HMX Poro vs. Gazzew U4

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the HMX Poro and the Gazzew U4 can significantly affect your typing experience. The HMX Poro, a linear switch, offers users a silky smooth keystroke that glides effortlessly, thanks to meticulous lubrication and an ultra-light actuation force that results in a satisfying, poppy, and clacky sound profile. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer quick, uninterrupted keystrokes and a responsive feel, ideal for gaming and fast typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4, a tactile switch, delivers a distinct tactile bump that marks each key press, coupled with a plush bottom-out sensation that many users find comforting. Its whisper-quiet sound profile adds to its appeal, making it suitable for quiet environments or office settings. Each switch offers unique advantages depending on your preferences—whether you favor the smoothness of linear switches or the feedback of tactile ones. 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

Gazzew U4 Tactile

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The HMX Poro and the Gazzew U4 share a common ground in their use of softer plastic materials for both their top and bottom housings, which play a significant role in shaping the overall acoustic profile of the switches. The Poro utilizes classic nylon for its housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer texture. This characteristic helps in absorbing sound, creating a warmer auditory experience when typing. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 employs a proprietary material blend often referred to as "boba plastic." This unique blend also emphasizes softness, contributing to a rich and deep sound profile. As such, both switches are positioned to provide a similar auditory experience, characterized by depth and warmth, despite the differences in their specific materials.

While both the HMX Poro and the Gazzew U4 benefit from softer housing materials, the nuances of the sound profiles can vary based on the distinct qualities of nylon versus Gazzew's proprietary blend. The Poro's nylon offers a more classic approach, while the U4's boba plastic may introduce slight variations in texture and resonance that could enhance the overall typing experience. The impact of material difference is discernible, particularly as they influence the acoustic response during key actuation. The top housings primarily dictate the sound released when a key is released, whereas the bottom housings impact the bottom-out sound feel when a key is pressed down. This division in sound profile characteristics allows both models to carve out their unique identities, despite both being anchored in a foundation of soft plastic materials.

Ultimately, even with the differences between nylon and Gazzew's blend, users of both the HMX Poro and Gazzew U4 can expect a similar typing experience along the lines of sound absorption and richness. For typists who prioritize a warm and deep auditory feedback while typing, both switches can deliver satisfying results. Additionally, if one were to mix and match components, achieving sound profiles that resonate with the desired qualities may still be possible, as the dominant traits of softer plastics will likely persist regardless of the specific brand or blend in play. Thus, while the specific character of each material might lend itself to subtle differences, the overarching sound experience remains aligned, promising enriching acoustic feedback in both offerings.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Poro linear switch with the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, both switches possess the same actuation force of 45 grams, allowing for a comparable keystroke feel when typing. However, the bottom out forces differ significantly, with the Poro's bottom out force at 50 grams, which is lighter, whereas the U4's bottom out force is 62 grams, positioned as medium. This difference means that while both switches trigger a keystroke at the same force, the U4 provides a heavier and more substantial feel when fully pressed down, which could appeal to users who prefer more resistance for their typing experience. On the other hand, the lighter bottom out force of the Poro may make it the better choice for those who prioritize comfort and reduced fatigue during longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. Ultimately, the Poro is the lighter switch, while the U4 is the heavier alternative.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Poro linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, the Poro features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the U4 has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Gazzew U4 the shorter option and the HMX Poro the longer one. For users looking for faster response times, the U4 may be more appealing due to its shorter travel distance, which caters to the preference for quicker actuation—especially popular among gamers. However, some users might find the Poro's greater travel distance of 3.7 mm provides a more satisfying keystroke, offering a deeper, more pronounced typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus typing depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the HMX Poro linear switch is characterized by its satisfyingly poppy and clacky notes, providing an engaging auditory feedback experience that many users find enjoyable. This contrasts sharply with the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, which features a muted, low-pitched sound, designed to create a quieter typing environment. The U4's noise is considerably subdued, offering a bass-heavy tone that minimizes the typical clatter associated with mechanical keyboards, making it more suitable for quieter settings. The difference in sound reflects the distinct intent behind each switch, with the Poro aiming for a more vibrant auditory feedback while the U4 prioritizes subtlety.

When it comes to feel, the HMX Poro switch is known for its silky smooth keystrokes, attributed to meticulous lubrication that results in effortless gliding without distinct feedback. In stark contrast, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch delivers a sharp tactile bump with every keypress, offering a high intensity of feedback that many typists and gamers find exhilarating. Additionally, the U4 provides a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation, giving a satisfying return without being harsh on the fingers. Thus, while the Poro focuses on a smooth, linear experience, the U4 is designed for those who relish a pronounced tactile response.

In conclusion, when choosing between the HMX Poro linear and Gazzew U4 tactile switches, one must consider the primary characteristics that suit their personal typing style and environment. The Poro offers a lively, clacky sound and a smooth feel, ideal for those who enjoy a more traditional mechanical experience. Conversely, the U4 combines a whisper-quiet operation with sharp tactile feedback, perfect for users seeking a refined and subtle typing experience. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, and selecting one depends on whether you favor auditory feedback or a tangible tactile response.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the HMX Poro linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you enjoy a smooth, effortless typing experience with a light actuation force, the HMX Poro is an excellent option. Its tactile profile features a satisfying poppy sound that makes it particularly appealing for users who appreciate a more engaging auditory feedback while typing, perfect for gaming or casual use if you enjoy a bit more flair in every keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback with a substantial bump and a quieter typing experience, the Gazzew U4 is likely the better choice. The U4's higher bottom-out force, coupled with its muted, low-pitched sound profile, makes it ideal for quieter environments like offices or shared spaces, where you want to minimize noise without sacrificing the enjoyment of the tactile bump with each keypress. In essence, consider your overall typing experience and the setting in which you'll be using the keyboard to determine which switch will suit your needs best.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Poro Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

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Gazzew U4 Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more