Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) and the HMX Poro present two distinctly different yet appealing options. The Durock POM T1 is designed for enthusiasts who crave maximum tactility, offering a punchy feel accompanied by a sharp tactility and a satisfying clack as you type. This switch is characterized by its resonant and invigorating nature, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a tactile feedback that enhances their typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Poro linear switch is all about smoothness and ease of use. With its meticulously lubricated design, the Poro provides silky smooth keystrokes and an ultra-light actuation force, ensuring seamless typing with a subtly poppy sound profile. While the T1 caters to those who relish a tactile experience, the Poro is ideal for users who prefer an uninterrupted flow when typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Proprietary
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) and HMX Poro switches provide an interesting comparison in terms of their housing materials, as each utilizes different plastics that contribute distinct characteristics to the overall typing experience. The POM T1 features a POM top and bottom housing, which is noted for producing a unique sound profile that is on the deeper and more muted side. In contrast, the HMX Poro utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housings, known for yielding a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic properties. This differentiation in materials suggests that while both switches may achieve a similar goal of delivering refined sound quality, they do so through varying intensities and nuances in their acoustic profiles.
Delving deeper into the implications of these housing materials, the POM’s harder plastic composition tends to provide more pronounced bottom-out feedback, while the nylon used in the Poro's housing absorbs more sound and may offer a feeling that is slightly softer at the bottoming out. Consequently, when typing with the POM T1, users may experience a sound that is distinctly resonant but relatively muted during the key release, influenced heavily by the characteristics of the POM top housing. Conversely, the HMX Poro's nylon construction would contribute to a richer sound when the key is released, making the experience feel more rounded and full. Each switch’s housing ultimately influences the acoustic characteristics and tactile sensations, reflecting the individual player’s preferences.
Despite the contrasting materials, it's important to note that both switch designs share a fundamental goal of achieving quality sound and tactile responsiveness. Users who value a deeper and fuller auditory profile are likely to be satisfied with either option, as both the POM and nylon housings contribute to similar sound outcomes in their respective manners. Additionally, the interaction of the top and bottom housing materials plays a critical role in the overall experience; therefore, one can achieve comparable results in terms of sound richness and depth from either the Durock POM T1 or the HMX Poro, provided that users remain mindful of how each material affects the nuances of sound and feel throughout their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, the differences in their actuation and bottom out forces stand out significantly. The POM T1 does not have a specified actuation force, but it has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which indicates a medium-heavy feel when the switch is fully pressed down. In contrast, the HMX Poro switch boasts a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a lower bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that while the Poro switch is easier to press and offers a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for extended use, the POM T1 requires more force to bottom out, appealing to those who prefer a heftier tactile response. Consequently, the Poro is better suited for individuals seeking a more comfortable, less strenuous typing experience, especially during long sessions, while the POM T1 may cater to users valuing the substantiality of a heavier switch.
Travel distance
The Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch and the HMX Poro linear switch have distinct travel distances that can influence the typing experience. The POM T1 boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with more traditional switch designs, offering a deeper feel that some users might prefer for its stability and feedback. In contrast, the HMX Poro has a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm, appealing to those who favor a quicker response time, which can be particularly advantageous for gaming. This difference in travel distance results in a more abrupt bottoming out for the Poro switch, while the T1 provides a more pronounced tactile experience. Consequently, if you seek a tactile sensation with a heartier depth, the longer 4 mm travel of the POM T1 would be your best choice. However, if you prioritize responsiveness and a quicker actuation, the shorter 3.7 mm travel of the HMX Poro may be preferable.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the POM T1 (Sunflower) 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 considering the sound profiles of the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) and the HMX Poro linear switch, the differences are distinctly pronounced. The POM T1 is known for producing a resonant and clean clack that contributes to an engaging auditory experience. Its higher-pitched sound profile makes it ideal for those who appreciate a more immersive sound while typing, blending sharpness with clarity. In contrast, the specific sound characteristics of the HMX Poro linear switch remain unspecified, but it's noted that it offers a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound. The Poro switch's sound, alongside its ultra-light actuation, is likely to deliver a softer auditory experience compared to the sharper resonance of the POM T1.
Feel-wise, the POM T1 (Sunflower) excels with its pronounced tactile feedback. The sharp tactile bump provides an invigorating sensation with each keypress, making it suitable for users who prefer a more engaging typing experience. Additionally, this switch is accentuated, offering a balanced level of tactility—neither too overwhelming nor too subtle—making it versatile for various typing preferences. The snappy response and invigorating feedback further enhance the overall feel of the POM T1. On the other hand, the feel of the HMX Poro linear switch is not elaborated upon in the provided information. However, given its designation as a linear switch, we can generally expect it to offer a smoother keystroke without tactile bumps, which would contrast heavily with the tactile nature of the POM T1.
In summary, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch stands out for its sharp, resonant sound and pronounced tactile feedback, making it a great choice for those seeking a highly interactive typing experience. In contrast, while the HMX Poro linear switch aims for effortless gliding and a different sound profile, the precise qualities of its sound and feel remain largely unknown, reflecting a smoother but less tactile nature. Ultimately, users will find that both switches cater to different typing preferences, with the POM T1 appealing to tactile enthusiasts and the Poro likely favoring those who appreciate a linear and smooth response in their keystrokes.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch and the HMX Poro linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and application needs. If you prioritize maximum tactility and enjoy a pronounced tactile bump, the POM T1 is the way to go. With its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 67 grams, it complements a more engaged typing experience, ideal for those who appreciate that satisfying "pop" and "clack" sound while typing. This makes it highly suitable for both coders and writers who thrive on feedback as they type. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and effortless keypress, the HMX Poro linear switch is an appealing alternative. Its light bottom-out force of 50 grams allows for a more relaxed and fluid typing experience, perfect for gamers or anyone who spends extended hours on their keyboard. Additionally, the Poro's meticulously lubricated mechanism provides an exceptionally silky feel that can enhance speed and reduce finger fatigue. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your desired balance between tactile feedback and typing smoothness, so consider your specific use cases before making a decision.
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