Outemu Silent White vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent White and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Silent White and the HMX Poro linear switches offer distinctive qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Outemu Silent White is designed for those who seek a quieter typing experience, making it ideal for shared workspaces or late-night gaming sessions. In contrast, the HMX Poro switch is best known for its silky smooth keystrokes, meticulously lubricated for an effortlessly gliding feel, paired with an ultra-light actuation force that creates a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound profile. While both switches share the linear characteristic that eliminates tactile bumps and audible clicks, they diverge significantly in sensory feedback and sound, appealing to users with different priorities in their typing or gaming experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Silent White and the HMX Poro switches vary significantly in their top housing materials, utilizing polycarbonate and nylon, respectively. The Silent White features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic can be attributed to polycarbonate's rigidity, resulting in a clear resonance that enhances the sound quality when typing. Additionally, the translucence of polycarbonate allows for a vibrant RGB lighting experience, making these switches not only functional but also visually appealing. In contrast, the HMX Poro's nylon top housing yields a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound more effectively than polycarbonate, creating a duller and rounder auditory experience. This fundamental difference in material between the two switches highlights their distinct sound qualities, catering to varying preferences for auditory feedback during typing.
Both the Silent White and Poro switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, creating a sense of uniformity in sound characteristics at this level. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a deeper, fuller sound during key presses, as it absorbs sound vibrations effectively. This shared characteristic means that regardless of the differences in top housing materials, both switches will provide a consistent bottom-out sound and feel due to the nylon presence. Therefore, while the typing experience may differ based on the top housing material's influence, the similarity in the bottom housing will ensure a comparable baseline in auditory feedback.
When users engage with either switch, they will likely notice how the different top housing materials interact with the identical nylon bottom housings. The Outemu Silent White's top polycarbonate housing promotes an elevated, crisper sound when releasing a key, while the HMX Poro's nylon top housing may remove some of that brightness, favoring a mellower finish. This division of sound qualities enriches the overall typing experience, where the softer nylon bottom consistently provides a warm, rounded sound profile, while the opposing top materials define the overall auditory texture. In essence, while both switches may provide a familiar bottom housing experience, the distinctive upper constructions afford users diverse auditory landscapes to choose from based on their individual tastes.
Weight
The Outemu Silent White linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch present an interesting comparison in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches feature the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning users can expect a similar resistance at the point of keystroke activation, making either option suitable for long typing sessions or extended gaming as they don't require excessive force to trigger. However, the bottom out forces differ significantly: the Silent White switch has a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Poro switch is lighter at 50 grams. This difference means that while both switches have the same ease of actuation, the Poro provides a lighter feel at the bottom, which might be preferred by those looking for a more subtle and forgiving typing experience. Consequently, if a fuller, more substantial typing sensation is desired, the heavier Silent White switch would be the better choice.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silent White and the HMX Poro linear switches, the Silent White offers a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Poro switch has a longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This difference means that the Silent White may be preferred by gamers or those seeking quicker response times, as shorter travel distances generally allow for faster actuation. On the other hand, the Poro's greater travel distance may appeal to individuals who enjoy a more pronounced key press, providing a more traditional feel akin to the 4.0 mm travel distance that many are accustomed to. Therefore, consumers can choose the Silent White for a snappier experience or the Poro for a more substantial tactile sensation.
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 White 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 White linear switch does not have a specific sound profile associated with it, which often appeals to those looking for a more subdued acoustical experience. In contrast, the HMX Poro linear switch is characterized by its satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound, thanks to its ultra-light actuation force. This difference indicates that, while the Silent White is likely designed for quieter operation, the Poro offers a more pronounced auditory response that can create a lively typing environment. It’s important to remember, however, that the sound of a switch can also significantly depend on the keyboard build and the keycap material used.
When examining the feel of these switches, the Silent White does not have specific descriptions, which leaves its tactile feedback somewhat ambiguous. On the other hand, the HMX Poro switch is noted for its silky smooth keystrokes, complemented by meticulous lubrication that enables an effortless glide during typing. This suggests that the Poro switch provides a very pleasant and fluid typing experience, likely favored by those who appreciate the sensation of smooth keystrokes. Without details on the Silent White's feel, one can only presume it focuses more on linear characteristics without any distinct feedback.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Silent White lacks detailed characterization in terms of sound and feel, it may appeal to users who want a quieter switch. Conversely, the HMX Poro linear switch shines with its engaging acoustic profile and exceptionally smooth typing experience. If one prioritizes sound and feel in their typing experience, the Poro delivers a more dynamic interaction, while the Silent White may offer similar results through its expected linear qualities, albeit with a focus on noiselessness.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Silent White linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, consider your personal preferences and use case. If you prefer a switch that offers a more substantial feel and a balanced actuation force for robust typing, the Silent White with its 60-gram bottom-out force may be the better option for you, especially if you value a quiet operation, as the sound profile is designed to minimize noise. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter, more effortless keystroke, the HMX Poro with its 50-gram bottom-out force will provide you with a smooth experience characterized by its lubricated mechanism, offering visibility in tactile feedback without the added weight. Its poppy and clacky sound profile also makes it more suitable for those who enjoy an audible response while typing or gaming. Ultimately, your choice should hinge on whether you prioritize a heavier, quieter feel or a lighter, more lively sound and experience.
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