HMX Poro vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the HMX Poro and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the merits of various options, each offering a distinct typing experience. The HMX Poro switches are celebrated for their silky smooth keystrokes, enhanced by meticulous lubrication that ensures an effortless glide. With an ultra-light actuation force, these linear switches produce a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound profile, making them an appealing choice for users who appreciate auditory feedback with every keystroke. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches introduce a thoughtful innovation to the linear category, boasting a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. This unique characteristic enhances their allure for those who prefer a quieter typing experience without sacrificing tactile satisfaction. Both switches cater to different preferences—whether you gravitate towards the pronounced auditory engagement of the HMX Poro or the subdued elegance of the Jwick Semi-Silent. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Poro and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches utilize distinct materials in their top housings, leading to contrasting sound profiles. The Poro features a nylon top housing, known for its softer composition that absorbs sound more effectively. This results in a deeper, fuller sound that is characterized by a duller and rounder resonance. Conversely, the Semi-Silent Linear boasts a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and offers a clearer, more resonant sound profile. The sharper and higher-pitched audio from the polycarbonate contrasts with the Poro's more muted tones, showcasing how material choice can significantly influence key switch acoustics.
In terms of bottom housings, both the HMX Poro and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear utilize nylon, which gives them similar characteristics regarding sound absorption and feel. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a fuller, rounder sound profile when bottoming out, creating a cohesive auditory experience regardless of the top housing differences. This similarity means that, while the top housing materials may result in different sound profiles, the commonality in the bottom housing allows both switches to feel relatively consistent during keystrokes. Ultimately, the bottom housing's influence predominates the typing experience, providing a shared depth in sound between both switches.
Overall, the combination of materials used in the HMX Poro and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches highlights the significance of housing materials in keyboard acoustics and tactile feedback. While the nylon top of the Poro creates a uniquely softer sound profile, the stiffer polycarbonate of the Semi-Silent Linear results in a contrasting sharper tone. Nevertheless, the shared nylon bottom housing balances these differences and lends a similar bottoming-out experience across both models. Therefore, even with distinct top housings contributing to varied sounds, the final typing experience can still yield a satisfying result due to the underlying properties shared by the bottom housing.
Weight
The HMX Poro linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch showcase distinct characteristics in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Poro switch features a relatively light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an ideal choice for users who prefer typing for extended periods or engaging in long gaming sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch has an unspecified actuation force, but its bottom out force is more substantial at 62 grams, which provides a more robust feel when the key is fully pressed down. This difference suggests that the Semi-Silent Linear switch is heavier overall compared to the Poro switch. For those seeking a lighter typing experience, the Poro would be the preferred option, while users desiring a firmer keystroke might gravitate towards the Jwick switch's heavier bottom out feel. The unknown actuation force of the Jwick switch presents a challenge for direct comparison; however, if it were similar to the Poro's actuation force, users would experience a comparable typing feel in terms of initial keypress resistance.
Travel distance
Both the HMX Poro linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch exhibit the same travel distance of 3.7 mm, meaning that users will experience identical physical feedback when pressing down on the keys. This similarity suggests that both switches will provide a comparable typing experience in terms of key travel, allowing for consistent actuation with each press. Since both distances are equal, users can expect similar results in terms of responsiveness and feel when using either switch.
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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 HMX Poro linear switch stands out with its satisfying poppy and clacky profile, which adds an engaging auditory dimension to each keystroke. Its ultra-light actuation force contributes to a livelier sound that enhances the overall typing experience. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch adopts a more subdued approach with its whisper-quiet topping-out sound, while still retaining a clacky bottom-out sound. This semi-silent nature makes it less intrusive, perfect for environments where noise levels need to be kept in check, while still allowing for an enjoyable auditory feedback when bottoming out. Users can expect different sound experiences from these switches, shaped in part by their choice of keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the HMX Poro linear switch is renowned for its silky smooth keystrokes, meticulously lubricated to ensure an effortless glide during typing. This finish results in a refined experience that many users find pleasing. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a combination of mildness and snappiness. Its silky smooth journey coupled with a responsive feel creates a typing experience that strikes a balance, appealing to those who appreciate an approachable yet lively feedback. The Semi-Silent Linear’s versatility gives it a bit of an edge for users who might want a balance between casual typing and something a bit more engaging.
Overall, while both the HMX Poro and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches provide smooth keystroke experiences, they diverge significantly in sound and feel characteristics. The Poro’s engaging sound and buttery smooth feel cater to users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback, while the Jwick’s semi-silent features and mild responsiveness make it an excellent choice for quieter settings without sacrificing typing satisfaction. Ultimately, both switches promise satisfying performance, but the choice boils down to individual preferences regarding sound profile and tactile feedback during use.
Conclusion
To conclude, the decision between the HMX Poro linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and specific usage scenarios. If you favor a lighter touch and enjoy the feel of a silky smooth keystroke with a clacky sound profile, the Poro would be your go-to switch. It's particularly suitable for casual typing or gaming sessions, where the effortlessly gliding keys and satisfying acoustics can elevate your experience. On the other hand, if you're working in a quieter environment or require a touch of discretion in your typing while still enjoying a clacky bottom-out sound, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear would be the better choice. Its medium actuation force provides a more balanced typing experience, accompanied by a subdued sound profile that remains approachable for both novices and seasoned typists alike. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard.
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