HMX Poro vs. Wuque Studio WS POM+
An in-depth look at the HMX Poro and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the HMX Poro and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ can significantly impact your typing experience. The HMX Poro is lauded for its silky smooth keystrokes, meticulously lubricated to provide an effortless glide, making it a fantastic option for those who prioritize speed and a light touch, thanks to its ultra-light actuation force. In contrast, the WS POM+ offers an all-POM construction that delivers a deep, satisfying "thock" sound signature coupled with a buttery-smooth keystroke, ideal for users who appreciate auditory feedback and a more substantial feel while typing. While both switches are linear and designed to enhance your typing experience, they cater to different preferences—whether it's the poppy and clacky sound profile of the Poro or the rich auditory depth of the WS POM+. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Poro and Wuque Studio WS POM+ exhibit distinct housing materials that influence their sound profiles, offering users a unique typing experience. The Poro employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a material renowned for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound. This characteristic arises from nylon's softer composition, which helps absorb sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the WS POM+ utilizes POM (polyoxymethylene) for its housings, which provides a pleasing and unique sound that is also on the deeper side but noted to be more muted. While both materials can deliver satisfying auditory feedback, their differing properties suggest that the POM might produce a sound that is slightly less resonant compared to the Poro's nylon.
In examining the impact of each housing material on the overall typing experience, the HMX Poro showcases a consistency in sound and feel across both the top and bottom housings due to the use of nylon. This unity can create a cohesive auditory environment, as the rounded characteristics of the nylon ensure a seamless transition from the bottom-out thump to the release sound. On the other hand, the WS POM+, separating the unique attributes of POM between the top and bottom, allows for a division of sound qualities. The bottom housing governs the bottom-out sound, while the top housing influences the release sound, potentially leading to a more nuanced typing experience where the characteristics of POM can be felt distinctly.
While the HMX Poro relies on the homogenized effect of nylon, both switches could provide similar results in terms of depth and fullness of sound if the qualitative impacts of their respective materials balance out. The nylon's ability to absorb sounds would harmoniously coincide with the POM's unique characteristics, resulting in an understated yet rich auditory feedback. Consequently, users may find that, despite the surface differences in material, both switches can yield satisfying typing acoustics that cater to varied preferences. The overarching theme is that while the specific materiality differs, the intended acoustic performance converges on delivering a gratifying experience for users drawn to deeper sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Poro linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, we see that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, allowing for similar ease of triggering keystrokes. However, they differ in their bottom out forces: the Poro has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the WS POM+ has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that while both switches offer a light actuation experience, the Poro is overall lighter in feel due to its lower bottom out force, making it potentially preferable for users who type for extended periods or engage in lengthy gaming sessions. In contrast, those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience may find the heavier bottom out force of the WS POM+ more satisfying. Therefore, while both switches have comparable actuation forces, their bottom out forces provide distinct options for different user preferences regarding typing feel and fatigue.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Poro linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, we find that the Poro features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the WS POM+ has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference of 0.1 mm indicates that the Poro switch offers a bit more depth in its actuation, which may appeal to users who appreciate a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. In contrast, the WS POM+, with its shorter travel distance, might cater to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more snappy feel. Therefore, individuals who prefer a more responsive action may be inclined to choose the WS POM+, while those who enjoy a deeper keystroke may favor the Poro. Overall, while both switches are designed for different preferences, the Poro switch provides a slightly longer travel distance than the WS POM+.
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 POM+ comes in at $3.90 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 features a sound profile that is characterized as poppy and clacky, making it a lively option for those who appreciate audible feedback while typing. The ultra-light actuation force contributes to this sound, allowing for a more dynamic auditory experience. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switch provides a deep, satisfying "thock" sound signature that is generally regarded as more subdued yet rich in resonance. This contrast in sound profiles is essential for users to consider, as it can significantly affect the overall typing experience. It's also essential to note that the sound produced by any switch can vary based on factors such as the keyboard’s construction and the type of keycaps used, which could result in more similarities or differences between the two.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Poro linear switch is meticulously lubricated, ensuring that the keystrokes glide smoothly with minimal resistance, creating an effortless typing experience. This smoothing of the switch’s action enhances the sensation of control during use. On the other hand, the WS POM+ linear switch is described as providing a buttery-smooth keystroke, suggesting a similarly pleasant and streamlined typing experience. While the Poro emphasizes a poppiness in feel due to its actuation characteristics, the WS POM+ leans toward a luxurious and velvety engagement. Both switches cater to those who prefer smoothness in their linear response but may offer differing sensations due to their unique designs.
In conclusion, both the HMX Poro and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switches offer distinct sound and feel characteristics that cater to various preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Poro switch delivers a lively auditory experience with its poppy sounds and effortlessly smooth keystrokes, while the WS POM+ offers a deeper thock sound with an exceptionally buttery feel. Ultimately, your choice between the two may come down to whether you prefer a more vibrant auditory experience or a richer, deeper sound. Regardless of choice, both switches guarantee a high level of smoothness and satisfaction in operation, appealing to those who desire quality in their typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Poro linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, consider your personal typing style and preferences. If you prefer a lighter touch, the Poro, with its 50 grams of bottom-out force, is an excellent choice. Its silky smooth keystrokes, enhanced by meticulous lubrication, provide a satisfying feel, along with a poppy and clacky sound that many typists find enjoyable. This makes it particularly suitable for typists seeking an agile and responsive experience, ideal for fast-paced typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you desire a bit more resistance and a sound that offers depth, the WS POM+ with its medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams may be more to your liking. The deep "thock" sound signature paired with its buttery smooth keystrokes creates a luxurious typing experience, perfect for those who appreciate a solid feedback feeling while typing or gaming. Ultimately, your choice should align with how you interact with your keyboard, whether you lean towards a lighter, more nimble experience or prefer the slightly heavier, more tactile feedback of the WS POM+.
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