HMX Poro vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the HMX Poro and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the HMX Poro and the Durock White Lotus often boils down to individual typing preferences and use cases. The HMX Poro linear switches are celebrated for their exceptionally smooth keystrokes, characterized by an airy, clacky sound profile and ultra-light actuation force, making them an ideal choice for gamers and those who enjoy rapid, effortless typing. They are often described as 'bouncy', 'creamy', and 'feathery', which can significantly enhance gaming responsiveness and typing speed. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switches cater to typists seeking a more tactile experience; they feature a light tactile bump that strikes a balance between comfort and feedback, perfect for extended typing sessions without causing fatigue. With their low-pitched and mild sound, coupled with customizable RGB effects, these switches pay homage to aesthetics while ensuring a tranquil typing experience. Both switches offer unique benefits: the Poro for those who thrive on speed and responsiveness, and the White Lotus for those who prioritize comfort and visual appeal. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The HMX Poro and Durock White Lotus switches utilize different materials for their top housings, which contributes to their unique acoustic and tactile experiences. The Poro features a nylon top housing, known for its relatively softer texture that absorbs sound effectively. This quality allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile, producing a duller and rounder auditory experience during typing. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus employs a modified blend of polycarbonate (PC) and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UPE) for its top housing. This combination creates a distinct premium feel, introducing characteristics that might enhance the switch's responsiveness while altering the acoustic signature slightly compared to the softer nylon.
On the other hand, both switches share the same housing material for their bottom construction, as both the Poro and Durock White Lotus use nylon for their bottom housings. This commonality in material ensures that each switch can deliver a consistent auditory experience when bottoming out. Because nylon is known for its sound-dampening properties, both switches will provide a deeper and fuller sound profile, reinforcing that warm, rounded sound quality that many enthusiasts find appealing. The impact of the bottom housing is particularly notable during key presses, as the qualities of nylon absorb the sound produced when a key reaches the bottom.
When considering the overall experience with these switches, it's important to note how the differing top housing materials interact with the shared nylon bottom. The nylon bottom housing in both switches allows for a similar auditory outcome upon bottoming out, ensuring that both switches provide that desirable sound signature. However, when it comes to releasing a key, the different top housings will influence the sound profile: the Poro’s softer nylon will contribute a more muted sound on release, while the White Lotus's modified PC and UPE blend may introduce a slightly sharper or crisper sound. Thus, while the switches have similarities, the differences in their top housing materials create distinct auditory profiles that can cater to varying preferences among users.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Poro linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Poro features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a softer touch, ideal for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This means that while both switches have comparable actuation forces, the Poro is slightly lighter overall with a lower bottom out force compared to the White Lotus. For those who favor a lighter switch for a more effortless typing experience, the Poro would be the preferable option, whereas the White Lotus serves users who may appreciate a slightly firmer feel with its heavier bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Poro linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, we find that the Poro has a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the White Lotus features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference suggests that if you're looking for quicker responsiveness, the HMX Poro may be the better option due to its shorter travel distance, appealing to gamers or users who prioritize speed. Conversely, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback and a deeper keypress, the Durock White Lotus might suit you better. Ultimately, while both switches serve different preferences, the Poro's travel distance of 3.7 mm allows for a snappier feel compared to the traditional 4 mm of the White Lotus.
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 Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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 switches deliver a bright and percussive clack that many typists find satisfying, creating an engaging auditory experience with each keystroke. Their clacky nature provides a distinct acoustic feedback that can enhance typing enjoyment, particularly for those who appreciate pronounced sound profiles. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus switches produce a low-pitched and neutral sound, offering a more subdued auditory experience. This can be advantageous in quieter environments where sudden bursts of sound may be disruptive. While the Poro switches lean towards a lively and bright sound, the White Lotus focuses on a mellow and balanced tone, catering to different preferences for auditory feedback during typing.
When it comes to feel, the Poro switches are characterized by their bouncy, creamy, and feathery qualities, creating a remarkably smooth and enjoyable typing experience. The bouncy sensation provides a delightful rebound, allowing typists to enjoy an energized response from their keystrokes, while the creamy aspect ensures that every press glides effortlessly, reducing friction and enhancing overall comfort. Additionally, the feathery touch makes them particularly appealing for extended use, minimizing finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switches offer a milder typing experience with their easy-to-press and gentle feedback characteristics. This makes them approachable for users of all skill levels, ensuring that each keystroke feels comfortable and effective without overwhelming tactile feedback.
Ultimately, both the HMX Poro linear and Durock White Lotus switches provide unique experiences tailored to different typist preferences. The Poro switches showcase an engaging auditory clack and a lively, smooth feel that many find invigorating, especially for gaming or energetic typing scenarios. In contrast, the White Lotus switches focus on a tranquil typing experience, perfect for work environments where a gentle touch and sound profile are preferred. Choosing between the two will depend on whether you favor a more dynamic auditory experience or a subtle and mellow approach to your typing sessions. In both cases, the individual characteristics of each switch can be further influenced by the choice of keyboard housing and keycap materials, allowing for a personalized typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Poro linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you gravitate towards a fast-paced, fluid typing experience and enjoy the satisfying sound of a sharp, clacky feedback, the Poro would be your switch of choice. Its lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams fosters a bouncier and feathery feel, allowing for rapid keystrokes with minimal resistance—ideal for gaming or those who type with speed and agility. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more nuanced and controlled typing experience, especially for work or longer writing sessions, the White Lotus is tailored for you. With its medium-light actuation of 56 grams, it offers a gentle tactile feel that strikes a balance between feedback and comfort, preventing any overwhelm during extended use. Moreover, the low-pitched neutral sound profile ensures a quieter typing environment, making it a suitable choice for shared spaces. Ultimately, consider your typing style, whether you're prioritizing speed or comfort, to select the switch that best aligns with your unique preferences.
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