peach linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Outemu Peach has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, while the HMX Poro requires 45 grams for actuation, making the Peach easier to press down. However, both switches share the same bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that users will experience a similar resistance when fully depressing the keys. This makes the Peach a preferable option for those who favor a lighter typing experience, particularly suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. Conversely, the HMX Poro, with its higher actuation force, offers a slightly more substantial feel that may appeal to users who prefer a heftier push during use. Overall, while both switches offer light tonality in their bottoming out, the Outemu Peach is the lighter option, making it ideal for users who prioritize ease of use.
Travel distance
The Outemu Peach linear switch features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the HMX Poro linear switch has a longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Peach the shorter option, appealing to gamers who favor faster response times and a more immediate tactile feedback when pressing down on keys. In contrast, the Poro, with its greater travel distance, may cater to those who prefer a more substantial depth to their keystrokes, providing a less abrupt feel. Thus, while both switches serve distinct user preferences, one can expect the Outemu Peach to deliver quicker actuation suited for fast-paced gaming, whereas the HMX Poro might be ideal for users seeking a deeper typing experience.
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 Peach comes in at $3.40 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 Peach linear switch is designed to be more muted, providing a quieter typing experience that is less intrusive in shared spaces. It has a neutral sound profile, making it versatile enough for both home and office use without being overly distracting. In contrast, the HMX Poro linear switch is characterized by its "poppy and clacky" sound profile, which suggests a livelier auditory feedback. This may make it less suitable for quiet environments, as it is likely to generate more sound during use. However, since the sound output of any switch also depends greatly on the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps, users can influence the overall sound experience significantly.
Regarding feel, the Outemu Peach switches offer a mild and subtle typing experience, designed to cater to users who prefer gentle resistance and a smoother action. The presence of a polished finish ensures a refined and smooth keystroke, allowing for a pleasant typing experience that feels both light and responsive. On the other hand, the tactile properties of the HMX Poro switches are not well defined based on available information, making a direct comparison difficult. However, the emphasis on the "silky smooth" quality of the keystrokes implies that they may offer a similarly enjoyable typing experience, focusing on reduced friction for effortless actuation.
In conclusion, the Outemu Peach linear switch stands out with its muted sound profile and gentle, polished feel, making it ideal for users who appreciate a light touch and minimal noise. The HMX Poro linear switch, while noted for its silky smooth performance and lively sound, remains less defined in terms of tactile feedback characteristics. Therefore, while they cater to different preferences in terms of sound, both switches can deliver high-quality performance, appealing to linear switch enthusiasts who enjoy smooth keystrokes—though the experience may vary based on personal preferences and additional factors like keyboard construction and keycap choice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Outemu Peach linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, your specific typing preferences and environment will guide your choice. If you're seeking an incredibly lightweight switch that allows for a silent typing experience, the Outemu Peach is the clear choice. Its muted sound profile and polished feel make it particularly suitable for shared workspaces or late-night typing sessions where noise is a concern. Additionally, its mild and subtle characteristics offer a pleasing middle ground that accommodates both beginners and seasoned typists alike. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth, silky typing experience with a more pronounced acoustic profile, the HMX Poro is perfect for you. Its meticulously lubricated internals ensure effortless keystrokes, delivering a satisfyingly poppy sound that enthusiasts may find particularly appealing. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you value a quieter typing experience with the Peaches or a richer audio feedback along with smooth performance with the Poros.
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