HMX Poro vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the HMX Poro and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference and use case. The HMX Poro linear switch stands out for its remarkably smooth keystrokes, enhanced by meticulous lubrication that provides an effortless glide. Users can also appreciate its poppy and clacky sound profile, which gives a satisfying auditory feedback without being overly disruptive. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch caters to those who prioritize a quieter typing experience. This silenced version of the Ink Black offers a cushy, pillow-like bottom-out feel, minimizing noise while maintaining excellent performance, making it ideal for office environments or late-night gaming sessions. Each switch offers unique advantages: the Poro for those seeking a lively and responsive typing feel, and the Silent Ink Black for users who prefer a more subdued auditory experience. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
When comparing the HMX Poro and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches, the material composition of the housing plays a significant role in their auditory qualities and typing experiences. The Poro utilizes a classic nylon material for both its top and bottom housings, known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer plastic quality offers a more muted auditory experience, appealing to users who prefer a quieter, rounder acoustic feedback while typing. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black features a proprietary INK blend that yields a sharper and higher-pitched sound. This material helps produce a clackier, more pronounced auditory feedback, thereby catering to users who enjoy a brighter, more vibrant sound as they type.
The differences extend beyond just sound profile to how these materials influence the typing feel. The Poro's consistent use of nylon means that users will experience a cohesive feel and sound quality from both the bottom and top housing. This uniformity in material allows for a more tempered response when bottoming out, amplified by the nylon's natural ability to dampen vibrations. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black's dual housing setup, with distinct INK blend characteristics in both top and bottom, introduces a dichotomy where the bottom housing's sharper imprint might yield a clattery bottom-out feeling, while the top housing ensures a crisper release sound. Thus, the typing experience can differ significantly even if the user does not immediately perceive the materials.
Ultimately, despite the differences in sound produced by each switch type, similar functional results can be achieved when considering each housing's impact on typing experience. For both switches, the bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound during release. The Poro’s nylon construction may deliver a warmer and fuller experience, whereas the Silent Ink Black provides a snappier and more defined auditory profile. Understanding these nuances allows users to select a switch that aligns with their desired typing experience, enabling them to achieve their preferences whether they lean towards the deep, rounded tones of nylon or the bright, clacking sounds of Gateron’s INK blend.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Poro linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Poro features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer less resistance for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black has a higher actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial and tactile feedback with each key press. Thus, the Poro is better for those who seek comfort during extended usage, while the Silent Ink Black caters to users desiring a heavier typing experience. As a result, if you opt for the Poro, you can expect a more effortless typing feel, whereas choosing the Silent Ink Black will provide a firmer push.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Poro linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it's clear that there is a notable difference between the two. The Poro switch features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Silent Ink Black has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference means that gamers or users who enjoy quicker response times may prefer the shorter Poro switch, as it allows for faster actuation. On the other hand, those who appreciate a more substantial feel and depth in their keystrokes might find the Silent Ink Black's longer travel distance of 4 mm to be more satisfying. Ultimately, your choice may hinge on whether you value speed and responsiveness or a more traditional typing experience.
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 Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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
The HMX Poro linear switch offers a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound profile, thanks to its ultra-light actuation force. This switch is meticulously lubricated, which not only enhances the smoothness of the keystrokes but also contributes to a more pronounced auditory feedback as you type. The poppy nature of the sound can be particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate a bit of acoustic interaction while typing, making it an engaging experience. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black focuses on minimizing sound, delivering a muted auditory experience that is especially suited for quieter environments. With its design aimed at reducing the typical "click" associated with mechanical switches, the minimal audio feedback will allow typists to immerse themselves in their work without distracting others nearby.
When it comes to feel, the Poro switch is renowned for its silky smooth keystrokes, providing effortless gliding with every press. This smoothness is further enhanced by the careful lubrication process, resulting in a typing experience that is not only pleasurable but also highly responsive. The tactile experience is elevated, allowing typists to feel their keystrokes effectively as they engage with each letter. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black is characterized by a plush, pillow-like bottom-out feel, which offers a unique typing sensation that cushions the impact of each key press. The silky and polished nature of the switch enhances this feel, ensuring that the typing experience is as frictionless as possible while maintaining a more subdued response.
In summary, both the HMX Poro and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the Poro is celebrated for its lively and engaging auditory feedback along with a smooth keystroke experience, the Silent Ink Black provides a quiet, cushioned typing sensation ideal for noise-sensitive environments. Depending on user priorities—whether it be sound, feel, or a combination of both—both switches can deliver satisfying results, but they do so in notably different ways that enhance the typing experience according to individual preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Poro linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch ultimately hinges on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you seek a lightweight switch with a bottom-out force of 50 grams, the HMX Poro is an excellent choice, particularly if you value smooth keystrokes and enjoy a poppy sound profile that enhances your typing experience. This switch is perfect for casual typing or gaming, where rapid key actuation is beneficial and a bit of auditory feedback can be satisfying. On the other hand, if you work in a shared or quiet environment and need a switch that minimizes noise without sacrificing a smooth typing experience, the Gateron Silent Ink Black, with its heavier bottom-out force of 70 grams, would be more suitable. Its muted sound and plush bottom-out feel provide a comfort that allows for extended typing sessions without drawing attention. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you prioritize a light, tactile experience or a quieter, more subdued one.
Mentioned in this article
