HMX Poro vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)

Overview

When choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the nuances between options can significantly impact the typing experience. The HMX Poro linear switch is celebrated for its silky smooth keystrokes, enhanced by meticulous lubrication that ensures an effortless glide. Geared towards users who enjoy a lighter touch, the Poro offers a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound profile due to its ultra-light actuation force, making it ideal for those who favor speed and efficiency in their typing. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch offers a more substantial feel with its Ly stems, providing a super smooth typing experience coupled with a resonant sound profile. This makes the Tomcat a great choice for users who appreciate a bit more resistance in their keystrokes and enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. Both switches cater to different preferences, whether you lean towards the light and airy feel of the Poro or the weightier tactile experience of the Tomcat. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.

By the numbers

HMX Poro Linear

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Poro and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) demonstrate notable differences in their top housing materials, which contribute significantly to their acoustic profiles and overall tactile feedback. The Poro utilizes a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound. This is attributed to nylon's softer composition, which absorbs sound waves, resulting in a rounder, more muted auditory experience. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy)'s polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances clarity and resonance, making the auditory feedback more pronounced and dynamic. This fundamental difference results in the HMX Poro being more suited for those who enjoy a softer, more subdued typing experience, while the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) appeals to users who prefer a sharper and more articulate sound.

However, both the HMX Poro and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) share similarities in their bottom housing since they both utilize nylon. This commonality suggests that both switches will deliver a similar auditory experience at the point of bottoming out. Given that nylon is a relatively soft plastic, it absorbs sound and contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, regardless of the different top materials. Thus, even with the contrasting top housings, both switches will maintain a degree of warmth and depth in sound during the action of key presses, ensuring that users experience a satisfying tactile feel in this phase of typing.

In terms of aesthetic considerations, the polycarbonate top housing of the Tomcat (Heavy) allows for the transmission of RGB lighting effects, creating a visually appealing glow that enhances the keyboard's overall look. The translucence of polycarbonate makes it ideal for users who prioritize illumination alongside auditory feedback. Comparatively, the nylon top housing of the Poro, while not transparent, offers its unique character and is more focused on providing sound absorption and comfort. Ultimately, while the two switches present stark contrasts in the materials of their top housing, the shared nylon bottom creates a balance that fosters a hybrid typing experience—combining aspects of both warmth and clarity in a keyboard enthusiast's setup.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Poro linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, distinct differences emerge that cater to varying user preferences. The HMX Poro features a relatively light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who value comfort during prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) offers a significantly heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 64 grams, providing a more substantial tactile feedback that some users might find appealing for a more pronounced typing experience. As such, the Poro switch is the lighter option, while the Tomcat is the heavier switch. If users are looking for a similar typing feel across both switches, they can adjust their typing techniques to achieve congruent results, though the inherent resistance and weight differences will still be noticeable in overall fatigue and keystroke satisfaction.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Poro linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, it is clear that the Poro offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Tomcat (Heavy) has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Tomcat (Heavy) a marginally shorter option, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, as shorter travel distances are often associated with improved speed during gameplay. However, some users may find the shallower feel of the Tomcat (Heavy) to be a bit abrupt, preferring the more substantial depth provided by the Poro. Thus, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Tomcat may be your go-to, whereas those who enjoy a bit more heft in their keystrokes might favor the HMX Poro.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Poro linear switch exhibits a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound profile which adds a delightful auditory experience to every keystroke. This sound is likely enhanced by its ultra-light actuation force, appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic feedback. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) showcases a resonant sound profile that may offer a deeper, more substantial audio signature. The auditory experience with both switches can be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycap materials, but their distinct sound character sets them apart for different preferences.

When it comes to feel, the HMX Poro linear switches are celebrated for their silky smooth keystrokes, reflecting meticulous lubrication that promotes an effortless glide when typing. This makes them particularly appealing for those who prioritize fluidity in their keystrokes. Conversely, the Tomcat (Heavy) linear switches feature Ly stems that contribute to an equally smooth typing experience, emphasizing a strong and consistent tactile engagement. Both switches deliver a smooth feel, though the Poro’s lubrication might give it an edge in terms of overall glide and comfort.

In conclusion, while the HMX Poro linear switch distinguishes itself with a poppy and clacky sound along with ultra-smooth keystrokes, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) offers a resonant sound and a strong tactile engagement through its Ly stems. Each switch provides a unique auditory and tactile experience, allowing enthusiasts to tailor their keyboard set-up based on personal preferences. Depending on your choice of sound and feel, both switches present opportunities for satisfying and engaging typing experiences, making it important to align your pick with your typing style and acoustic tastes.

Conclusion

To wrap up, when deciding between the HMX Poro linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, consider your typing preferences and the type of experience you're seeking. If you prefer a lighter touch and a smooth, effortless keystroke, the HMX Poro, with its 50-gram bottom out force, offers a silky feel that is perfect for quick typing and gaming. Its satisfying poppy and clacky sound profile adds an enjoyable auditory element to your experience, making it ideal for those who value speed and responsiveness. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more substantial keystroke with a tactile sensation, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) with its 64-gram bottom out force provides a firmer feedback that many typists find reassuring. This switch features a resonant sound profile and delivers a super smooth typing experience courtesy of its Ly stems. Thus, if you enjoy typing that feels more grounded and prefer the focus and rhythm that comes with a heavier switch, the Tomcat (Heavy) would be an excellent choice. In short, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize lightweight, fast actions or a more solid, pronounced typing sensation.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Poro Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more