Durock Piano vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the Durock Piano and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options are the Durock Piano and the HMX Poro, both of which fall under the category of linear switches but offer distinct typing experiences. The Durock Piano switches are celebrated for their unique material blend, resulting in a delightful typing experience characterized by a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound. Their bassy, frictionless, and silky qualities make them an appealing choice for those who seek a smooth yet resonant experience while typing. On the other hand, the HMX Poro switches invite users to enjoy a silky smooth keystroke, thanks to meticulous lubrication that ensures an effortless glide. Their poppy and clacky sound profile, achieved through an ultra-light actuation force, makes them ideal for those who appreciate a more lively auditory feedback with every keystroke. Ultimately, both switches possess unique traits that cater to different preferences—whether you’re after a deep and rich sound or a more dynamic and airy response. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Mystery material
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Piano and HMX Poro switches, a clear difference arises between the proprietary POM blend of the Piano and the classic nylon construction of the Poro. The Piano's use of a POM blend for both the top and bottom housings is notable; while the exact composition remains undisclosed, the manufacturer emphasizes that this blend contributes to a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. In contrast, the HMX Poro employs a standard nylon material, which is well-regarded in the mechanical keyboard community for its softer characteristics. Nylon's ability to absorb sound better than harder plastics is highlighted, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This foundational difference in material suggests that while both switches aim for a rich sound profile, they achieve it through different mechanisms and material properties.
Examining the impact of these housing materials on the overall typing experience, the Piano's POM blend appears to provide a more focused sound signature. As both the top and bottom housings utilize this proprietary blend, there is a cohesive interaction between the two that might offer a more pronounced depth of sound. In contrast, the HMX Poro's nylon housing, while still capable of delivering satisfying acoustics, may produce a slightly rounder and more diffused sound due to its softer nature. Consequently, when a typist engages with these switches, the Poro may yield a distinctive auditory experience, while the Durock Piano is poised to deliver a more harmonized output owing to the uniformity of its materials.
Despite the differences in materials, both the Piano's POM blend and the Poro's nylon contribute to a satisfying typing experience grounded in the depth and richness of sound. Since the top housing impacts sound release while the bottom housing influences bottom-out feel and sound, the distinctive qualities of each switch can lead to similar outcomes despite the differing materials. For instance, if a user prioritizes a deep sound profile, either switch promises to deliver that, albeit through unique channels. Ultimately, both designs reflect an understanding of how material choice can affect performance, allowing typists to experience substantial results relative to their material preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Piano linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, there is a notable difference in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Durock Piano has an unknown actuation force but features a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. In contrast, the HMX Poro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This indicates that the Poro is the lighter switch overall, making it more suitable for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, ideal for long work sessions or gaming marathons. Conversely, the heavier bottom out force of the Piano appeals to those who favor a more substantial typing feel. Therefore, while the Piano offers a firmer response upon full depression, the Poro caters to users seeking a lightweight feel during typing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Piano linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, it is clear that the Piano offers a longer travel distance at 4 mm, while the Poro has a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. The difference of 0.3 mm may seem minimal, yet it can significantly impact the typing experience. The Piano's longer travel distance may appeal to users who appreciate a more pronounced feedback and a deeper key press, providing a more traditional typing sensation. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Poro aligns with the preferences of gamers and individuals seeking quicker response times for rapid key presses, making it noteworthy for those who desire a more responsive feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference: opt for the Durock Piano for a heftier depth or the HMX Poro for a snappier action.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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.
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 Durock Piano linear switch is known for its deep and creamy sound signature, characterized by a bassy profile that delivers a richer, lower frequency sound during key presses. This auditory quality is often appreciated for its warmth and depth, making typing feel more immersive. On the other hand, the HMX Poro linear switch is renowned for its satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound profile, though specific descriptors of its tonal qualities are less defined in comparison. While both switches can produce pleasing sounds, the Piano leans more towards a bass-centric audio experience, whereas the Poro offers a more elevated, lively sound, potentially appealing to different auditory preferences.
In terms of feel, the Durock Piano switch excels with its frictionless and silky characteristics, providing an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience. Users will find that the lack of resistance makes for an enjoyable fluidity in keystrokes, enhancing overall typing comfort and speed. The HMX Poro linear switches, while specifically noted for their silky smoothness, lack detailed descriptors in terms of their tactile feel. This leaves some uncertainty about how closely they might match the Piano's seamless typing experience. However, both switches are designed for a smooth glide, which suggests that they may offer a similarly pleasant tactile sensation, albeit with varying intensities and nuances.
In conclusion, both the Durock Piano and the HMX Poro linear switches present unique qualities that can cater to different typing preferences. The Piano offers a deeper, bassy sound and a remarkably frictionless feel, making it a great choice for those who prioritize a rich auditory experience and smooth keystrokes. Meanwhile, the Poro’s poppy sound and its lubrication promise an enjoyable experience, though specifics about its feel are less defined. Ultimately, both switches are engineered for comfort and a pleasant typing experience, meaning users can achieve satisfying results regardless of their choice; the final decision may come down to personal sound and feel preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Durock Piano linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch ultimately boils down to your personal preferences in typing feel and sound profile. If you prefer a more tactile experience with a medium-heavy actuation force, the Durock Piano is your go-to. Its unique blend of materials not only provides a gliding push feel but also delivers a rich, bassy sound that adds depth to your typing. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy a bit of heft while typing and appreciate a satisfying acoustic feedback. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter, more effortless typing experience, the HMX Poro linear switch would be the better choice. With a mere 50-gram actuation force, you'll experience silky smooth keystrokes that glide effortlessly under your fingers, enhanced by a delightful and satisfying sound profile. This makes the Poro perfect for fast typists or gamers who prioritize speed and responsiveness. In summary, consider your typing style, sound preferences, and whether you appreciate a heavier or lighter feel when making your choice between these two exceptional switches.
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