HMX Poro vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the HMX Poro and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact your typing experience, and two popular options are the HMX Poro and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, both of which are linear switches. The Poro is celebrated for its silky smooth keystrokes, enhanced by meticulous lubrication that ensures an effortless glide with a playful pop during use. This switch offers a delightful sound profile, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a more auditory typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 53g prioritizes a quieter operation, catering to typists who crave a serene environment. With its well-balanced 53g bottom-out force, it provides a light yet satisfying keystroke, perfect for long typing sessions without disturbing those around you. While the Poro shines with its expressive sounds and smooth operation, the Silent Sakura makes a compelling case for a whisper-quiet workspace. 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
53g
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
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Poro and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, it's evident that both switches utilize nylon for their top housings, resulting in similar acoustic characteristics. Nylon is renowned for its ability to create a deep and full sound profile due to its softness, which effectively absorbs sound waves. This shared material in the top housing means that users can expect a muted and rounded auditory experience when typing on both switches. The consistent use of nylon in this aspect ensures that the initial keystroke sound will carry a softer, more textured quality, appealing to those who prefer a less sharp auditory feedback.
However, the contrast between the two switches arises with their bottom housings. The HMX Poro employs nylon material for its bottom housing, which complements the softer audio profile established by the top housing. This uniformity allows for a consistently smooth sound with a duller character during both keystrokes and bottom-out experiences. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g features a polycarbonate bottom housing that introduces a sharper, more resonant sound upon bottoming out. The stiffness of polycarbonate gives a higher-pitched auditory feedback, which creates a more vibrant typing experience compared to the overall consistency of the Poro's nylon setup.
The differing bottom housing materials between the two switches contribute to distinct auditory sensations during interactions. While both switches share a nylon top housing leading to similar sound profiles upon key release, the Silent Sakura's polycarbonate bottom brings a level of brightness that the Poro cannot match. As a result, the user experience will differ, particularly in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel. Users seeking a deeper, more muted response may prefer the HMX Poro, while those who appreciate a clearer and crisper auditory feedback during key presses might gravitate towards the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g. Ultimately, the varied materials contribute to the unique character of each switch while still maintaining a harmonious connection through the use of nylon in the top housings.
Weight
The HMX Poro linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch exhibit some similarities in their actuation forces, as both require 45 grams to register a keystroke. This means users of either switch will experience a similarly light actuation, making both options suitable for extended typing sessions without excessive fatigue. However, the bottom out forces differ; the Poro has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Silent Sakura has a higher bottom out force of 53 grams. This makes the Poro feel a bit softer upon bottoming out, whereas the Silent Sakura offers a more substantial feel with its increased bottom out force. Consequently, while both switches provide a light typing experience, the Poro is notably lighter in terms of bottom out force, making it ideal for those who prefer a gentler push. In contrast, the Silent Sakura, being slightly heavier at bottom out, may appeal to users who favor a firmer feel during typing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Poro linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, we see a clear distinction: the Poro features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, whereas the Silent Sakura - 53g has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference highlights the Poro as the shorter option, which may be preferable for those seeking quicker response times, particularly in gaming scenarios. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 53g's longer travel distance can provide a more pronounced feel, catering to users who favor a deeper keypress for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, if you choose the shorter Poro switch, you’ll enjoy a faster actuation, while the Silent Sakura - 53g offers a more traditional feel favored by those who appreciate the tactile feedback of a longer 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 HMX Silent Sakura - 53g comes in at $3.50 per 10 switches.
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 satisfying poppy and clacky sound profile, making it a more audible choice for those who enjoy a lively auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switch is engineered specifically for a whisper-quiet experience, allowing for an exceptionally muted sound akin to soft raindrops. This makes the Silent Sakura a great option in environments where noise is a concern, while the Poro appeals more to those who appreciate a more pronounced keystroke sound.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Poro switch is characterized by its silky smooth keystrokes, thanks to meticulous lubrication that enhances the glide of each press. This smoothness contributes to an effortless typing experience and reduces finger fatigue over extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g offers a balanced keystroke with a 53g bottom out force that targets typists seeking a light yet satisfying experience. While both switches provide a smooth feel, the Poro may deliver a more engaging tactile sensation due to its lighter actuation force.
In conclusion, both the HMX Poro linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch cater to different preferences and typing environments. The Poro shines with its engaging sound and ultra-smooth operation, perfect for those who enjoy feedback during their typing. Conversely, the Silent Sakura focuses on a quiet yet satisfying experience, ideal for noise-sensitive settings. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to whether you prioritize an expressive sound and feel with the Poro or a hushed and comfortable experience with the Silent Sakura.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're considering whether to choose the HMX Poro linear switch or the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, it ultimately boils down to your personal typing preferences and environment. The Poro is ideal for those who appreciate an ultra-smooth feel paired with a slightly more pronounced sound profile, thanks to its poppy and clacky acoustics. This switch shines in environments where noise isn’t a concern, allowing you to enjoy the tactile feedback and light 50g actuation force with ease. Alternatively, if your work or gaming setup demands a quieter operation, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is the way to go. With a 53g bottom out force and whisper-quiet keystrokes reminiscent of gentle raindrops, these switches provide a comfortable typing experience without disturbing those around you. In essence, if you value acoustics and tactile feedback, lean towards the Poro, but if you prefer a more subdued sound while typing, the Silent Sakura will serve you well.
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