HMX Poro vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the HMX Poro and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Poro and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl both present excellent options for users seeking smooth keystrokes, but they cater to slightly different preferences. The HMX Poro, renowned for its silky smooth actuation and satisfying sound profile, features meticulous lubrication that ensures an effortless glide with a delightfully poppy and clacky auditory feedback. This switch is ideal for typists or gamers who appreciate a lighter actuation force, allowing for quicker key presses and added agility during intense gaming or fast-paced typing. On the other hand, the WS Pearl offers a unique experience with its innovative ball-bearing design, which reduces friction and results in remarkably smooth keystrokes. This switch produces a medium-high pitched sound signature, appealing to users who prioritize a quieter operation without sacrificing performance. While both switches are linear, their distinct characteristics could make one more appealing than the other depending on your typing style and auditory preferences. 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
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The HMX Poro and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl both feature nylon as their primary housing material, a choice that is celebrated for its unique acoustic properties. The nylon top and bottom housings of both switches contribute to a deep and fuller sound profile during typing. This similarity in material results in a consistent auditory experience across both products, as nylon, being a relatively softer plastic, effectively absorbs sound compared to harder materials. Consequently, both the Poro and the WS Pearl are designed to produce a duller and rounder sound when keys are pressed and released, enhancing the overall typing experience for users seeking a more muted auditory feedback.
In examining the multiple housing types, it is essential to note that while both switches utilize nylon for both top and bottom housings, any variations in design or internal structure can influence their performance. Although the common housing material results in a similar sound profile, the feel and feedback of each switch may differ based on aspects like spring tension or stroke distance. If there were to be differences in the top or bottom housings in a hypothetical case, the combined qualities would create a unique acoustic response based on which housing was predominant, impacting how the user experiences sound at bottom-out versus release.
Ultimately, despite the identity of housing material, the user experience can be finely tuned through design variations. In both the HMX Poro and WS Pearl, the robust nylon contributes to an enjoyable and consistent typing experience, allowing users to predictably attain similar results in terms of sound and touch. Whether it is the soft landing of each keystroke or the resonant feedback upon release, the nylon composition ensures that both types of switches deliver a satisfying performance, characterized by warmth and depth in sound.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Poro and Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switches, notable differences emerge in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Poro switch features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option overall. In contrast, the WS Pearl switch has a lower actuation force of 30 grams, offering a softer touch when pressing keys. However, its bottom out force is a heftier 58 grams, meaning it requires more force to press down completely compared to the Poro. This distinction affects user experience: those who favor lighter switches for extended typing sessions may gravitate towards the WS Pearl, while users who desire a more pronounced feedback might prefer the heavier bottom out feel of the Pearl. Ultimately, if one seeks a lighter switch experience, the HMX Poro stands out, while the WS Pearl provides a medium weight that caters to users who appreciate a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
The HMX Poro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Poro switch offers a bit more depth in its travel, providing a more substantial feel when pressed down, which may appeal to users who prefer a more traditional typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Pearl, with its shorter travel distance, could cater to gamers who favor quicker response times and agility in their keystrokes. Thus, while the Poro offers a longer travel experience, the WS Pearl targets those looking for a more rapid interaction. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference for either a more pronounced feedback or a snappier response.
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 Pearl comes in at $6.00 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
The HMX Poro linear switch delivers a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound profile, largely thanks to its ultra-light actuation force. This makes for a sound experience that emphasizes a lighter, more playful acoustic characteristic when typing. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switch produces a medium-high pitched sound signature, which is distinctly different and might offer a more pronounced tonal clarity. However, it’s important to remember that the overall sound of any switch can significantly vary based on the choice of keyboard and keycaps used, potentially bridging the gap between these two unique auditory signatures.
When discussing the feel of these switches, the HMX Poro is best known for its silky smooth keystrokes, as each key is meticulously lubricated to provide a smooth and effortless glide during use. This attention to detail enhances the tactile experience, making it highly enjoyable for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the WS Pearl features a design that incorporates ball-bearings to reduce friction, resulting in an exceptionally smooth keystroke that feels almost surreal. While both switches prioritize a smooth typing experience, the mechanisms they employ offer distinctive sensations that cater to different preferences.
In summary, both the HMX Poro and the WS Pearl linear switches provide unique qualities that can enhance any typing experience. The Poro leans towards a lively and clacky auditory experience with its focused light actuation, while the WS Pearl's use of ball-bearings yields a more refined tactile and a higher, clearer sound signature. Ultimately, both switches embody a commitment to smoothness, but they achieve it in different ways. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, each switch presents a compelling option in the realm of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Poro linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch will largely depend on your preferences for actuation force, sound profile, and overall typing feel. If you favor a lighter touch with a delightful, silky-smooth keystroke experience that is mechanically lubricated for effortless gliding, the Poro is a fantastic option. Its lower actuation force of 50 grams makes it particularly appealing for rapid typing or gaming scenarios where speed is essential, and its poppy yet clacky sound profile can enhance the overall auditory experience. Conversely, if you prefer a sturdier keystroke with a medium bottom-out force of 58 grams, the WS Pearl switch may be your best bet. These switches are engineered with ball-bearings to minimize friction, resulting in a uniquely smooth typing experience, paired with a medium-high pitched sound signature that may provide a more tactile feedback that some users find satisfying. Ultimately, your choice should align with your typing style and whether you lean toward a lighter, more responsive feel or enjoy the stability and smoothness offered by a heavier switch.
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