Outemu Tom vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the Outemu Tom and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Tom and the HMX Poro each offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Outemu Tom, known for its tactile feedback, provides a satisfying bump that users often seek for improved typing accuracy and enhanced gaming responsiveness. In contrast, the HMX Poro stands out with its silky smooth keystrokes, thanks to meticulous lubrication that allows for effortless gliding; its ultra-light actuation force and poppy, clacky sound make it a favorite among those who prioritize speed and a quieter typing experience. While the Tom may appeal to users looking for tactile feedback that enhances the typing experience, the Poro is ideal for individuals who value seamless key presses and a streamlined sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.20 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
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
The Outemu Tom and HMX Poro switches showcase distinct differences in their top housing materials, which significantly affect their sound profiles. The Tom features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer composition, which enhances clarity and produces a sharp, higher-pitched sound. This material's translucency also makes it ideal for RGB lighting enthusiasts, as the light passes through beautifully, illuminating the switch in vibrant colors. In contrast, the Poro utilizes a nylon top housing that is recognized for its softer texture. While it maintains the ability to resonate sound, it produces a duller and rounder profile, resulting in a sound that is warmer but less articulate compared to the Tom's sharper notes.
In-terms of bottom housing, both the Tom and Poro utilize nylon, which is a classic choice that offers consistent performance across various switch designs. The characteristics of nylon contribute to a fuller sound profile, absorbing vibrations that lead to a deeper sound experience. This shared material in the bottom housing means that both switches will present similar acoustic attributes when pressed down, even though the top housing disparities lead to different sounds during release. As such, the bottom-out experience for both switches retains a smooth and rich feel due to the nylon construction, showcasing how materials can harmonize for effective sound performance.
Overall, the distinct choice of top housing material in the Outemu Tom and the HMX Poro creates noticeable contrasts in sound quality and visual appeal, while their shared nylon bottom housings offer a level of consistency in performance. When typing, the Tom’s polycarbonate top provides a crisp sound upon release, perfectly complementing its deeper nylon bottom end. Conversely, the Poro’s nylon top softens the overall typing experience, resulting in a rollback sound that is more rounded. Ultimately, understanding these differences gives insight into the overall typing experience, making it clear that even when two switches share a bottom housing material, their top materials significantly influence the sound profile and aesthetics.
Weight
The Outemu Tom tactile switch and the HMX Poro linear switch demonstrate a notable difference in actuation force, as well as an absence of specified bottom out force for the Tom switch. The Tom switch requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Poro switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This difference indicates that users of the Tom switch might prefer a more substantial keystroke experience, making it suitable for those who enjoy a firmer push when typing or gaming. Conversely, the Poro switch's lighter actuation force caters well to users looking for an ease of typing over longer sessions, making it ideal for work or extended gaming. In terms of bottom out force, while the Poro switch has a measurable bottom out force of 50 grams, the Tom's is unavailable, making a direct comparison impossible. However, know that the Poro's bottom out force suggests it offers a more consistent feel when pressed down fully compared to the Tom. Overall, if you value a lighter and easier keystroke, the HMX Poro linear switch would be the preferable choice, while those who appreciate a heavier actuation might opt for the Outemu Tom switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Tom tactile switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, we find that the Tom features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Poro offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This difference indicates that the Tom will provide a quicker response time, appealing to gamers who prefer the rapid actuation of a shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the Poro, with its greater travel distance, might cater to those who enjoy the more substantial feel of a deeper press, allowing for a more pronounced tactile experience. Hence, if you're looking for a more responsive feel, the Outemu Tom would be the better option due to its shorter travel distance, whereas the HMX Poro suits those who appreciate a longer, more deliberate keystroke.
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 Tom 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Tom tactile switch offers a discrete auditory experience that tends to be quieter compared to other tactile options, allowing for efficient typing without drawing too much attention. In contrast, the HMX Poro linear switch provides a more pronounced sound profile with its satisfyingly poppy and clacky sounds, which can be quite enjoyable for those who appreciate auditory feedback during their keystrokes. The overall sound produced by a mechanical keyboard can be influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard build and keycaps used, but the inherent characteristics of these switches create different auditory atmospheres.
Regarding feel, the Outemu Tom tactile switch is celebrated for delivering a noticeable tactile bump that provides satisfying feedback during key presses, making it suitable for users who enjoy a more engaged typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Poro linear switch stands out for its exceptionally smooth keystrokes, enhanced by meticulous lubrication that results in effortless gliding—ideal for users who prefer a seamless typing experience without any tactile interruptions. The distinct differences in tactile feedback and smoothness between the two switches cater to different typing preferences.
In summary, the Outemu Tom tactile switch is characterized by a quieter sound and a pronounced tactile feedback that many typists appreciate, while the HMX Poro linear switch excels with its poppy and clacky sound profile paired with an incredibly smooth feel due to its lubrication. Each switch provides a unique typing experience, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences in sound and tactile feedback. Whether one is drawn to the engaging nature of tactile bumps or the silky smoothness of linear switches, both options promise to deliver satisfying performances tailored to different typing styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Outemu Tom tactile switch and the HMX Poro linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a tactile feel in your keystrokes, the Tom may be the ideal choice for you, especially if you appreciate the unique feedback that tactile switches provide during typing. However, given that specific characteristics of the Tom are unspecified, it may be wise to consider user reviews or test the switch if possible. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and effortless typing experience, the HMX Poro linear switch stands out with its silky smooth keystrokes and relatively light actuation force of 50 grams, making it suitable for rapid typing and gaming. The Poro's poppy and clacky sound profile adds an engaging auditory element, further enhancing your typing experience. In summary, if tactile feedback and a specific typing feel are paramount to you, the Outemu Tom is your go-to. Conversely, if you prioritize smoothness and a satisfying sound with a lighter touch, the HMX Poro linear switch is the better option. Each switch offers a distinct experience, so reflect on what aspects are most important to you when making your decision.
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