HMX Poro vs. Dareu Snow

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Poro and the Dareu Snow offer two distinct yet appealing options for users who favor linear switches. The HMX Poro is celebrated for its silky smooth keystrokes, meticulously lubricated to ensure an effortless glide, and features an ultra-light actuation force that delivers a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound profile. This makes it an excellent choice for gamers or typists looking for quick response times and a lively auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow distinguishes itself with its innovative use of POK material for both the top housing and stem, resulting in a deeper sound signature and a tactile, bouncy feel that many users find satisfying. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate a more nuanced auditory experience and a solid keystroke. Both switches have unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, whether you're drawn to the HMX Poro's crisp responsiveness or the Dareu Snow's low-pitched thocky sounds. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

HMX Poro Linear

Dareu Snow Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$7.78

$5.76 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Poro and the Dareu Snow, notable distinctions arise, particularly in their top housing components. The Poro features a nylon top housing, which is celebrated for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer texture. Nylon's sound-absorbing qualities lead to a duller and rounder acoustic experience when typing, making it a preferred choice for those seeking a muted auditory feedback. In contrast, the Snow employs a POK material for its top housing. This polyketone material is designed to enhance smoothness and durability, presenting a higher coefficient of friction compared to nylon. This results in a switch that not only feels smooth during use but also produces a unique sound signature that is clackier than that of the Poro, thereby catering to users who may prefer a more pronounced auditory indication with each keystroke.

Interestingly, both switches feature nylon in their bottom housing, which creates a connection in terms of sound profile between the two. Given that both the Poro and Snow utilize nylon for their lower housings, this consistent material choice results in a similar, deeper, and fuller sound when the key bottoms out. The nylon used in both models contributes to effective sound absorption, helping to create a harmonious acoustic experience regardless of the differences in their top housing materials. This parallel in bottom housing suggests that despite their discrepancies in performance with respect to the top housings, the overall sound produced when striking the keys will retain a foundational similarity attributable to the common use of nylon.

Ultimately, the unique materials of the top housings in both the Poro and Snow lead to distinct tactile and auditory experiences. Users can expect the Poro's nylon top to deliver a more subdued and soft sound profile, whereas the Snow's POK material provides a quicker response and a brighter, more clacky sound. Nonetheless, the nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches share the same depth of sound quality when being pressed down. As such, while they may excel in different areas due to their top housing differences, users of either may find satisfaction in the familiar and rich characteristics of a nylon base, ultimately affecting their typing experience in complementary ways.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Poro linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, a clear distinction can be made in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Poro switch features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a lightweight typing experience, ideal for extended work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Snow switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, offering a more substantial and tactile feedback for those who enjoy a firmer push. This means that while both switches have their unique appeal based on typing preferences, the Poro will likely be more comfortable for long periods of use, whereas the Snow may cater to users who appreciate a stronger push sensation. Overall, the Poro switch is lighter, making it easier for prolonged typing, while the Snow switch is heavier, providing a sturdier key feel.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Poro linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Poro boasts a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Snow features a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that users who prioritize faster response times may favor the Dareu Snow due to its reduced travel distance, which can facilitate quicker actuation. Conversely, those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience and the feel of deeper key presses might lean towards the HMX Poro. Therefore, if you're seeking a switch that provides a more immediate response, the Snow is the better choice, whereas the Poro caters to those who enjoy a more pronounced depth in their key presses.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the HMX Poro linear switch is characterized by a satisfyingly poppy and clacky tone, which is enhanced by its ultra-light actuation force. This lively sound can be quite engaging, making for an enjoyable typing experience, particularly for users who appreciate an audible response to their keystrokes. In contrast, the Dareu Snow linear switch offers a deeper sound signature, primarily attributed to its innovative POK material composition. This results in a thocky sound, producing a rich, satisfying deep tone upon actuation which many typists find fulfilling. Overall, while both switches provide distinct auditory experiences, the Poro leans towards a more vibrant sound, while the Snow offers a lower-pitched, bass-heavy richness.

When it comes to feel, the HMX Poro is known for its silky smooth keystrokes, meticulously lubricated for an effortless glide. This contributes to a seamless typing experience, though specific qualitative descriptors for its tactile feedback are not available. In contrast, the Snow switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like sensation that adds an element of liveliness to each keypress. The rebound effect enhances the overall experience, making it feel more dynamic and responsive as you type. The differences in feel suggest that those who prefer a smooth, gliding action might gravitate towards the Poro, while those looking for a more interactive typing experience might enjoy the bounce of the Snow.

In summary, the HMX Poro and Dareu Snow linear switches each cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Poro offers a lively, poppy sound and a smooth keystroke experience, appealing to users who enjoy auditory feedback in a fluid typing motion. On the other hand, the Snow presents a deeper, thocky sound and a bouncy tactile sensation, making it a fitting choice for those who appreciate a more pronounced response. Ultimately, both switches deliver quality experiences, allowing users to choose based on their specific sound and feel preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, selecting between the HMX Poro linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you value a lighter switch that offers a silky smooth keystroke with a more poppy sound profile, the Poro is an excellent choice, especially if you enjoy tasks requiring rapid key presses or if you plan to use your keyboard for gaming. Its effortless glide and lower actuation force make it ideal for prolonged typing sessions without much fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a bit more resistance—ideal for those who appreciate a more tactile feedback—and desire a deeper, thocky sound, the Snow switch would be suitable for you. Its innovative POK material not only enhances durability but also gives a bouncy feel and a richer auditory experience, making it an excellent option for both typing and casual gaming. Therefore, consider what features are most important to you—whether it's sound, feel, or actuation force—when making your decision.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Poro Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Dareu Snow Linear

$7.78

$5.76 per 10

Learn more