HMX Poro vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB
An in-depth look at the HMX Poro and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Poro and Gazzew U4Tx RGB offer distinct experiences tailored to varying preferences. The HMX Poro linear switch is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth keystrokes and ultra-light actuation force, providing an effortless typing experience that many gamers and typists adore. Its pleasingly poppy and clacky sound profile adds to the joy of use, making it an appealing option for those who appreciate linear switches. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch delivers a luxurious typing experience with its refined sound profile, producing a deep "thock" upon bottoming out and a quiet topping out, complemented by a pronounced tactile bump. This makes the U4Tx RGB a strong choice for users who enjoy feedback with each keystroke while keeping noise to a minimum. Both switches cater to specific typing experiences—whether you favor a silky linear feel or the tactile feedback of a well-defined bump—however, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Poro and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches, both utilize nylon for the Poro's housings, while the U4Tx RGB opts for a proprietary blend known as "boba plastic." The nylon used in the HMX Poro's top and bottom housings is a well-established material frequently employed in switch construction, renowned for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. This acoustic performance is attributed to nylon's soft texture, which absorbs sound rather than reflecting it, resulting in the distinctive, rounded sound that typists often seek. Similarly, the top and bottom housings of the U4Tx RGB leverage a proprietary plastic blend, which also emphasizes softness, thus contributing to a rich and deep sound profile comparable to that of the Poro.
Despite the differences in material composition, the acoustic properties of both switches may yield similar experiences. The soft characteristics of both nylon and the proprietary Gazzew blend contribute to a muted yet rich sound quality that typists may appreciate. While the nylon used in the Poro may create a slightly different auditory experience than the boba plastic of the U4Tx RGB, their shared emphasis on sound absorption and overall softness means that users may find the typing acoustics of both switches to be harmonious in nature. Thus, the characteristics of both switches indicate that while their materials differ, the overall sound signature they produce may be quite alike.
The impact of each housing material is significant in how it influences the overall feel and sound profile during use. With the HMX Poro utilizing nylon for both the top and bottom, the sound experience when bottoming out and releasing is derived from the complete nylon composition. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB's proprietary blend may offer a unique tactile sensation or sound quality during key release, despite both still focusing on producing a similarly deep and rich typographical experience. Ultimately, the comparison highlights a convergence in sound profiles influenced by their material makeup, yet potential divergence in tactile feedback due to the distinct types of plastic employed, making each switch a unique choice for users seeking specific sound and feel characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Poro linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces highlight their distinct tactile experiences. The HMX Poro features an actuation force of 45 grams, which contributes to a light typing experience, making it suitable for extended use in work or gaming. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB does not specify its actuation force, but it has a bottom out force of 65 grams, indicating a medium-heavy feel that may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial, tactile experience. This higher bottom out force suggests that the U4Tx RGB switch is indeed heavier overall compared to the HMX Poro, which has a bottom out force of 50 grams. Therefore, typists who favor a lighter touch will gravitate towards the Poro, while those seeking a stronger push would likely prefer the Gazzew switch for its increased resistance.
Travel distance
The HMX Poro linear switch features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This indicates that the Poro switch offers just a bit more depth when pressed, which may be preferable for users who enjoy a more pronounced feel during key presses. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB, with its shorter travel distance, could cater better to gamers or those seeking quicker responses from their keyboard, as shorter distances tend to allow for faster actuation. While both switches fall within the realm of modern preferences for reduced travel distances, the Poro's 0.1 mm advantage gives it the edge for users who appreciate a little more depth in their typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend on personal preferences regarding responsiveness and tactile feedback.
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 Gazzew U4Tx RGB comes in at $6.50 per 10 switches.
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 produces a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound profile that complements its ultra-light actuation force. This auditory feedback can add a level of engagement to the typing experience, particularly for those who enjoy the sensation of not just their fingers gliding over keys but also the lightweight clicks that accompany each keystroke. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch offers a more subdued acoustic experience with its deep "thock" when bottoming out, accompanied by the quiet stealth of its topping-out sound. This refined sound profile caters to those seeking a more quiet yet rich auditory experience, making it ideal for ambient environments where noise levels are a consideration.
When it comes to feel, the Poro excels with its silky smooth keystrokes. Its meticulous lubrication allows for a near-effortless glide, ensuring that fingers can move swiftly and comfortably across the keyboard without any hinderance. This smoothness is especially attractive to typists who favor speed and fluidity in their inputs. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB presents a luxurious typing experience characterized by a distinct sharp tactile bump. This tactile feedback allows users to feel when a key has been actuated, providing a satisfying and engaging tactile response that can enhance typists' precision and overall enjoyment when typing.
In conclusion, while the HMX Poro linear switch is celebrated for its smoothness and engaging sound profile, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB stands out with its hushed yet substantial auditory feedback and pronounced tactile bump. Both switches serve different preferences, with the Poro appealing more to those who favor smoothness and a lively sound, while the U4Tx caters to those who appreciate tactile feedback blended with a more refined sound experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual typing preferences and the desired auditory and tactile sensations.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Poro linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the use case. If you enjoy a lighter switch with a smooth keystroke and a satisfying poppy sound, the Poro would be ideal, particularly for fast-paced gaming or when you appreciate a more effortless typing experience. Its 50-gram bottom-out force makes it great for extended typing sessions without much finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile experience with a pronounced bump and a deeper sound signature, the U4Tx RGB switch would be your best bet. The heavier 65-gram force offers a satisfying resistance that many find enjoyable for both typing and gaming, providing notable feedback with each keypress. The refined thock sound combined with the tactile feel contributes to a luxurious typing experience. Ultimately, consider the type of tasks you engage in most frequently, as well as your personal comfort with switch weight and sound, to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Mentioned in this article
