HMX Poro vs. Bsun Tomcat

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Poro and Bsun Tomcat offer distinct yet appealing experiences that cater to different preferences. The HMX Poro linear switch is celebrated for its silky smooth keystrokes, meticulously lubricated to ensure an effortless glide. Notably, its ultra-light actuation force contributes to a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound profile, making it an excellent choice for users seeking a blend of tactile feedback and auditory satisfaction. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat linear switch boasts Ly stems that promote an exceptionally smooth typing experience, along with a resonant sound profile that can enhance the overall feel of each keystroke. Both switches present unique advantages: the Poro for those who favor a lively, responsive typing experience and the Tomcat for users who prioritize seamlessness and resonance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Poro Linear

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the HMX Poro and the Bsun Tomcat exhibit distinct characteristics that significantly impact the overall typing experience. The Poro features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature. This material absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a sound that is characterized as duller and rounder. In contrast, the Tomcat's top housing is composed of polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This clarity in sound is attributed to polycarbonate's rigidity, allowing for a resonant and crisp auditory experience. The aesthetic quality of polycarbonate, especially when clear, enhances its appeal for users who appreciate RGB lighting in their switches, as it allows for light to pass through effectively.

While the top housings differ, both the HMX Poro and the Bsun Tomcat utilize nylon for their bottom housings, leading to a unified sound experience in certain aspects. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a fuller and deeper sound profile, similar to that produced by their respective top housings. Given this commonality, the switches could deliver a comparable typing experience when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel. Though the top housing of the Tomcat creates a contrasting sharper sound, the nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches have an anchored sound quality through their shared material, providing a consistent experience across different typing styles.

Ultimately, the composite nature of the two switches results in varied sensory outputs based on their distinct top materials while maintaining some synergy due to the nylon bottoms. The sound profile of the Poro is defined by its softer top, yielding a more muted response suitable for quieter environments. Conversely, the Tomcat presents a lively burst of sound with its polycarbonate top, suitable for users who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback. The split between the materials creates a multi-layered typing experience where the top and bottom housings collaborate to deliver a balanced sound profile, despite their differences. This complex interaction can lead to surprising similarities in user satisfaction, depending on the preference for sound clarity versus warmth in typing feedback.

Weight

The HMX Poro linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch exhibit similar actuation forces, both requiring 45 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, which suggests that users will experience a comparable lightweight feel during typing sessions. However, when it comes to bottom out forces, the Poro has a slightly lighter feel at 50 grams compared to the Tomcat's 54 grams. This difference indicates that while both switches are similar in initial actuation, the Tomcat will provide a more substantial resistance when reaching the bottom, resulting in a heavier overall typing experience. Therefore, for typists or gamers who prioritize a lighter touch and longer typing durations, the HMX Poro would be the preferred choice. In contrast, those who appreciate a stronger push feel and a firmer bottoming out sensation might gravitate toward the Bsun Tomcat switch.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Poro linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, the Poro features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Tomcat comes in at a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Poro switch allows for a greater depth when pressed, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key feel. Conversely, the Tomcat's shorter travel distance can cater to gamers or users looking for quicker response times. While both switches offer relatively shallow distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, the Poro remains the longer option, making it preferable for individuals who appreciate a more profound tactile experience, while the Tomcat caters to those who favor swift actuation.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX Poro linear switch stands out with its distinctively poppy and clacky profile, characterized by a sharp, snappy sound that is both crisp and bright. This percussive quality can elevate the typing experience, creating a more engaging and responsive auditory environment. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat switch features a resonant sound profile, though it lacks specific descriptors to fully define its acoustic characteristics. While both switches produce satisfying sounds, the Poro's clackiness offers a more lively auditory feedback, which can be particularly pleasing for users who appreciate an expressive sound during typing.

In terms of feel, the HMX Poro switch delivers a combination of bouncy, creamy, and feathery sensations, resulting in a unique typing experience. The bouncy feedback provides a delightful springy sensation, while the creamy texture ensures a buttery smoothness as fingers glide effortlessly across the keys. Additionally, the feathery lightness of the switch minimizes finger fatigue, making it ideal for prolonged use in gaming or typing tasks. Conversely, the tactile qualities of the Bsun Tomcat switch are not clearly articulated, leaving an unknown aspect regarding its overall feel. This might imply that while the Poro offers a defined and attractive combination of tactile sensations, the Tomcat may provide a different experience that is less easily categorized.

In conclusion, the HMX Poro linear switch promises a vibrant auditory and tactile experience, highlighted by its clacky sound profile and a mix of bouncy, creamy, and feathery sensations during use. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat switch is less clearly defined in both sound and feel, suggesting that while both switches aim to deliver a smooth experience, the Poro may be the more preferable choice for those who prioritize specific auditory feedback and tactile satisfaction. Ultimately, the differences in sound and feel between the two switches could influence your choice, depending on personal preferences for either a more expressive auditory signal or an undefined experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Poro and Bsun Tomcat linear switches, consider the type of experience you prioritize in your typing or gaming endeavors. If you prefer a lighter switch that provides a silky smooth, almost effortless keystroke, the HMX Poro would be your best choice, especially with its lighter actuation force of 50 grams. Its clacky sound profile and bouncy feel make it ideal for those who enjoy an engaging auditory feedback while typing, and the creaminess adds a layer of comfort for long sessions. On the other hand, if you like a switch that offers a bit more resistance with a medium-light feel at 54 grams, the Bsun Tomcat may be more suitable for you. Although it doesn't have a detailed sound profile, it promises a super smooth typing experience with its Ly stems, making it an excellent option if you value a balance between responsiveness and tactile feedback without being overly taxing on your fingers. In essence, your choice should align with your personal preferences in terms of actuation force, sound profile, and tactile feedback; both switches are exceptional but cater to different typing styles and preferences.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Poro Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more