Outemu Silent Grey vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Grey and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Grey and HMX Poro offer distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Outemu Silent Grey is celebrated for its quiet and tactile feedback, providing users with a pronounced bump that enhances the tactile experience without the noise—ideal for office environments or late-night gaming sessions. Its smooth keystroke ensures that each press feels satisfying, making it a great choice for those who prioritize both silence and tactile engagement. In contrast, the HMX Poro linear switch is designed for fluidity and speed, featuring meticulously lubricated components that offer an effortlessly smooth typing experience. These switches deliver a delightfully poppy sound profile, appealing to users who enjoy a little auditory feedback while typing without the tactile bumps. While both switches cater to different preferences—silence and tactility versus smoothness and responsiveness—understanding the specific nuances can greatly aid in making the right choice. 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.60 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
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Grey and the HMX Poro, a clear distinction emerges in terms of the top housing. The Silent Grey utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which contributes to a sharp, high-pitched sound profile characterized by clarity and resonance. This is largely due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances the acoustic properties of a switch, making it especially suited for RGB lighting setups due to its translucency. In contrast, the HMX Poro features a nylon top housing that delivers a deeper, fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound more effectively than polycarbonate, resulting in a warmer and more cushioned auditory experience. Thus, while the Silent Grey's polycarbonate top excels in producing brightness in sound, the Poro's nylon top creates a more subdued and rounded effect.
Examining the bottom housings reveals a different scenario, as both switches utilize nylon, providing a consistent auditory experience in this regard. The characteristics of nylon, with its ability to absorb sound and produce a deeper tone, are evident in both the Outemu Silent Grey and the HMX Poro. This commonality means that both switches will deliver a similar vibration and bottom-out sound profile, rooted in the properties of the nylon material; the switch's feel and sound upon depression will share a roundness and fullness regardless of the differing top housing components. Therefore, while the top housings showcase contrasting designs in terms of acoustic enhancements, the shared nylon bottom housing leads to a level of uniformity in sound results.
In summary, the primary differences between the Outemu Silent Grey and the HMX Poro stem from their top housing materials: polycarbonate versus nylon. This divergence influences the auditory experience produced during typing, with polycarbonate facilitating a sharper, clearer sound, and nylon yielding a rounder, fuller tone. However, the interchangeable use of nylon in both bottom housings bridges some of this gap, ensuring that the overall sound profile retains a sense of depth in both switches. As a result, users can enjoy distinct acoustic characteristics while benefiting from a familiar base sound quality due to the nylon bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, a clear distinction arises in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Grey switch features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy option. In contrast, the HMX Poro switch offers a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This difference means that the Poro switch is better suited for users who prefer a lighter touch, making it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming marathons due to reduced finger fatigue. Conversely, the heavier Silent Grey switch may appeal to those seeking a more substantial typing experience, where the added resistance can provide a satisfying feedback during usage. Overall, if you're looking for a lighter feel, the HMX Poro is the better choice, while the Silent Grey will cater to those who enjoy a firmer push.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, there is a clear distinction. The Silent Grey switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which falls in line with the traditional depth preferred by many users seeking a more tactile feel when pressing keys. In contrast, the HMX Poro switch offers a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm, appealing to those who favor a quicker response time, particularly in gaming scenarios. This makes the Silent Grey the longer option, while the Poro, with its slightly less distance, is the shorter one. Ultimately, if you prefer a more pronounced keypress, the Silent Grey would be the better choice, whereas those looking for a snappier feel might gravitate towards the Poro.
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 Silent Grey 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
The Outemu Silent Grey switches are renowned for their quiet operation, making them an excellent choice for environments where noise is a concern. With their tactile bump, they provide an audible feedback that adds to the overall typing experience while still maintaining a level of discretion. In contrast, the HMX Poro linear switches have a distinctive poppy and clacky sound profile, attributed to their ultra-light actuation force. While the Poro may not be as quiet as the Silent Grey, they offer a more pronounced auditory response, which some users find satisfying, especially in a more casual or gaming context. However, it’s important to remember that the sound produced by any switch can vary depending on the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
When discussing the feel of these switches, the Silent Grey is characterized by its pronounced tactile bump that enhances the typing experience, providing a clear indication when a keystroke has been registered. This tactile feedback can lead to a more engaging and precise typing experience, especially for those who prefer a deliberate feel. On the other hand, the HMX Poro switches are known for their smooth and effortless keystrokes, thanks to their meticulous lubrication. This results in a glide that's sleek and fluid, which appeals to users who favor a linear switch that requires less effort when bottoming out and returning to the starting position.
In summary, while the Outemu Silent Grey switches excel in providing a quiet yet tactile experience, the HMX Poro switches shine with their smooth and lively actuation. Both switches cater to different preferences: Silent Grey is ideal for individuals looking for silent yet satisfying feedback while typing, and the Poro is great for those who enjoy a more dynamic response in a gaming or casual environment. Ultimately, your choice between these two will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel, as they each offer distinct advantages that can enhance your typing or gaming experience.
Conclusion
To summarize, the choice between the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the HMX Poro linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you thrive on a tactile typing experience and appreciate the satisfaction of feeling each keystroke while maintaining a quiet environment, the Silent Grey is an excellent option for you. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams will offer a sense of sturdiness and control, making it particularly suited for typing-heavy tasks or for use in shared spaces where noise is a concern. Conversely, if you prefer a lightweight, smooth keystroke with a more audible sound profile, the HMX Poro is ideal. Its 50-gram actuation force allows for rapid key presses with minimal effort, which can enhance your gaming experience or speed typing sessions. With meticulously lubricated components, the Poro provides a satisfying glide, perfect for those who prioritize smoothness and a bit of sound character in their switches. In the end, your choice between these two switches should reflect your specific needs for tactile feedback, noise levels, and the overall typing feel you desire.
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