HMX Poro vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the HMX Poro and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the HMX Poro and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) can significantly affect your typing experience. The HMX Poro switches are celebrated for their silky smooth keystrokes and ultra-light actuation force, delivering an effortless glide that makes them ideal for those who prioritize a fluid typing experience without significant resistance. Their poppy and clacky sound profile adds a playful element to each keystroke, appealing to users who appreciate auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2) switches offer a unique blend of resonant and clacky notes, creating a distinct sound that many typists find satisfying. With an impeccable factory lubrication, these switches also provide fluidity during use, catering to those who enjoy a smoother activation with a slightly higher-pitched auditory signature. While both switches are linear and designed for effortless keystrokes, their sound profiles and tactile feedback can attract different preferences among users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your unique typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
52g
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
Y3
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Ly
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Poro and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2), there is a distinct contrast in their top housings. The Poro utilizes a nylon top housing, known for its ability to deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This results in a sound that is absorbed rather than projected, creating a muted and rounded auditory experience. In contrast, the Strawberry Wine (V2) opts for an innovative Ly top housing, which is designed to produce a bright sound signature that resonates with sharp clacks when typing. This divergence in materials signifies that while the Poro leans towards a more subdued acoustic characteristic, the Strawberry Wine (V2) embraces a vibrant and lively auditory profile.
In examining the bottom housings of both switches, the similarities between the Poro and the Strawberry Wine (V2) become apparent. Both utilize nylon for the bottom housing, which echoes the benefits of the material seen in the Poro’s top housing. This results in a deeper and fuller sound when bottoming out, as the softer nylon absorbs sound effectively, contributing to a rounded auditory experience. Thus, while the top housings of the two switches create different sound profiles, the bottom housings harmonize their acoustic traits, leading to a unifying quality in the sound produced during key presses. This commonality allows for similar experiences in the tactile response and auditory feedback during the bottom-out phase of pressing the keys.
Ultimately, the interplay between the different materials used in the top and bottom housings impacts the overall typist experience of both switches. With the Poro's nylon top providing a deep, muffled sound and the Strawberry Wine (V2)'s Ly top contributing a bright resonance, typists will notice varying auditory qualities depending on their key presses. However, the shared nylon bottom housing ties the experience together, ensuring that regardless of the top housing's brightness or dullness, the bottom housing provides a consistency in feel and sound depth. Therefore, whether one prefers the muted sound of the Poro or the clacking brightness of the Strawberry Wine (V2), they can expect a satisfying tactile experience rooted in the familiar properties of nylon.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Poro linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, we see a similarity in their actuation forces; both switches require 45 grams of force to register a keystroke, making them equally light in this regard. However, the bottom out forces differ slightly, with the Poro’s bottom out force at 50 grams, and the Strawberry Wine (V2) at 52 grams, indicating that the latter offers a marginally heavier bottoming out experience. This subtle difference may appeal to users who enjoy a bit more resistance when fully pressing down on their keys, as the Strawberry Wine (V2) provides a more substantial feel at the bottom. Overall, while both switches have the same actuation force, the Poro is the lighter option when it comes to bottom out force, making it preferable for extended typing sessions, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) may suit those who prefer a slightly firmer push.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Poro linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, we find that the Poro has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) measures slightly shorter at 3.6 mm. This makes the Poro the longer option, providing a bit more depth when pressed, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel in their key presses. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2), with its shorter travel distance, caters to those who favor quicker response times, making it a potentially better choice for gamers. Ultimately, while both switches are relatively close in distance, the Poro offers a more traditional feel with its slightly greater travel, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) emphasizes a snappier experience.
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 Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Wine (V2) for $4.35.
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 presents a notably poppy and clacky auditory experience, thanks in part to its ultra-light actuation force, which contributes to a bright and percussive sound profile. This lively sound quality can enhance the typing experience for those who enjoy a more engaging auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) also boasts a clacky sound profile but adds a layer of resonance, producing cleaner, sharper, and higher-pitched notes. This combination of clackiness and resonance offers a more immersive auditory experience, making it appealing for those who prefer a crisp and bright sound. Together, these switches promise a lively acoustic atmosphere, though the Strawberry Wine may offer slightly more complexity due to its resonant qualities.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Poro linear switch is characterized by its exceptionally smooth keystrokes, enhanced by meticulous lubrication that ensures an effortless glide with minimal resistance. This results in a comfortable typing experience, perfect for users who appreciate a seamless motion when pressing keys. Comparatively, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) also provides a silky smooth experience, renowned for its minimized resistance during key presses. Although both switches emphasize a smooth typing feel, the Poro’s reputation for being meticulously lubricated aligns well with the impeccable factory lube job of the Strawberry Wine, suggesting that users of either switch will enjoy a luxurious tactile experience.
In conclusion, both the HMX Poro and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches present the user with a delightful typing experience enriched by their sound and feel characteristics. While the Poro offers a lively, poppy auditory experience, the Strawberry Wine enhances this with a resonant quality, making it slightly more complex by nature. In terms of tactile feedback, both switches are designed to deliver silky smooth keystrokes, thanks to their top-notch lubrication. Selecting either will likely yield an enjoyable typing experience; thus, your personal preference for sound may ultimately guide your choice between the two.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Poro linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, it’s essential to consider both your typing preferences and the auditory experience you seek. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and a feeling of effortless gliding when typing, then the Poro switch is the more suitable choice for you. With its silky smooth keystrokes and engaging sound profile, the Poro excels in providing a satisfying typing experience, making it an excellent option for fast-paced typists or gamers who value quick responsiveness. On the other hand, if you enjoy a slightly heavier bottom-out force and an immersive auditory experience with crisp and resonant sounds, the Strawberry Wine (V2) should be your switch of choice. Its factory lube enhances the overall smoothness of each keystroke while delivering a more pronounced clacky sound, perfect for individuals who appreciate the tactile and acoustic feedback from their keyboard. Ultimately, your choice should reflect what you prioritize most in your typing experience—lightness and smoothness with the Poro, or the delightful auditory feedback and a bit more resistance with the Strawberry Wine (V2).
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