HMX Poro vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the HMX Poro and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Poro and the Bsun Taichi offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing experiences. The HMX Poro is celebrated for its silky smooth keystrokes, thanks to meticulous lubrication that ensures an effortless glide, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a soft, tactile feel and enjoy a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound profile with its ultra-light actuation force. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi features a long-pole stem and extended springs, providing an enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound and exceptional smoothness and stability, appealing to users who prioritize a consistent and responsive keystroke. Both switches are linear, meaning they lack tactile bumps or audible clicks, which can contribute to a quieter typing environment. 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Poro and the Bsun Taichi switches reveal distinct characteristics, particularly when comparing their top housings. The Poro features a nylon top housing, known for its softer texture, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This quality is primarily due to nylon’s sound-absorbing properties, allowing for a more muted auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Taichi utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that is stiffer, generating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This fundamental difference in materials means that typists will experience two very different auditory sensations while using these switches. If, however, the two switches had identical functionalities, one might still achieve similar typing results through the tactile feedback and travel distance engineered within each design.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, similarities arise. Both the Poro and Taichi utilize nylon for their bottom housings, effectively aiming for a consistent impact on typing dynamics. The nylon material employed in both models results in an amplified deep and rounded sound profile, assuring a cohesive auditory experience when the keys are bottomed out. Since the bottom housing plays a critical role in the overall feel and sound upon key actuation, the presence of nylon in both cases ensures that users will likely experience similar tactile sensations and auditory feedback at this juncture. Thus, the two switches maintain some degree of comparable performance, despite the differences found in their top housing materials.
Overall, the contrasting top housing materials of the HMX Poro and Bsun Taichi provide two unique sound profiles, enabling a variety of user experiences. The nylon top of the Poro delivers a warmer, more subdued auditory response, while the polycarbonate top of the Taichi offers a sharper, clearer presentation of sounds. However, the uniformity in the nylon bottom housing synthesizes a level of consistency between the two switches regarding bottom-out feedback. Therefore, despite the differences in top housing materials, users will still encounter a familiar and pleasant typing experience due to the shared properties of the nylon utilized in both bottom housings. This synthesis allows typists to choose between aesthetically and acoustically diverse options while still feeling confident in the overall tactile feedback provided by each switch.
Weight
The HMX Poro linear switch features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Bsun Taichi linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, but its bottom out force is currently unspecified. This indicates that the Poro switch requires a slightly heavier force to actuate compared to the Taichi, which might attract users who prefer a more substantial typing experience for their long sessions. However, the Poro's bottom out force is higher, providing a clear tactile sensation when the key is fully pressed down, an aspect that may appeal to those who like a definitive feedback on their keystrokes. In contrast, the Taichi’s unknown bottom out force leaves some uncertainty about its performance upon being fully depressed. Therefore, for users preferring lighter switches for extended use, the Bsun Taichi might be the better option, while those who appreciate a firmer feel may gravitate towards the HMX Poro. Overall, this comparison highlights a balance between actuation and bottoming out feedback, emphasizing personal preference in choosing between a lighter and heavier switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Poro linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, the Poro offers a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Taichi features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Poro provides a deeper feel, which can be advantageous for users who prefer a more substantial key press, allowing for a more tactile experience. On the other hand, the Taichi's travel distance caters to those who prioritize speed and responsiveness, making it a fitting choice for gamers who favor quicker key actuation. Ultimately, while both switches are relatively short in comparison to the traditional 4.0 mm, the Poro may be a better option for those looking for a more pronounced key press, whereas the Taichi is ideal for users who appreciate abrupt and snappy responses.
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 Bsun Taichi has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taichi for $2.25.
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 switch produces a poppy and clacky profile that sets it apart, delivering a lively auditory feedback with every keystroke. This sound quality, highlighted by its ultra-light actuation force, can create a pleasant atmosphere for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi linear switch is characterized by its enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, attributed to its long-pole stem and extended springs. These elements work together to provide a unique auditory experience that many users find appealing. However, it's important to note that the overall sound is also influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, meaning both switches can offer different experiences depending on the setup.
In terms of feel, the Poro linear switch is celebrated for its silky smooth keystrokes, thanks to meticulous lubrication that ensures minimal friction during typing. This smoothness enhances the overall typing experience, making it feel effortless and enjoyable. Conversely, the Taichi switch is designed for unparalleled smoothness and stability, aided by its walled stem which contributes to a solid and consistent feel throughout the keystrokes. Both switches strive for an exceptional tactile experience, though the specific characteristics of their designs give each an individual touch that can cater to different preferences.
In conclusion, while both the HMX Poro and Bsun Taichi linear switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences, they cater to different aesthetic and performance preferences. The Poro's poppy and clacky sound paired with its silky smooth feel contrasts with the Taichi's high-pitched bottom-out sound and stable sensation. Ultimately, the best choice depends on personal preference, but whichever switch you choose, you can expect a satisfying linear experience that enhances your keyboard usage.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Poro linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences in terms of feel, sound, and overall typing experience. If you enjoy a light actuation and prefer a silky smooth keystroke that feels satisfying yet effortless, the HMX Poro will likely be the better choice for you. It’s perfect for those who seek a more poppy and clacky sound, making it ideal for lively typing sessions or gaming marathons where quick responsiveness is key. On the other hand, if you’re after a switch that offers a unique high-pitched bottom-out sound and an enhanced feeling of stability and smoothness, the Bsun Taichi is worth considering despite its lack of detailed bottom-out force information. The Taichi switch's design, which includes a long-pole stem, will appeal to typists looking for a more refined auditory experience while typing. Ultimately, understanding your own preferences in tactile feedback and sound profile will guide you in selecting the right switch for your mechanical keyboard, ensuring a satisfying typing experience tailored to you.
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