HMX Poro vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the HMX Poro and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Mechanical keyboard enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the benefits of various switches, each offering a unique typing experience. The HMX Poro linear switch stands out with its silky smooth keystrokes, meticulously lubricated for an effortless glide, and boasts an ultra-light actuation force that produces a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound profile. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prioritize rapid key presses and a fluid gaming experience. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch is designed for tactile feedback lovers, delivering a pronounced 70g bump that enhances engagement with every keystroke. Its nylon housing contributes to a captivating "thocky" sound that many typists find both immersive and satisfying, appealing to those who love the sensation of being more in tune with their keyboard. While the Poro excels in smoothness and speed, the WS Heavy Tactile offers a rewarding 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Poro and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile both make use of nylon as the chosen housing material for their switches, which is notable for its capacity to produce a distinctive typing experience characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due, in part, to nylon's softer properties compared to harder plastics, allowing it to absorb sound more effectively. As a result, both types of switches share the benefits of sound dampening, which contributes to a pleasant auditory experience while typing. The same material choices for both the top and bottom housings ensure that users will encounter similarly textured feedback when pressing the keys, providing a unified feel across both models.
While both the HMX Poro and the WS Heavy Tactile utilize nylon for their housings, the uniform use of this material means that the sound characteristics during typing will be quite similar. The softness of the nylon allows for a duller, rounder sound that tends to be preferred by users seeking a quieter typing experience. Since the type of material plays a critical role in the feel and sound produced during keystrokes, typists can expect to enjoy comparable acoustic feedback from both switches. In essence, whether a typist is using the Poro or the WS Heavy Tactile, they will likely find the auditory results to be congruent, reflecting the common material choice.
Additionally, both switches highlight the importance of the housing in determining the overall tactile feedback. Although neither switch features varied materials in their top and bottom housings, the use of nylon throughout ensures that the impact on the sound when bottoming out a key and the sound released upon key release is harmonious. As a result, each switch showcases how the nylon's resonant qualities contribute to an engaging typing experience, whether users are pressing down on the WS Heavy Tactile or the HMX Poro. Thus, individuals opting for either switch will not only appreciate the similar performance dictated by the nylon material but will also experience consistent feedback due to its homogeneity in design and structure.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Poro linear switch to the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch, we find some notable differences in their bottom out forces, while their actuation forces are the same. Both switches require an actuation force of 45 grams to trigger a keystroke, which means users will experience a similar lightness in the initial push. However, the bottom out force of the Poro switch is 50 grams, making it suitable for those seeking a lighter typing experience, ideal for extended use during work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile switch has a significantly higher bottom out force of 70 grams, which provides a more substantial feel for users who prefer a stronger push. This makes the HMX Poro the lighter option overall, while the WS Heavy Tactile is the heavier choice, catering to different preferences in typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Poro linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch, there is a notable difference that may influence user preference. The Poro switch features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the WS Heavy Tactile measures 3.2 mm. This means that the Poro switch offers a longer travel distance, which can provide a more satisfying tactile experience for those who prefer deeper keystrokes. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, indicating a more abrupt feel. If you prioritize responsiveness and faster actuation, the WS Heavy Tactile could be the better choice, whereas if you value a more pronounced depth in your keystrokes, the Poro switch would be preferable. Overall, the distinction in travel distances indicates that users can select a switch that better fits their typing or gaming style based on personal preference.
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 Heavy Tactile comes in at $3.50 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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Poro linear switch features a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound profile, which suggests it has a bright, sharp quality that can be engaging for typists who enjoy auditory feedback. The ultra-light actuation force further enhances this experience, allowing for quicker key presses that produce a resonant and crisp sound. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch exudes a distinctly "thocky" sound, resonating from its nylon housing. This switch's auditory profile includes characteristics like being clacky, high-pitched, and resonant, contributing to a sharp and clean auditory experience that many find immersive. Therefore, the Poro offers a lively and bright sound while the WS Heavy Tactile provides a deeper resonance with its unique tonal qualities, resulting in different auditory experiences.
When discussing feel, the Poro switch is noted for its silky smooth keystrokes, allowing for an effortless glide, although specific descriptors for the tactile feedback are not provided. The WS Heavy Tactile is rich in tactile characteristics, described as accented for a medium tactile sensation that isn’t overwhelming but still provides significant feedback. Moreover, it is bouncy, invigorating, and sharp, offering a lively and responsive typing experience. The combination of a profound tactile bump and a firm actuation force creates an engaging experience that contrasts with the smoothness of the Poro. Therefore, while the Poro is centered on a smooth typing experience, the WS Heavy Tactile enhances user engagement through its pronounced tactility.
In conclusion, the HMX Poro linear switch is ideal for those who prioritize a smooth and light typing experience with a bright, clacky sound, making it excellent for fast-paced typing. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch caters to users who crave a more substantial tactile feedback and a deeper, "thocky" sound, providing a satisfying auditory and physical experience that emphasizes engagement. Choosing between these two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference; if you prefer a more responsive and immersive typing feel, the WS Heavy Tactile is the way to go, while the Poro suits those who enjoy effortless keystrokes paired with a lively sound.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the HMX Poro linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch predominantly depends on your typing style and preferences. If you favor a lighter touch with a silky smooth keystroke and appreciate the effortless glide that comes with the HMX Poro, then this switch is ideal for you, particularly if your focus is on fast-paced gaming or typing where you want to minimize fatigue. The Poro's enticingly high-pitched and clacky sound profile adds to the enjoyment of rapid key presses, making it a delicious choice for anyone who loves an audible feedback without overwhelming resistance. However, if you’re drawn to a more tactile and immersive typing experience, the WS Heavy Tactile switch is likely to suit you better. Its pronounced 70g tactile bump and "thocky" sound provide a satisfying feedback that many find invigorating, making it more engaging for typing that requires attention and precision. The heavier resistance can also lend a feeling of sturdiness, perfect for those who enjoy the sensation of a solid keypress. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you value speed and smoothness over tactile feedback and resistance, ensuring that your keyboard experience aligns with your personal style and needs.
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