HMX Poro vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the HMX Poro and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Poro and Gateron Smoothie Silver are two remarkable linear options that cater to distinct typing preferences. The HMX Poro is celebrated for its silky smooth keystrokes and ultra-light actuation force, offering a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound profile, making it an ideal choice for users who enjoy a tactile feedback experience without the resistance often associated with clicky or tactile switches. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie Silver boasts an all-POM construction that emphasizes a short travel distance, facilitating lightning-fast actuation and unparalleled smoothness with a “thocky” sound that many gamers and typists crave for fast-paced environments. While both switches provide an enjoyable typing experience characterized by effortless movement, they cater to different auditory and tactile preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Poro switches and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, which significantly influences their respective sound profiles. The Poro switches are crafted with nylon for both the top and bottom, a classic choice known for its ability to absorb sound and create a fuller, deeper sound profile. This softness means the Poro switches provide an acoustically pleasing experience when typing, leading to a duller, rounder sound that some users find desirable for a quieter typing environment. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver switches are constructed with POM for both housings, which, while softer in comparison to harder plastics, offers a unique sound profile that is also deep but tends toward a more muted characteristic. Thus, although both switches aim for a profound acoustic experience, the materials used lead to distinct sound features.
While the nylon in the Poro switches creates more pronounced sound absorption and depth, POM in the Smoothie Silver switches brings a different texture to the sound output. The POM material is known for yielding a more pleasing and unique sound, effectively blending sound dampening with a resonance that captures attention. Additionally, the Smoothie Silver's housing enhances the muted sound, making them feel slightly more refined and controlled, which could appeal to users who prefer a unique auditory feedback while typing. The difference in materials points to a divergence in the tactile experience, as the nuances of sound produced will vary despite both switches providing deeper auditory experiences.
Ultimately, the different materials used in the HMX Poro and Gateron Smoothie Silver switches will lead to varied tactile sensations, but they both achieve similar outcomes in the realm of sound quality. Users who are drawn to the deeper, muted sound signatures will find satisfaction in both options, even though the specific timbres may differ slightly due to the material compositions. When pressed, the Poro's nylon bottom housing will impart its fullness and depth, while the Smoothie Silver's POM bottom housing will deliver a more indiscernibly unique yet controlled sound experience. Typing on either switch yields results that embrace a common goal of providing a satisfying auditory and tactile engagement, showcasing how varied materials can coexist in producing similar enjoyment in keyboard experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Poro linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, we find that both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, indicating a similar threshold for triggering a keystroke. This shared actuation force suggests that users will experience a comparable typing feel in terms of lightness when engaging with either switch. However, the bottom out force diverges between the two: the Poro has a bottom out force of 50 grams, which adds a little more resistance when pressing the key all the way down, whereas the Smoothie Silver's bottom out force is unavailable, making direct comparison impossible. Given this context, the Poro can be classified as the heavier switch due to its bottom out force. In summary, while both switches offer the same actuation force, the Poro provides a more substantial feel when fully depressed, catering to those who appreciate a firmer typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Poro linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, we see a clear distinction. The Poro has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, making it the longer option between the two, while the Smoothie Silver measures at 3.4 mm, indicating a shorter travel distance. For users who prioritize responsiveness, the Smoothie Silver may be the preferred choice due to its quicker actuation. In contrast, those who enjoy a more substantial feel while typing might appreciate the Poro's longer travel distance, which offers a deeper keystroke experience. Overall, if a user feels more comfortable with shorter key travel for speed, the Smoothie Silver would align with their preference, while the Poro caters to those seeking a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes.
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 Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
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, which stems from its meticulously lubricated construction and ultra-light actuation force. This unique auditory experience makes it enjoyable for those who appreciate a bit of acoustic feedback while typing. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie Silver produces a thocky sound that enhances the overall experience of fast keystrokes. While both switches offer distinct sound qualities, it's important to note that the final volume and tone can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Poro linear switch is characterized by its silky smooth keystrokes, affording users a seamless typing experience due to its thorough lubrication. This results in an effortless glide with minimal resistance. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver provides unparalleled smoothness combined with a feather-light touch, making the actuation almost instantaneous. These differences in tactile feedback highlight the varied preferences of users: the Poro caters to those who enjoy a gliding sensation, while the Smoothie Silver appeals to users seeking rapid responsiveness.
In conclusion, while both the HMX Poro and Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switches each have their own unique sound and feel attributes, they cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Poro's poppy sound and silky feel contrast with the Smoothie Silver's thocky audio and light touch, giving users options based on their desired typing sensation and auditory feedback. Ultimately, both switches promise a smooth typing experience, but your choice will depend on whether you prefer a more pronounced sound or a lighter, quicker actuation.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the HMX Poro linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, consider your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you are looking for a switch that offers a light bottom-out force of 50 grams, a smooth feel, and a poppy sound profile, the HMX Poro is an excellent choice, especially for typists who enjoy a more expressive keystroke without sacrificing comfort. This switch is meticulously lubricated, delivering silky smoothness and a satisfying auditory feedback that can enhance your typing experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize ultra-fast actuation with an even lighter touch, the Gateron Smoothie Silver should be your go-to. Its short travel distance and thocky sound make it particularly suitable for gamers or users who thrive on rapid key presses and quick response times. In essence, if you prefer a tactile and engaging experience, the HMX Poro is ideal, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver will cater to those seeking speed and fluidity in their typing or gaming endeavors.
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