HMX Poro vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the HMX Poro and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Poro and HMX Twilight linear switches stand out as compelling options, each with their unique offerings. The HMX Poro is celebrated for its silky smooth keystrokes, meticulously lubricated to ensure an effortless glide, paired with a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound profile that is accentuated by its ultra-light actuation force. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight provides an extended 3.85mm travel distance, offering a slightly quieter performance while still retaining that signature clacky feel that HMX switches are known for. Choosing between these two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference: if you value a lightweight touch with a pronounced auditory feedback, the Poro may be your ideal choice, whereas if you prefer a more extended travel distance with quieter acoustics while typing, the Twilight could suit you better. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.85 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
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
The HMX Poro and HMX Twilight both utilize nylon for their top and bottom switch housings, which lends a classic and effective acoustic quality to both designs. Nylon, known for being a softer plastic, contributes to a fuller and deeper sound profile when typing. This characteristic is particularly pronounced in the Poro, which showcases the natural acoustic dampening properties of nylon to create a rounded sound when keystrokes are engaged. Similarly, the Twilight utilizes the same material, ensuring that users enjoy an equally rich audio experience. Since both switches feature nylon in the same positions, one can expect their auditory profiles to be strikingly alike.
While the use of nylon in both the top and bottom housings is consistent between the HMX Poro and HMX Twilight, there are factors beyond the material itself that can influence the typing experience. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback, while the top housing impacts the sound released when a key is released. Therefore, while both switches share the same material properties and will produce comparable sound profiles, the overall feel and response may still vary slightly depending on the engineering and design choices made in other dimensions of the switches.
Moreover, the shared nylon construction of the HMX Poro and HMX Twilight suggests that users will have a similar experience, particularly in terms of sound generation and resonance. This similar materiality implies that tuning or perceived differences in feel will primarily stem from mechanical elements other than the housing itself. In summary, both housing features align in material makeup, granting a cohesive auditory sensation across both switch types, while additional design details could introduce nuanced distinctions in tactile feedback and overall experience.
Weight
The HMX Poro and HMX Twilight linear switches both exhibit relatively light forces, making them suitable for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience. The Poro has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Twilight features a slightly lighter actuation force of 42 grams with the same bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that while both switches bottom out at the same force, the Twilight is the lighter option regarding the force required to initiate a keystroke. Users who appreciate a gentler touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may gravitate towards the Twilight, whereas those who prefer a slightly stronger feel may choose the Poro. In terms of bottom out forces, both switches offer the same resistance when pressed fully down, thus providing a consistent bottoming out experience regardless of which option is chosen. Overall, the Poro is the heavier switch in terms of actuation, while the Twilight is the lighter of the two.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Poro linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, there is a notable distinction between the two. The Poro switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Twilight switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.85 mm. This means that when pressed, the Poro switch offers a shorter travel distance, which can appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times. Conversely, the Twilight switch's longer travel distance may provide a more substantial feel for those who favor a deeper actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences regarding responsiveness and depth. If you prefer a more immediate response, the Poro is your best bet; however, if you appreciate a more pronounced keypress, the Twilight may be more suitable.
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 HMX Twilight has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Twilight 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 boasts a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound profile that is particularly pronounced due to its ultra-light actuation force. This creates an engaging auditory experience with each keystroke, appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced sound when typing. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight linear switch maintains the signature clacky characteristics typical of HMX switches but achieves a slightly quieter output thanks to its extended 3.85mm travel distance. While both switches showcase clackiness, the Poro might be preferable for those who enjoy a more dynamic sound, whereas the Twilight caters to those seeking a less intrusive typing noise.
When it comes to feel, the Poro is lauded for its silky smooth keystrokes, a direct result of meticulous lubrication that ensures an effortless glide with each press. This smoothness is complemented by the light actuation force, making it suitable for rapid typing or extended gaming sessions. Conversely, the Twilight, with its extended travel distance, may present a different tactile experience. While it is also a linear switch, the additional distance could result in a more pronounced bottoming out, which may alter the sensation when pressing the keys. Overall, both switches offer unique feels, with the Poro emphasizing smooth operation and the Twilight providing a slightly different dynamic due to its travel characteristics.
In conclusion, while both the HMX Poro and HMX Twilight linear switches share some common grounds, they each present distinct auditory and tactile experiences. The Poro excels in producing a poppy and lively sound, with an emphasis on silky, smooth keystrokes, whereas the Twilight offers a quieter yet equally clacky sound profile, enhanced by its longer travel distance that may influence the overall feel. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will come down to personal preference regarding sound and tactile feedback; both are excellent in their own right and can lead to satisfying results depending on what a typist or gamer is looking for.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Poro and HMX Twilight linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and typing experience. If you favor a more pronounced acoustic feedback and silky smooth keystrokes for a lively typing experience, then the HMX Poro is an excellent option. Its ultra-light actuation force and meticulous lubrication make for an effortless glide, providing a distinctive pop that many typists crave. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter and more subdued typing sound while still enjoying a satisfying clack, the HMX Twilight might be more suited to your needs. With its extended travel distance, the Twilight offers a unique balance of comfort and performance, ensuring a pleasant typing experience without being overly noisy. Consider how each switch aligns with your usage—for instance, if you often work in quieter environments, the Twilight would be more appropriate. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your desired balance of acoustics and tactile feel, allowing you to craft the perfect mechanical keyboard setup tailored to your specific typing needs.