HMX Poro vs. Wuque Studio WS Red
An in-depth look at the HMX Poro and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two notable contenders in the linear category are the HMX Poro and the Wuque Studio WS Red. The HMX Poro switches are celebrated for their silky smooth keystrokes, enhanced by meticulous lubrication that results in an effortless glide during typing. Their ultra-light actuation force creates a satisfying combination of pop and clack, making them an excellent choice for those who prioritize a light touch and an engaging sound profile. In contrast, the WS Red switches are characterized by a bouncy and responsive typing experience, powered by a 22mm double-stage spring that provides a heavier actuation force. This added weight gives each keystroke a substantial feel, appealing to users who prefer tactile feedback and a more deliberate typing experience. While both switches cater to linear preferences, they offer distinct experiences — one focusing on a light and smooth action, while the other emphasizes a weighted and responsive touch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.80 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 double-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the HMX Poro and the Wuque Studio WS Red utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, leading to many similarities in their sound profiles and tactile experiences. The use of nylon as a housing material is a significant factor contributing to the deeper and fuller sound profile associated with both switches. This is primarily due to nylon's softer nature, which allows it to absorb sound waves more effectively than harder plastics. As a result, both the Poro and WS Red switches produce a duller and rounder sound upon keystrokes, creating a more satisfying auditory feedback for typists and gamers alike.
Despite their shared material composition, the impact of each housing on the overall switch experience can vary. While both switches have nylon top and bottom housings, the distinct design intricacies in other components, such as the springs or stem, could influence the feel upon bottoming out and the release sound when letting go of a key. Given that nylon absorbs sound and minimizes sharp noises, users can expect a toned-down auditory feedback from both models as they strike the key, delivering a cohesive experience. Thus, although both use identical materials, performance nuances may still exist depending on the overall design and engineering of the switches.
In conclusion, users can expect to achieve similar results regarding sound profile and feel from both the HMX Poro and Wuque Studio WS Red, thanks to the properties of nylon in their construction. The inherent qualities of the nylon housing ensure that regardless of any other minor differences, both switches will maintain that desirable deep and rounded sound characteristic that typists and gamers appreciate. Users looking for a defined auditory experience will find satisfaction across both models, affirming the effectiveness of nylon as a versatile switch housing material.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Poro linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, the differences in their actuation and bottom out forces highlight distinct user experiences. The HMX Poro features a light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter feel that allows for extended typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the WS Red has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is notably heavier, but it lacks a specified actuation force. This heavier resistance may offer a more substantial typing experience for users who enjoy a stronger push feel. Consequently, those favoring lighter switches would lean towards the HMX Poro, while those who appreciate a firmer resistance might prefer the WS Red. Overall, the Poro's design promotes comfort during long use, whereas the WS Red could provide satisfaction for those who like the heft of a medium-heavy switch.
Travel distance
The HMX Poro linear switch boasts a travel distance of 3.7 mm, slightly shorter than the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that if you prioritize responsiveness in your typing or gaming experience, the Poro switch may be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, allowing for quicker actuation. Conversely, the WS Red provides a bit more travel, which might appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes, offering a more substantial tactile experience. Ultimately, if you want a faster response while typing, the Poro will fulfill that need, while the WS Red is ideal for those who enjoy a heartier press.
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 Red 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Poro linear switch offers a poppy and clacky sound profile due to its ultra-light actuation force, which can evoke a satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch is characterized by a familiar sound signature, thanks to its classic material blend. This switch maintains a more subdued noise yet still delivers a pleasing acoustic experience, impacted by the weight of the actuation force. Both sound profiles will ultimately be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, which may enhance or mellow these characteristics further.
When it comes to feel, the Poro switch is celebrated for its silky smooth keystrokes that have been meticulously lubricated to promote a seamless typing experience. This ensures that each keypress feels effortless and fluid. Conversely, the WS Red linear switch is designed with a 22mm double-stage spring that produces a bouncy and responsive typing experience. The heavier actuation force adds substantiality to each keystroke, making the feeling of pressing down more engaging compared to the Poro’s lighter touch.
In conclusion, while the HMX Poro offers a light, smooth, and auditory stimulating experience, the Wuque Studio WS Red provides a more grounded and responsive feel with a familiar sound. Choosing between these two will depend on personal preferences in terms of sound characteristics and tactile sensation during use, but both can lead to enjoyable typing experiences with their unique qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Poro linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a light, effortless typing experience with a silky smooth feel, the Poro switch is an excellent choice. Its 50 grams bottom-out force allows for quick and easy keystrokes, making it ideal for gaming or prolonged typing sessions where speed and comfort are paramount. The unique poppy and clacky sound profile adds an enjoyable auditory element to your experience, perfect for those who appreciate a bit of feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial typing feel that adds a touch of resistance to each press, the WS Red is better suited for you. With its 67 grams bottom-out force and bouncy, responsive nature thanks to the double-stage spring, this switch delivers a satisfying tactile experience that some users find more engaging, particularly in typing-focused tasks. The WS Red's classic sound signature enhances the overall typing experience, making it the go-to choice for those who appreciate a more traditional linear switch feel. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your priorities—whether that’s lightness and speed with the Poro or weight and responsiveness with the WS Red.
Mentioned in this article
