HMX Poro vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the HMX Poro and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Poro and Jwick Splash Brothers both offer unique features designed to enhance your typing experience, yet they cater to different preferences. The HMX Poro stands out for its silky smooth keystrokes, meticulously lubricated for exceptional glide and a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound profile, thanks to its ultra-light actuation force. This switch is ideal for users who prioritize a gentle touch and an enjoyable auditory feedback. In contrast, the Jwick Splash Brothers switch prides itself on its dynamic performance, featuring a shorter activation distance and a long pole stem that contributes to an appealing typing feel, complemented by a creamy sound signature. This switch appeals to those who seek speed and a more responsive action while typing. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Extended long spring
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the HMX Poro and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches, we find a notable contrast in their top housings that significantly affects their overall acoustic profiles. The Poro features a nylon top housing, which is favored for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound. This is largely due to nylon's softer characteristics, which not only provide a more subdued auditory experience but also help absorb sound, resulting in a rounded acoustic profile. In contrast, the Splash Brothers utilize a polycarbonate top housing, characterized by a stiffer composition. This stiffness enhances the clarity and sharpness of each keystroke, leading to a crisper and higher-pitched sound profile. As a result, while both switches offer unique auditory experiences, the Poro leans towards warm and muffled tones, whereas the Splash Brothers offer a bright and powerful sound.
Interestingly, when it comes to their bottom housings, both the Poro and the Splash Brothers utilize nylon. This consistency means that despite the differences in the top housing materials, users can expect a similar sound profile stemming from the bottom of the switches. Nylon is known for its sound-dampening qualities, which contribute to a deeper and fuller acoustic experience when keys are bottomed out. The shared use of nylon in the bottom housing suggests that users will still receive an engaging, textured typing experience across both models. While the Splash Brothers maintain a crisp sound due to their polycarbonate tops, the nylon bottom housing preserves a grounding element of warmth and depth, blending the two sound profiles effectively.
Ultimately, the duality in the housing materials of the HMX Poro and the Jwick Splash Brothers can yield a unique typing experience based on the balance between their respective sound profiles. The combination of a softer, sound-absorbing nylon bottom housing across both products allows for a cohesive experience in terms of bottoming out sounds, regardless of the contrasting top housings. Thus, for users who may prioritize the tactile feedback of a switch while still wanting to explore crisper or rounder auditory experiences, both the Poro and the Splash Brothers deliver satisfying results. This harmony between the shared nylon bottom housing and the distinct top materials provides flexibility in terms of personal preference while maintaining a resemblance in the tactile feel of both switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Poro linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, we observe both similarities and differences. The Poro features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, which qualifies it as a lighter switch, ideal for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Splash Brothers does not have a specified actuation force but has a bottom out force of 48 grams. While we know the Poro is lighter in terms of actuation force, the Splash Brothers is slightly heavier at the bottom out point, allowing for a firmer feel when pressing down completely. Overall, the Poro is the lighter option due to its lower actuation force, catering to users who prefer a more effortless typing experience. For those who enjoy a heavier switch, the Splash Brothers may be a suitable alternative, despite the unknown actuation force.
Travel distance
The HMX Poro linear switch features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Splash Brothers ideal for those who prioritize responsiveness during fast-paced gaming, as its shorter travel can yield quicker actuation times. On the other hand, the Poro's travel distance provides a bit more depth, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel during key presses. Although both switches are relatively close in travel distance, the Poro offers a more cushioned experience, while the Splash Brothers cater to those who favor snappier key responses. In conclusion, if responsiveness is key, the Splash Brothers would be the better choice, but for a more pronounced typing experience, the Poro would stand out.
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 Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49 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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Poro linear switches produce a satisfyingly poppy and clacky profile that enhances the auditory experience during typing, largely attributed to their ultra-light actuation force. This lively sound can be appealing, particularly for those who enjoy a more animated typing environment. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers switches are noted for their creamy sound signature, which, while likely neutral in loudness, provides a more subdued auditory experience without a disruptive presence. Both switches exhibit distinct sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Poro offering a more pronounced, energetic auditory feedback compared to the softer tones of the Splash Brothers.
In terms of feel, the HMX Poro linear switches are recognized for their silky smooth keystrokes, resulting from meticulous lubrication that ensures an effortless glide. This luxurious typing experience allows for prolonged use without the fatigue that may come from more textured switches. Meanwhile, the Jwick Splash Brothers switches are characterized by a range of feel descriptors, including mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished. This suggests a dynamic typing experience that balances gentle resistance with responsive feedback, creating an engaging sensation with a lively, spring-like rebound. The Splash Brothers’ longer pole stem and shorter activation distance further contribute to a typing feel that is responsive and exciting, contrasting with the smooth refinement of the Poro.
In summary, while both the HMX Poro and Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches provide distinct tactile and auditory experiences, they cater to different user preferences. The Poro is ideal for those who appreciate a smoother, more pronounced sound and feel, making typing feel luxurious and fluid. Conversely, the Splash Brothers offer a versatile experience with their variety of feel qualities, suited for those who enjoy a responsive and lively activation. Ultimately, choosing between them hinges on whether you prioritize a silky feel with a noticeable sound or a more dynamic, nuanced typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, both the HMX Poro and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize a smooth typing experience and enjoy an effortless glide with a subtly clacky sound, the HMX Poro switch becomes a compelling choice. It is particularly well-suited for users who enjoy a lightweight feel and appreciate a refined response when typing, making it an ideal option for long typing sessions or casual use where comfort is key. On the other hand, if you're drawn to a switch that provides a more dynamic and snappy typing experience, then the Jwick Splash Brothers should be your go-to. With its shorter actuation point and lively feedback, it excels in fast-paced typing and gaming scenarios, delivering a satisfying response that promotes quick actions and performance. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches should align with your specific needs, whether you seek smoothness and ease with the Poro or a more energetic, engaging typing feel with the Splash Brothers.
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