HMX Poro vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the HMX Poro and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Poro and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offer distinct experiences, even though both fall under the linear switch category. The HMX Poro stands out with its ultra-light actuation force and meticulously lubricated design that ensures effortlessly smooth keystrokes. Its satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound profile appeals to those who appreciate a tactile auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is known for its medium-weight feel and all-POM construction, which delivers a rich thocky sound profile paired with remarkable smoothness. This switch is ideal for users who prefer a bit more resistance without sacrificing fluidity in their typing experience. Both switches provide their own unique benefits, catering to different typing preferences and styles; 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
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Poro and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches present a compelling comparison in terms of housing materials, which greatly influence their respective sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Poro employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings, while the Sea Salt Smoothie utilizes POM (Polyoxymethylene) for the same components. Nylon is known for its softer, more pliable properties, which allows it to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a deeper and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, POM, though also capable of creating pleasing sound properties, produces a sound that is unique but similarly muted, lending itself to a deeper tone without the pronounced edges typically associated with harder plastics. Thus, both switches can provide similarly rich aural results, though through different material compositions.
The influence of these materials manifests differently in how users perceive sound and feel during typing. In the HMX Poro, the nylon housing's ability to dampen sound helps create a softer bottom-out feeling and a smoother release, which can be particularly appealing to typists who prefer a more subdued experience. In comparison, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie's POM material, while still providing a muted outcome, may introduce a slightly different tactile feedback compared to nylon. As the POM's properties allow for a more distinctive sound profile, users may notice a subtle variance in the acoustics generated during each keystroke. Nevertheless, both switches offer an overall deep sound profile, ensuring pleasurable user experiences despite the differences in material composition.
In terms of performance, the overall typing experience of both switches can yield similarly satisfying results. Since the top housing primarily influences the release sound and feel of a keypress while the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, the combination of nylon in the Poro and POM in the Sea Salt Smoothie can lead to comparable auditory feedback when utilized in proper settings. Users who appreciate a deeper sound profile will find that both switches deliver satisfying acoustics, albeit through their individual materials' unique nuances. Ultimately, the choice between the HMX Poro and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie may come down to personal preference regarding the tactile feel and sound characteristics offered by nylon versus POM.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Poro linear switch to the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, there are some notable differences in their actuation forces. The Poro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the Sea Salt Smoothie requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams. This difference means that the Poro may provide a more effortless typing experience, appealing to users who prefer a lighter switch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force of the Sea Salt Smoothie is unknown, which leaves some ambiguity about its overall resistance when fully pressed down. The Poro's bottom out force is 50 grams, indicating a slightly firmer feel upon bottoming out. Therefore, while the Poro is the lighter option, the Sea Salt Smoothie may offer a more substantial typing experience, depending on its bottom out force, which could make it preferable for those who enjoy a firmer feedback when typing.
Travel distance
Both the HMX Poro linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch feature the same travel distance of 3.7 mm, meaning that users can expect a similar keypress experience when using either switch. This equal travel distance ensures that the distance felt when pressing down on a key will be consistent for both switches, providing a familiar tactile response regardless of which one is chosen. Thus, whether a user opts for the Poro or the Sea Salt Smoothie, they will achieve comparable results in terms of key travel distance.
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 Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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 switch produces a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound profile, which is accentuated by its ultra-light actuation force, resulting in an engaging auditory experience as each key is pressed. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch delivers a thocky sound profile, providing a subtle depth to its auditory feedback. While both switches have their unique sound characteristics, the actual volume and tone may be affected by the choice of keyboard plate and keycaps used with each switch.
When it comes to feel, the Poro linear switch is known for its silky smooth keystrokes, enhanced by meticulous lubrication that provides an effortless gliding motion. This results in a light and fluid typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch offers a medium-weight feel, which strikes a balance between resistance and responsiveness, making it suitable for various typing styles while still ensuring smooth keystrokes.
In conclusion, both the HMX Poro and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences. The Poro focuses on a poppy, clacky sound and ultra-smooth feel, while the Sea Salt Smoothie presents a thocky sound and a balanced medium weight. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, both switches cater to different styles of typing, ensuring that an engaging experience is had with either option.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Poro linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a lighter feel with a delightful poppy and clacky sound profile, the HMX Poro is an excellent option. Its silky smooth keystrokes, enhanced by meticulous lubrication, make it a joy for those who enjoy rapid typing and gaming scenarios where speed is of the essence. On the other hand, if you prefer a more robust, thocky sound with a medium-weight feel, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is your go-to choice. This switch is designed for those who appreciate a satisfying and solid typing experience without compromising smoothness and quality. In essence, consider the HMX Poro if you’re after a light, breezy experience that emphasizes speed and airy feedback. Conversely, opt for the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie if you're leaning towards a more grounded typing experience that resonates with depth and tactile satisfaction.
Mentioned in this article
