HMX Poro vs. Akko Rosewood

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Poro and Akko Rosewood stand out as two excellent options within the linear category, each offering their own distinct characteristics. The HMX Poro is renowned for its silky smooth keystrokes, meticulously lubricated for an effortless glide, making it the ideal choice for typists and gamers who prioritize a light and responsive feel. Its poppy and clacky sound profile delivers an auditory enjoyment, appealing to those who appreciate a bit of feedback with their typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood switches exude a deep, satisfying thocky sound straight out of the box, thanks to a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant, which adds a layer of richness that many users find delightful. This switch is perfect for individuals who seek a more pronounced auditory experience without the need for extensive modification. Both switches cater to different preferences in tactile feel and sound, making them worthy contenders in the world of mechanical keyboards. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Poro Linear

Akko Rosewood Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Poro and the Akko Rosewood switches both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, which means they share a similar foundation when it comes to sound and feel during typing. Nylon is recognized for its soft texture, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The use of nylon allows both switches to absorb more sound due to its softer composition. This results in a notably duller and rounder auditory experience compared to switches made from harder plastics. Consequently, users can expect a comparable typing experience, as both switches showcase nylon's inherent acoustic properties, enriching the overall feel of keystrokes and enhancing the auditory feedback.

Diving deeper into the specifics of each switch, the nylon housings in both the Poro and the Rosewood will yield a shared typing experience in terms of how the sound and feel are transmitted through each housing component. When typing, the characteristics of the bottom housing play a significant role in the bottom-out feel and sound, while the top housing influences the sound produced when a key is released. Since both the HMX Poro and the Akko Rosewood switches employ nylon consistently for their housings, users will notice that the differences in sound and feel during typing can be quite minimal. This uniformity means that regardless of the specific model, the nylon’s contribution to the typing experience remains consistently reliable.

While the materials are the same, the overall performance of each switch can still differ slightly depending on the design nuances or tuning specific to the models. The balance between the top and bottom housings, alongside how the switches are manufactured or any other potential alterations, can impact the subtleties of the typing experience. Nevertheless, because both switches utilize nylon in their construction, users can expect to achieve similar sound profiles and tactile feedback, which makes choosing between the two more about personal preference than a significant difference in performance. Overall, whether opting for the HMX Poro or the Akko Rosewood, users will benefit from the acoustic advantages of nylon as a housing material.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Poro linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, both offer relatively light actuation and bottom-out forces, making them suitable for extended typing sessions. The Poro switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom-out force of 50 grams, while the Rosewood switch features a slightly lighter actuation force of 40 grams, yet the bottom-out force remains the same at 50 grams. This similarity in bottom-out force means that users will experience the same level of resistance when pressing the switch all the way down, regardless of the slight difference in actuation force. As a result, typists who prefer a lighter touch will find the Rosewood switch more appealing due to its lower actuation force, making it ideal for prolonged use, while those who appreciate a more substantial feel might lean towards the Poro switch. Overall, the Rosewood is the lighter option in terms of actuation force, while both switches maintain the same bottom-out resistance.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Poro linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, it's clear that the Poro has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Rosewood features a slightly longer distance of 4.0 mm. This means that if you opt for the HMX Poro, you will experience a more responsive feel due to its shorter travel distance, which is often favored by gamers looking for rapid actuation. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood's 4.0 mm travel distance provides a more traditional tactile experience, appealing to those who prefer a heartier depth in their keystrokes. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Poro might be the ideal choice, whereas the Rosewood would be better suited for users who enjoy a deeper keypress. Overall, these switches cater to different preferences based on their travel distances.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Poro linear switch produces a satisfyingly poppy and clacky profile thanks to its ultra-light actuation force, which contributes to a more pronounced auditory feedback during keystrokes. Conversely, the Akko Rosewood switch delivers a deep and thocky sound straight out of the box, enhanced by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant that adds to its acoustic depth. While both switches aim for a pleasing auditory experience, the Poro leans towards a lighter, more playful sound, while the Rosewood offers a richer and more resonant tone. Note that factors like the choice of keyboard and keycaps can influence the overall sound experience for both switches.

When it comes to feel, the HMX Poro linear switch is noted for its silky smooth keystrokes, meticulously lubricated for an effortless glide that allows for seamless transitions between key presses. This makes for a fluid typing experience that many users find appealing. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood linear switch boasts a satisfying feel as well, but it may have a more grounded sensation due to its thocky sound profile. The combination of factory lubricant and switch design may give the Rosewood a slightly more tactile feedback, although both options provide a notably smooth experience without the tactile bump found in other switch types.

In conclusion, both the HMX Poro and Akko Rosewood linear switches have unique sound signatures and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Poro’s poppy and clacky sound complements its silky smooth keystrokes, while the Rosewood's deep thock and satisfying feedback offer a different auditory and tactile experience. Ultimately, both switches deliver high-quality performance, and your personal preference will guide you towards the one that suits your typing style and sound preference best.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing between the HMX Poro linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal typing preferences and the kind of feedback you desire from your keyboard. If you appreciate a smooth, effortless typing experience with a slightly poppy and clacky sound that enhances your overall keystroke enjoyment, the HMX Poro would be your best option. Their meticulously lubricated design ensures a silky smooth feel, making them ideal for gamers or fast typists who value speed and precision without sacrificing audio feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper thocky sound that provides a satisfying auditory experience right out of the box, along with a solid feel that’s equally smooth yet distinct, the Akko Rosewood switch would suit you better. Its factory lubrication contributes to a rich sound profile, making it a great choice for users who enjoy a heavier auditory sensation while typing or gaming. Ultimately, whether you lean towards the airy pop of the Poro or the robust thock of the Rosewood, both switches offer a delightful, lightweight experience with their 50-gram bottom-out force, allowing you to find joy in your mechanical keyboard setup.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Poro Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Akko Rosewood Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more