HMX Poro vs. Bsun Ragdoll
An in-depth look at the HMX Poro and the Bsun Ragdoll switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Poro and Bsun Ragdoll both offer unique experiences, even though they are both linear switches. The HMX Poro is renowned for its silky smooth keystrokes, meticulously lubricated to ensure an effortless glide, coupled with an ultra-light actuation force that results in a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound profile. This makes it an excellent choice for users who prioritize a seamless typing experience and desire a lively auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Bsun Ragdoll boasts a Y3 stem designed for smooth travel, paired with a nylon-fiberglass bottom housing that produces a distinct clacky sound, making it appealing for those who enjoy a bit of character in their keystrokes. While the Poro excels in delivering an effortless feel with an engaging sound, the Ragdoll brings its own charm with its unique design and auditory feedback. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Poro and Bsun Ragdoll switches share a notable similarity in their housing materials, as both feature nylon for both the top and bottom components. This choice of nylon as a classic switch housing material gives both switches impressive acoustic properties. When typing on either switch, users can expect a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer plastic composition. This softness contributes to sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience, which can enhance user satisfaction by reducing any harshness often associated with harder plastics. The uniformity in materials ensures that typing on both switches elicits a comparable auditory and tactile sensation.
While the materials used in the housings for both the HMX Poro and Bsun Ragdoll are the same, the overall user experience can be influenced by design elements beyond materials alone. For instance, the exact dimensions and internal constructions of the switches might differ despite the use of similar nylon components. These variations could affect the feel during actuation and the quality of the bottom-out sound, which is more heavily influenced by the bottom housing. Consequently, while both switches deliver comparable sound profiles attributed to their nylon composition, subtle differences in their construction could lead to unique experiences in typing feel and feedback.
Understanding how the top and bottom housings each contribute to the overall sound profile and feel of a key switch is essential for enthusiasts and those seeking to customize their typing experience. Both the HMX Poro and Bsun Ragdoll benefit similarly from the nylon material but mastery of their distinct qualities can optimize their performance. As the bottom housing most affects the overall bottom-out feel and sound, and the top housing contributes to the sound of releasing the key, the interplay between these two components highlights the complexity of switch design. Thus, while users may experience both switches as fundamentally alike in sound characteristics due to their nylon construction, subtle design differences can render each one unique in feel and performance.
Weight
The HMX Poro linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch share the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning both require equal pressure to register a keystroke, providing a similar typing experience in that regard. However, the bottom out forces differ slightly, with the Poro at 50 grams and the Ragdoll at 52 grams. This means that while both switches feel somewhat light and are suitable for prolonged use, the Poro switch is marginally lighter overall, making it more comfortable for extended typing sessions, particularly in work or gaming scenarios. Conversely, the Ragdoll switch, having a slightly heavier bottom out force, may offer a more substantial push feel for users who prefer a firmer tactile response while typing. In summary, if you're looking for a lighter and potentially less fatiguing option, the HMX Poro is the way to go, whereas the Bsun Ragdoll may appeal to those who enjoy a heavier tactile experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Poro linear switch features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This indicates that the Ragdoll switch offers a marginally deeper keystroke compared to the Poro switch, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feeling when pressing down on the keys. For gamers seeking quicker response times, the Poro’s shorter travel distance could be advantageous, as it allows for faster actuation. Conversely, those who favor a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes might appreciate the Ragdoll's longer travel. Overall, while both switches are relatively close in distance, the Poro is the shorter option and the Ragdoll is the longer one, making them suitable for different user preferences in terms of feel and responsiveness.
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 Bsun Ragdoll has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ragdoll for $3.29.
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
In terms of sound, the HMX Poro linear switches produce a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound profile, which can be delightful for users who enjoy a more audible feedback while typing. The Bsun Ragdoll linear switches also lean towards a clacky sound, thanks to their nylon-fiberglass bottom housing. However, while both switches offer satisfying auditory feedback, the Poro tends to deliver a more pronounced sound that some might find more appealing. Ultimately, the sound experience will vary with different keycap materials and board types, but both switches provide a noteworthy acoustic performance.
When comparing the feel of these switches, the HMX Poro offers a silky smooth keystroke experience, carefully lubricated to ensure seamless travel with minimal friction. This contributes to an effortlessly glide that enhances typing comfort. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll utilizes a Y3 stem, which is designed for smooth travel as well, but it may not provide the same level of smoothness as the meticulously lubricated Poro. Overall, both switches prioritize smooth actuation, but the feeling of the Poro might leave users seeking an even more refined typing experience.
In conclusion, both the HMX Poro and Bsun Ragdoll linear switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Poro stands out with its enhanced lubrication providing an incredibly smooth feel and a clackier sound, while the Ragdoll delivers solid smoothness with its unique stem design, also contributing to a clacky auditory profile. Depending on your typing preferences, you may find similar results between the two, but the nuance in their sound and feel could influence which one aligns more closely with your personal taste.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Poro and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switches largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a lighter tactile experience with a smooth and effortless glide, the HMX Poro with its 50 grams bottom out force may be the ideal choice for you. It's designed for those who enjoy a poppy and clacky sound profile, making it great for both gaming and typing scenarios where you want to feel a bit more dynamic and expressive with each keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer touch that still maintains a smooth travel with a medium-light 52 grams bottom out force, the Bsun Ragdoll might be more suited to you. Its nylon-fiberglass construction offers a distinct clacky sound that can enhance your typing experience, especially if you enjoy a switch that provides a bit more feedback and stability. Ultimately, consider how important sound, tactile feedback, and actuation force are in your daily use — whether for gaming, coding, or casual typing — and choose the switch that resonates with your unique typing style.
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