HMX Poro vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the HMX Poro and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Poro and Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches stand out for their unique characteristics, offering distinct experiences for typists and gamers alike. The HMX Poro is celebrated for its ultra-light actuation force, ensuring silky smooth keystrokes that allow for rapid and effortless typing. Its satisfying poppy and clacky sound profile adds a tactile delight that can enhance the overall experience, making it a favorite for those who appreciate a lively auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte offers a balanced sound profile with its latest mold technology, delivering super smooth keystrokes that strike a harmonious balance—not too loud, yet not overly quiet. This makes them an excellent choice for users seeking a more subdued typing experience without sacrificing performance. Both switches have unique traits that cater to different preferences, but they share the common appeal of smooth linear action. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Poro and the Huano Strawberry Latte, we observe a clear distinction in their top housing materials. The Poro utilizes a nylon top housing, which is renowned for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic properties that absorb sound effectively. This results in a duller and rounder auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte employs POK (polyketone) for its top housing, a material that is not only smooth but also highly durable. POK provides a slightly clacky feedback on typing, as it has a higher coefficient of friction compared to nylon. While both housings offer unique sound profiles and tactile feedback, they fulfil different audio aesthetics—nylon’s warmth versus POK’s crispness.
Both switches feature nylon bottom housings, which are consistent in their sound characteristics. The shared nylon material ensures that both switches utilize the same design philosophy, evoking similar acoustic properties when bottoming out. By employing nylon for the bottom housing, both products benefit from a deeper sound profile that dampens sound and highlights a more rounded tone. This structural similarity in their bottom housing grants a shared performance aspect, as users can expect a comparable experience regarding the bottom-out sound and feel regardless of the differences present in the top housing.
The distinct materials of the top housings in the HMX Poro and Huano Strawberry Latte work together with their identical nylon bottoms to create unique yet harmonious typing experiences. While the Poro delivers a softer and warmer profile reflective of its nylon top housing, the Strawberry Latte introduces a snappier sound through its POK material while still benefiting from the sound-damping nylon bottom. When typing, the outcome is a delightful blend where the bottom housing's sound characteristics permeate throughout, ensuring that users experience richness and depth, irrespective of the differences presented by the top housing. Ultimately, this interplay demonstrates that while materials differ, the commonalities and interactions between them can yield similarly satisfying results.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Poro linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, significant differences can be observed in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Poro switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option overall. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte features a lower actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, which also falls under the category of light switches but is slightly lighter than the Poro. Consequently, while both switches are designed for a light typing experience, the Huano Strawberry Latte offers an even easier keystroke activation, appealing to users who favor a softer touch. As for their bottom out forces, the Poro switch requires a bit more pressure at 50 grams compared to the Strawberry Latte's 45 grams, indicating that users may experience a slightly more substantial feel when fully pressing down on the Poro. Overall, if you prefer lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Strawberry Latte would be the more suitable choice, whereas the Poro might appeal to those who appreciate a slightly firmer response.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Poro linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, the HMX Poro has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Huano Strawberry Latte measures slightly shorter at 3.6 mm. This means that if you opt for the Poro switch, you'll experience a bit more depth in your key presses compared to the more responsive feel of the shorter Strawberry Latte switch. For gamers and users who prioritize quick response times, the Strawberry Latte may be the preferred choice due to its reduced travel distance. Conversely, those who appreciate a more substantial key press might lean towards the Poro switch for its longer travel. Overall, while the difference in travel distance is minimal, it can influence user satisfaction based on individual preferences for responsiveness versus depth in tactile feedback.
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 Huano Strawberry Latte has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Latte for $3.29.
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 has a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound profile, which adds an engaging auditory element to the typing experience. This lively sound can be attributed to its ultra-light actuation force, which encourages a lighter touch. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte switch offers a balanced sound profile that is neither too quiet nor overly resonant, providing a more neutral auditory experience. Ultimately, the sound of both switches can be influenced by external factors like the keyboard design and keycap choice, meaning the overall acoustic experience might differ even with the same switches.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Poro switch is particularly noted for its silky smooth keystrokes, a result of meticulous lubrication, allowing for an effortless glide when typing. This smooth sensation can enhance comfort and reduce finger fatigue over prolonged use. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte switch also prides itself on its super smooth operation, thanks to the latest molds from Huano. While both switches aim for a smooth feel, the Poro's lubrication may give it an extra edge in terms of ease of travel and overall fluidity.
In conclusion, both the HMX Poro and Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The Poro excels in its lively sound and silky smooth feel, while the Strawberry Latte provides a more balanced sound with a smooth touch. Depending on your individual typing style and sound preference, either switch can deliver a satisfying experience, particularly when complemented by the right board and keycaps to achieve your desired outcome.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Poro linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize a smoother typing experience combined with a satisfying poppy sound, the Poro's meticulous lubrication and light bottom-out force of 50 grams will serve you well, especially for long typing sessions or casual gaming. On the other hand, if you seek a balanced sound profile that isn’t too quiet but also avoids excessive resonance, the Strawberry Latte with its slightly lighter 45-gram actuation force might be the switch for you; it offers a reliably smooth feel and is well-suited for diverse tasks, from gaming to typing. In essence, choose the Poro for a silkier, more satisfying auditory feedback and the Strawberry Latte for a balanced, versatile experience. Thus, your decision should align with the specific tactile sensations and sound preferences that enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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