Outemu Red vs. HMX Poro

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, choosing the right one can significantly enhance your typing experience. The Outemu Red switch is a popular option known for its straightforward attributes, appealing to users who appreciate a linear switch without any tactile feedback or clicky sounds. On the other hand, the HMX Poro switch boasts a silky smooth keystroke, enhanced by meticulous lubrication and an ultra-light actuation force, providing a delightful poppy and clacky sound profile that some users find particularly satisfying. While the Outemu Red is favored by those who value simplicity and smooth keypresses, the HMX Poro attracts gamers and typists looking for an engaging auditory experience alongside smooth actuation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Red Linear

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 Red and HMX Poro switches, a notable distinction arises primarily from the top housing materials used. The Outemu Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness fosters a clear and resonant audio output, making it especially effective for RGB lighting setups due to its translucency. In contrast, the HMX Poro utilizes a nylon top housing, which is more traditional yet offers a markedly different auditory experience. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that is notably rounder and less sharp than that of the Outemu Red. This divergence in top housing materials means that users of each switch will experience distinctly different acoustic characteristics when typing.

Looking at the bottom housing, however, there is parity between both switches as they both utilize nylon for this component. This shared material means that both the Outemu Red and the HMX Poro will elicit similar acoustic qualities and tactile feedback from the bottom housing, generating a deeper and fuller sound profile during key presses. Nylon's ability to absorb sound contributes to a more muted bottom-out sound which is vital for users who prefer a quieter typing experience. This interchangeable quality in the bottom housing underscores the commonality in user experience, regardless of the differences found in the top housings.

Ultimately, the combination of differing top housing materials and the shared nylon bottom housing means that each switch will offer both unique and familiar auditory experiences. While the Outemu Red's polycarbonate top provides a crisp and bright escape sound upon key release, the nylon bottom will ensure that deeper tones accompany every key press, resulting in a balanced feedback experience. Conversely, the HMX Poro's nylon top will harmonize with the bottom to create a consistent and rich sound profile throughout. Therefore, understanding these attributes allows users to anticipate how the sound and feel of each switch will vary, thus enhancing their overall typing experience.

Weight

The Outemu Red linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch exhibit notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Outemu Red features an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the HMX Poro is lighter, boasting an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Poro switch the lighter option, appealing to users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, particularly beneficial for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Outemu Red provide a more substantial feel that some typists might favor for a firmer tactile experience. Overall, while both switches can deliver satisfactory typing results, the Outemu Red is designed for those who appreciate a bit more resistance, whereas the HMX Poro caters to users seeking lighter keypresses.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Red linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, we find a notable difference. The Outemu Red switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the traditional preference for a more pronounced keypress. In contrast, the HMX Poro switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This distinction makes the Outemu Red the longer option, potentially providing a more substantial tactile feedback during key presses, while the HMX Poro caters to users who favor faster response times due to its shorter travel. Thus, if you prefer a more responsive feel, the Poro would be advantageous, whereas those who enjoy a deeper press might find the Outemu Red more suitable.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Outemu Red linear switch features a minimalistic acoustics profile, leaning towards silence and discretion, which makes it ideal for quiet environments such as offices or shared spaces. Conversely, the HMX Poro linear switch offers a more pronounced auditory character, with a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound profile that stems from its ultra-light actuation force. This distinction means that while the Red is perfect for those who prefer a more muted experience, the Poro is suited for users who enjoy a more engaging auditory feedback during typing.

When it comes to feel, the Outemu Red switch provides a smooth and linear keystroke, allowing for effortless key presses without any tactile bump or resistance throughout the travel. On the other hand, the HMX Poro linear switch is meticulously lubricated for an exceptionally smooth glide, which enhances its overall feel. This attention to detail offers users a tactile experience that is both plush and responsive, providing a slight edge in terms of a refined touch when compared to the Red.

In conclusion, both the Outemu Red and the HMX Poro linear switches cater to different preferences when it comes to sound and feel. The Outemu Red excels in providing a silent typing experience, while the HMX Poro stands out with its lively acoustics and silky smooth keystrokes. Choosing between the two hinges on whether you prioritize a quiet environment or a more interactive auditory experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between Outemu Red linear switches and HMX Poro linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a moderate actuation force that strikes a balance between resistance and ease of pressing, the Outemu Red is a solid option, making it suitable for both gaming and typing without causing too much fatigue over extended sessions. Its 62 grams of bottom-out force can provide enough tactile feedback without being overly strenuous. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth keystroke experience and a lighter touch, the HMX Poro switches may be your best bet. With a notably lighter 50 grams of bottom-out force, they offer a silky-smooth typing experience that is particularly advantageous for fast-paced gaming or for those who enjoy a light, effortless press. Additionally, if you appreciate audible feedback, the unique sound profile of the Poro switches adds to the enjoyment of typing. Ultimately, your choice should reflect how you interact with your keyboard, whether you prefer a balanced feel with the Red switches or the ultra-light and smooth characteristics of the Poro.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Red Linear

$3.10 per 10

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HMX Poro Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more