HMX Poro vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash
An in-depth look at the HMX Poro and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Poro and the Wuque Studio WS Dash stand out for their unique features and user experiences. The HMX Poro, a linear switch, is celebrated for its silky smooth keystrokes and ultra-light actuation force, providing an effortless typing experience that’s satisfying in its poppy and clacky sound profile. This makes it an excellent choice for gamers and typists looking for a swift and seamless response without the distracting tactile bump often found in other switch types. In contrast, the WS Dash, featuring innovative Hall Effect technology, presents a refined typing experience that combines a bright and clacky sound signature with an equally smooth keystroke. This switch not only enhances the tactile feedback but also promises greater durability and responsiveness, appealing particularly to those who appreciate a more dynamic and versatile switch. Both options offer their own set of advantages, catering to different preferences and typing styles; 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
30g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Poro and Wuque Studio WS Dash exhibit distinct contrasts in their top housing materials, which significantly influences their sound profiles during typing. The Poro utilizes a nylon top housing, a classic material that is known to produce a deeper and fuller sound. This is largely due to nylon's softer composition, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. In contrast, the WS Dash features a polycarbonate top housing, a material that is recognized for its ability to create a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffer nature contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound environment, making it particularly effective for users who appreciate an articulate keystroke experience. Aesthetically, the translucent quality of polycarbonate also enhances the visual appeal of the switch, especially for users looking to integrate RGB lighting.
Despite these differences in top housing materials, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing: they both utilize nylon. This shared element results in a similar bottom-out sound and tactile feel for both the Poro and WS Dash. The nylon bottom housing offers a softer impact when keys are pressed down, contributing to a deeper and more rounded sound profile. Consequently, when a user types on either switch, they will experience a harmonious blend of sound qualities. While the top housings provide divergent auditory experiences upon release, the nylon bottoms ensure that the foundational typing experience remains pleasantly consistent.
In essence, the unique combination of housing materials in the Poro and WS Dash shapes their overall performance. The nylon top housing of the Poro fosters a cohesive, deeper sound, while the WS Dash's polycarbonate top leads to a crisper auditory clarity. Nevertheless, both switches maintain a softly rounded bottom-out feel due to their shared nylon bottom housing. Users can expect engaging feedback and sound dynamics, whether they prefer the fuller tone of the Poro or the sharpness of the WS Dash, due to the interplay of these materials – leading to satisfying typing experiences in both instances.
Weight
The HMX Poro linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch present a distinct comparison in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Poro has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option overall. In contrast, the WS Dash features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams but a higher bottom out force of 55 grams, which positions it as medium-light. While both switches offer relatively light actuation forces suited for comfortable extended use, the Poro provides a slightly heavier feel in bottoming out than the WS Dash, which may cater to users preferring a more pronounced tactile response upon keystroke registration. Ultimately, if a user is seeking a lighter typing experience, the WS Dash might be preferable due to its lower actuation force; however, the choice between them may hinge on personal preference regarding the lower versus higher bottom out experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Poro linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, we find that the Poro has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the WS Dash measures at 3.5 mm. This indicates that the Poro switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, making it more suitable for users who appreciate a more substantial feel when pressing keys. On the other hand, the WS Dash, with its shorter travel distance, caters to those who prefer quicker response times, especially in gaming scenarios. As shorter travel distances are becoming increasingly popular for enhancing responsiveness, the choice between these two switches ultimately depends on personal preference; those who favor a more tactile experience will likely gravitate toward the Poro, whereas users seeking swift actuation might opt for the Dash.
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 Wuque Studio WS Dash has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Dash for $7.49.
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
The HMX Poro linear switch is characterized by a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound profile, which is a delight for those who prefer a more auditory experience when typing. This sound is enhanced by its ultra-light actuation force, allowing for an easily triggered response that contributes to the overall acoustic feedback. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch also boasts a bright and clacky sound signature, reminiscent of its predecessor, the Magnetic Jade. Both switches will produce a clattering sound that is satisfying to many users; however, the actual sound experience can vary significantly depending on the choice of keyboard and keycap materials used.
In terms of feel, the Poro switch shines with its silky smooth keystrokes, meticulously lubricated to provide an effortless glide that many users find appealing. This smoothness contributes to a seamless typing experience, allowing fingers to glide from key to key without resistance. Similarly, the WS Dash delivers a silky smooth keystroke, ensuring that users will also enjoy a fluid typing experience with these switches. While both switches aim for smooth actuation, they deliver this sensation through different technologies, with the Poro being a traditional linear switch and the WS Dash utilizing hall effect sensing.
In conclusion, both the HMX Poro linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch emphasize a silky smooth feel paired with a clacky sound profile, making them appealing choices for tactile and auditory enjoyment. While their underlying mechanisms differ, users can expect a similarly satisfying experience from both options, provided that they are used with compatible boards and keycaps tailored to enhance their respective sound qualities. Ultimately, the choice between these two will come down to personal preference regarding their unique characteristics and your typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Poro linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing or gaming needs. If you prefer a lighter feel and redundancy in your keystrokes, the HMX Poro, with its silk smoothness and poppy, clacky sound profile, could enhance your typing or gaming experience, providing a delightful tactile engagement with each stroke. This makes it an excellent option for those who enjoy rapid typing or intense gaming sessions without feeling drained by heavier presses. Conversely, if you find comfort in a slightly firmer bottom-out force and are drawn to innovative technology, the WS Dash switch may be your ideal match. Its refined sound signature combined with a smooth keystroke offers an elevated typing experience that could enhance your overall engagement with the keyboard, particularly if you appreciate unique designs and the advanced mechanics of Hall Effect switches. Ultimately, whether you choose the HMX Poro for its light touch and satisfying acoustics or the WS Dash for its medium-light resistance and refined character, both switches promise to elevate your keyboard experience significantly.
Mentioned in this article
