HMX Poro vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the HMX Poro and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the decision can often feel overwhelming, especially between two popular linear options: the HMX Poro and the HMX Xinhai. The HMX Poro stands out with its silky smooth keystrokes, meticulously lubricated for a seamless glide, alongside a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a tactile auditory experience and an ultra-light actuation force. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai offers a unique blend of subtle sophistication and precise performance, featuring a PA12 top housing that provides softer acoustics and a POM stem for a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance. Both switches are celebrated for their bouncy and creamy feel, yet they cater to different preferences in sound and tactile feedback. Ultimately, whether you prioritize the smooth, clacky sensation of the Poro or the refined resonance of the Xinhai, the choice hinges on your personal taste in tactile and auditory experience. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
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 HMX Xinhai feature similar housing materials, specifically nylon, throughout both their top and bottom housings. This choice of nylon as a classic switch housing material is significant because it is known for its ability to create a distinctively deeper and fuller sound profile. The inherent properties of nylon, being a relatively softer plastic, result in enhanced sound absorption compared to harder materials. Consequently, both switches produce a duller and rounder sound when typing, ensuring a satisfying auditory experience for users.
While the materials used in the housings of the HMX Poro and HMX Xinhai are the same—nylon—their contributions to the overall typing experience may vary due to the potential differences in design or internal mechanisms. However, because both utilize nylon for both the top and bottom housings, users can expect a consistent performance across aspects of sound and feedback. The top housing will predominantly affect the quality of sound produced when a key is released, while the bottom housing will significantly influence the sound and feel when a key bottoms out. This dual impact allows for a balanced tactile experience, fostering a unique relationship between the user and each key.
In essence, because both the HMX Poro and HMX Xinhai use nylon in their housings, they can be expected to deliver similar performance characteristics regarding sound profile and tactile feedback. The acoustic properties of nylon enhance the typing experience by providing a muted and richer audio signature, regardless of the specific model. As such, whether users are typing on the Poro or Xinhai, they will enjoy a consistent feel and sound, highlighting the effectiveness of nylon as a preferred material in switch housing design.
Weight
The HMX Poro and HMX Xinhai linear switches both exhibit light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for users who favor comfort during extended typing or gaming sessions. The Poro requires an actuation force of 45 grams and has a bottom out force of 50 grams. In comparison, the Xinhai is even lighter, with an actuation force of just 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Xinhai provides a lighter overall feel and a softer typing experience than the Poro. While both switches are designed for ease of use, the Xinhai may be preferable for those who prioritize a lighter touch, whereas the Poro offers a slightly more substantial typing experience with its higher actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The HMX Poro linear switch features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This indicates that the Poro switch offers a more pronounced depth, which may appeal to users who enjoy a more tactile feel when pressing down on keys, as it provides a greater distance from the top to the bottom. In contrast, the Xinhai switch, with its shorter 3.4 mm travel distance, caters to those who prioritize rapid response times, a preference that is particularly favored by gamers seeking quick activation. Therefore, if you value a deeper keypress experience, the Poro would be the better choice, while the Xinhai would be more suitable for those who appreciate the advantages of a quicker, less abrupt actuation.
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 HMX Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $2.99.
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, both the HMX Poro and HMX Xinhai linear switches exhibit a clacky profile that produces a sharp and snappy noise with each keystroke. This clackiness results in a crisp, bright, and percussive sound that many typists and gamers find satisfying. Although both switches share this acoustic quality, it's important to highlight that the overall sound experience can still be influenced by the keyboard's build and the type of keycaps used. Therefore, while the switches themselves are designed for a specific sound, the final auditory result may vary based on the entire keyboard setup.
In terms of feel, the Poro and Xinhai switches present remarkably similar experiences. Both are characterized by a bouncy sensation, which adds a lively and responsive feel when keys are pressed, enhancing typing and gaming effectiveness. Moreover, both switches are described as creamy, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience that facilitates easy gliding across the keys. This creamy texture is often due to meticulous lubrication and material choice, ensuring that users enjoy a silky sensation during use. The feathery quality of the Poro is also a significant advantage, providing a light actuation force that minimizes finger fatigue, making it an excellent choice for prolonged typing sessions, though the Xinhai does not explicitly highlight this feature.
In conclusion, both the HMX Poro and HMX Xinhai linear switches excel in sound and feel, with each offering a crisp and clacky audio profile and a bouncy, creamy typing experience. While these switches are designed to deliver high-quality performance and satisfaction, users can expect similar results in terms of tactile feedback and acoustic enjoyment. Therefore, choosing between the two may ultimately come down to personal preference regarding slight nuances in the feel, or brand loyalty.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Poro and HMX Xinhai linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you favor a more tactile experience with a slightly higher bottom-out force, the Poro may be a better fit for you. Its 50-gram actuation gives you a lively bounce and a satisfying feel, making it ideal for those who enjoy the sensation of springy keystrokes while also benefiting from its silky smooth glide and clacky sound profile that can enhance your typing experience during long sessions, whether you're gaming or working. Conversely, if you prefer a lighter and perhaps crisper experience, the Xinhai's 45-gram force may be your pick. Its unique PA12 top housing offers softer acoustics and, combined with the POM stem, delivers a refined sound profile that strikes a balance between sophistication and precision, making it suitable for an office environment or quieter settings. Ultimately, consider your typing style, the environment you'll be using the keyboard in, and whether you lean towards a slightly heavier or lighter key feel to make the best selection for your needs.
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