HMX Poro vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly impact your typing experience, and two popular options are the HMX Poro and the Wuque Studio WS Brown. The HMX Poro, a linear switch, is celebrated for its silky smooth keystrokes, thanks to its meticulous lubrication that offers an effortless glide. With an ultra-light actuation force that results in a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound profile, the Poro is often favored by those who prefer a fast and silent typing experience without tactile feedback. On the other hand, the WS Brown switch provides a tactile feel that strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort, making it ideal for users who appreciate feedback during their keystrokes. With a medium-light actuation force, the WS Brown alleviates typing fatigue during long sessions while delivering a familiar auditory experience that enthusiasts cherish, thanks to its nylon housing and POM stem combination. Both switches offer unique advantages tailored to different preferences, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Poro Linear

Wuque Studio WS Brown Tactile

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$3.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

Both the HMX Poro and the Wuque Studio WS Brown use nylon for their top and bottom switch housings, creating a strong foundation of similarity in their sound profiles and tactile responses. Nylon is recognized as a classic material in mechanical switch design, primarily due to its softer composition, which is adept at absorbing sound. As a result, both switches yield a deeper and fuller auditory experience during typing, contributing to a duller and rounder sound compared to switches made from harder plastics. This shared material choice leads to an overall acoustic experience that enfolds users in a pleasant, immersive typing environment, making them ideal for those who prioritize sound quality in their keyboard interactions.

Although both switches employ nylon in their construction, the specific design features and assembly of the switches can introduce subtle variations in their performance characteristics. For instance, when a user engages with either switch, the bottom housing largely influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing contributes more significantly to the auditory sensation experienced upon releasing a key. Since the Poro and WS Brown both use nylon for their housings, any differences in feel or sound will likely be marginal and may stem from differing internal mechanisms or manufacturing tolerances rather than the housing material itself.

Ultimately, because both the HMX Poro and the Wuque Studio WS Brown share identical housing materials, one can anticipate similar acoustic results from both switches. Regardless of their individual design nuances, users can expect that the inherent qualities of nylon will provide a consistent and satisfying typing experience. This similar construction promises a rounded and resonant sound that typists will appreciate, making both options well-suited for those who value a rich auditory experience within their typing interfaces.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Poro linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, we can note some differences in feel and performance. The Poro switch features a relatively light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a good choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the WS Brown switch has an unspecified actuation force but a bottom out force of 55 grams, indicating it slightly requires more effort to fully depress. While the WS Brown's actuation force is unknown, its heavier bottom out force suggests that it may provide a more substantial typing experience, catering to users who favor a stronger tactile feedback. Thus, the Poro is the lighter switch, while the WS Brown is heavier, appealing to different typing preferences.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Poro linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, the Poro has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the WS Brown measures slightly longer at 3.8 mm. This difference of 0.1 mm may seem minimal, but it can impact the typing experience significantly. The Poro's shorter travel distance makes it a more responsive option, catering to gamers and users who favor quick keystrokes for faster reaction times. In contrast, the WS Brown, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to those who enjoy a bit more depth in their key presses, providing a more substantial tactile feedback. Thus, if you're looking for quicker response and a more abrupt feel, the Poro would be the preferred choice, whereas if you desire a more deliberate typing experience, the WS Brown stands out as the better option.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the HMX Poro linear switch is characterized by a poppy and clacky resonance, which appeals to those who enjoy auditory feedback during their typing sessions. This is enhanced by the ultra-light actuation force, allowing for quick keystrokes that can unsettle a still atmosphere with its vibrant acoustic presence. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch offers a more nuanced auditory experience, combining a familiar sound with innovative characteristics, thanks to its nylon housing and POM stem. This results in a smoother and more subdued auditory profile, often cherished by enthusiasts for its balanced and comforting sound during both casual typing and extensive work.

When it comes to feel, the HMX Poro linear is celebrated for its silky smooth keystrokes, which are meticulously lubricated to provide an effortless glide. This creates a seamless typing experience devoid of any tactile bumps, appealing to those who prefer a fluid and uninterrupted action. Conversely, the WS Brown tactile switch strikes a different note with its medium-light actuation force, combining responsiveness and comfort. The distinctly tactile bump of the WS Brown enhances feedback during each keypress, allowing typists to have a satisfying sensation that informs them of their actions without being overly jarring.

In summary, while the HMX Poro linear and Wuque Studio WS Brown switches differ in their auditory and tactile characteristics, they cater to distinct preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Poro’s clacky sound and smooth feel make it an excellent choice for those who prefer a lively and fluid typing experience, while the WS Brown's familiar auditory and tactile feedback is ideal for typists seeking comfort and responsiveness. Ultimately, understanding these qualities can help newcomers tailor their keyboard choices to fit their individual typing style and personal preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the HMX Poro linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing style and preferences. If you value a smooth, effortless keystroke with a light actuation force, the Poro is an excellent option. Its 50-gram bottom-out force makes it particularly enjoyable for those who prioritize speed and quick response times in their typing or gaming experiences, and its poppy, clacky sound profile adds an engaging auditory element. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile experience with a bit of resistance, the WS Brown is worth considering. With a slightly heavier 55-gram bottom-out force, these switches provide a satisfying, comfortable feel that is especially beneficial for long typing sessions, along with a familiar sound profile that many enthusiasts appreciate. Thus, your choice should reflect whether you desire the smoothness and lightness of the Poro or the tactile feedback and moderate resistance of the WS Brown.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Poro Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Wuque Studio WS Brown Tactile

$3.50 per 10

Learn more