HMX Poro vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the HMX Poro and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Poro and Haimu Viola Tricolor offer distinct experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The HMX Poro, recognized for its smooth and effortless keystrokes, features a linear design that allows for a bouncy and feathery feel, making it ideal for gamers and typists who prioritize fluid motion and minimal resistance. Its ultra-light actuation force produces a poppy and clacky sound profile, creating an engaging auditory experience. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor is a tactile switch that excels in delivering a punchy, thuddy sound while providing noticeable feedback with each keystroke. This switch strikes a perfect balance between pronounced tactility and user comfort, making it suitable for those who enjoy a satisfying sensation without excessive resistance. With these unique characteristics, one may opt for the Poro for its silky smoothness or the Viola Tricolor for its immersive tactile experience. 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Poro and the Haimu Viola Tricolor, distinct differences emerge, particularly in the materials used for the top housings. The Poro features a nylon top housing, a classic choice that is favored for its ability to provide a deeper and fuller sound profile. This results from nylon's softer texture, which contributes to sound absorption and a muted auditory experience. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, a material known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate allows for a clearer and more resonant acoustic performance, making it particularly well-suited for setups that include RGB lighting, as its translucency enhances visual aesthetics.
In examining the bottom housings, both the Poro and the Viola Tricolor employ nylon, highlighting a point of similarity between the two switches. The use of nylon in this context ensures a consistent sound quality, as the characteristics of the material contribute to a fuller, rounder bottom-out sound during typing. This shared element is significant because, despite the contrasting top housings, the nylon bottom in both switches helps to mitigate any noisiness and offers a tactile experience that is comfortably coherent. As a result, users of either switch can expect a satisfying auditory feedback when bottoming out.
Ultimately, the combined characteristics of each switch's housing materials shape the overall typing experience. While the Poro and Viola Tricolor differ in their top housing materials—leading to distinct sound profiles when keys are released—they converge in their use of nylon for the bottom housing, ensuring a consistent foundation in terms of tactile feel and sound. Thus, even though the two switches may resonate differently during a typing sequence due to their top-housing contrasts, they still provide similar results in terms of depth and fullness owing to their shared nylon bottom, illustrating how materials can influence performance while also allowing for diverse sensory experiences.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Poro linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, significant differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Poro features a light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for prolonged typing sessions and gaming due to its lower resistance. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor does not specify an actuation force, but its bottom out force is considerably higher at 63.5 grams, indicating a medium-heavy experience. This suggests that while the Poro is the lighter option overall, the Viola Tricolor provides a heftier tactile feel, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Users of the Viola may find that although the actuation force is unspecified, the feeling at the bottom is definitely more pronounced due to the higher bottom out force. Therefore, for those seeking lighter switches for extended use, the Poro is the clear choice, while the Viola caters to those who favor a stronger resistance.
Travel distance
The HMX Poro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Poro switch features a shorter travel distance compared to the Viola Tricolor. For those who favor quicker response times, the Poro may be the better option, as shorter travel distances can enhance gaming performance. Conversely, the Viola Tricolor, with its longer travel distance, may cater to users who appreciate a more pronounced tactile feedback during key presses. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus depth in typing experience.
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 Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
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 delivers a distinctly poppy and clacky auditory experience. When pressed, it produces a sharp, crisp sound that feels both bright and percussive, creating an engaging auditory feedback that many typists enjoy. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch presents a thuddier, bassier sound profile—characterized by a deeper and richer resonance that lends a touch of gravitas to each keystroke. While the Poro's sound is lively and sharp, the Viola’s lower frequency tones offer a mellow but pronounced auditory feedback that can enhance the typing experience in a different way. It's worth noting that sound can vary significantly depending on the keyboard construction and choice of keycaps, so both switches may feel quite different in various setups.
When considering the feel of these switches, the HMX Poro excels in providing a bouncy and creamy experience. Its meticulously lubricated design allows for a smooth, buttery keystroke that offers a lively, spring-like sensation, ensuring minimal finger fatigue during extended use. The feathery touch of the Poro further contributes to its appeal for long typing sessions, making it feel effortless to engage with each key. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch presents an accented tactile experience, striking a balance between pronounced feedback and comfort. The tactility of the Viola is not overwhelming; instead, it delivers a satisfying and noticeable tactile bump that keeps typists engaged without feeling too scratchy. While both switches provide a unique and enjoyable typing experience, the Poro leans toward a silky and smooth engagement, whereas the Viola offers a more defined tactile response.
In conclusion, the HMX Poro linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch cater to different preferences when it comes to sound and feel. The Poro shines with its clacky, lively sound and silky-smooth typing experience, making it ideal for users who prioritize light touch and minimal resistance. Meanwhile, the Viola presents a deeper, thuddier sound coupled with a satisfying tactile sensation, which some may find more character-rich in their typing journey. Depending on your priorities—whether the crispness of sound or the nature of tactile feedback—both switches promise a gratifying experience tailored to your keystroke style.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Poro linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch largely depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you prioritize a light touch and a smooth, gliding typing experience—ideal for extensive typing sessions, casual gaming, or even fast-paced work—the Poro's 50-gram actuation force offers a feathery feel that minimizes finger fatigue. Its clacky sound profile further enhances the enjoyment of your keystrokes, making each press a delightful auditory experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that gives you more tactile feedback and a richer sound character, the Viola Tricolor would be your best bet with its medium-heavy 63.5-gram bottom-out force and punchy, thuddy response. The pronounced tactility can help you feel each keystroke distinctly, which can be beneficial for typing precision, especially in professional settings or when composing written content. Ultimately, consider how the nuances of smoothness versus tactility align with your typing style, and choose the switch that feels right for you.
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