HMX Poro vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the HMX Poro and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Poro and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The HMX Poro is celebrated for its silky smooth keystrokes, thanks to meticulous lubrication that provides an effortlessly gliding experience. Additionally, it features a poppy and clacky sound profile combined with an ultra-light actuation force, making it an ideal choice for users who enjoy fast and responsive typing, perfect for gaming and rapid text input. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) stands out with its robust build, featuring a unique PA12 top housing that supports softer acoustics and a POM stem that delivers a crisp, higher-pitched resonance. This switch strikes a balance between subtle sophistication and precise performance, appealing to those who prefer a slightly firmer feel beneath their fingers. Therefore, your choice between the Poro and the Xinhai (Heavy) will ultimately depend on whether you favor a light and breezy typing experience or a more solid, controlled feedback. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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 (Heavy) keyboards both utilize nylon as the fundamental material for their switch housings, comprising both top and bottom components. This decision to use nylon contributes significantly to the acoustic characteristics of the switches. The inherent qualities of nylon allow for a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing, a result of its softer nature. This quality facilitates sound absorption, effectively rounding out any harsher tones that may arise when typing and producing a more pleasant auditory experience. Therefore, the similarity in their housing materials suggests that users can expect comparable sound characteristics and tactile feedback from both models, creating an overall consistent typing experience.
Despite their shared use of nylon for the housings, any impact on user experience through the typing action may depend on how the specific switch designs and internal mechanisms interact with the housings themselves. While both models leverage the advantages of nylon, the switch designs may differ, potentially influencing the tactile response and sound profile during key presses and releases. However, since both the Poro and Xinhai (Heavy) keyboards exhibit the classic nylon features, the expected sound signature—deeper and fuller—remains dominant in both models. The manner in which each keyboard is designed ultimately allows users to enjoy the rich sound profile that nylon offers, regardless of the specifics of switch construction.
Moreover, the positioning of the housing materials plays a pivotal role in discerning slight differences between the two models. The bottom housing, having more contact with the surface beneath the switch, tends to have a greater impact on the bottom-out feel of the keystroke. In contrast, the top housing primarily influences the sound upon key release. Therefore, even with identical nylon compositions in both keyboard models, any divergence in their constructions could lead to subtle variances in user experience. Ultimately, though the housing materials are the same, the holistic impact of design elements ensures that both the HMX Poro and Xinhai (Heavy) deliver satisfying typing experiences that resonate with the qualities of nylon while allowing for unique nuances in feel and sound.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Poro linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Poro features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an appealing choice for users seeking prolonged typing comfort and reduced fatigue during lengthy sessions, whether at work or during gaming. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) switch demands a stronger actuation force of 55 grams and a higher bottom out force of 62.5 grams, catering to those who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Consequently, while the Poro is the lighter option, the Xinhai (Heavy) provides a more robust feel, making it better suited for users who enjoy a firmer push. The distinct differences in both actuation and bottom out forces highlight how one switch caters to lighter, more comfortable usage while the other appeals to those who appreciate a heavier, more decisive keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Poro linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, we find a notable difference: the Poro has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Xinhai (Heavy) measures 3.4 mm. This makes the Poro the longer option, providing a more pronounced key press that some users may find preferable for a more tactile experience. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) offers a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more immediate actuation. Therefore, individuals who favor a more responsive typing experience might opt for the Xinhai (Heavy), while those who enjoy a deeper key press may lean towards the Poro. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for key travel and responsiveness.
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 (Heavy) 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 (Heavy) 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Poro linear switch offers a satisfying poppy and clacky audio profile, giving an engaging auditory feedback that enhances the typing experience. This characteristic sound is complemented by its ultra-light actuation force, allowing for effortless typing sessions. Conversely, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch exhibits a softer acoustic profile due to its unique PA12 top housing, which produces a distinctively higher-pitched resonance from its POM stem. This results in a crisp and refined sound that is more subdued compared to the Poro, appealing to those who prefer a less pronounced auditory feedback while still valuing clarity.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Poro linear switch is celebrated for its silky smooth keystrokes, meticulously lubricated to ensure an easy glide with each press. This smoothness contributes to a pleasant typing experience, particularly favored by those who enjoy light key actuation. On the other hand, the Xinhai (Heavy) switch offers a different tactile experience characterized by a firmer feel, which may cater to users seeking more resistance in their keystrokes. This heavier actuation can contribute to a more deliberate typing style, appealing to individuals who appreciate a stronger tactile feedback during their sessions.
Overall, both switches present unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Poro excels in delivering a smooth and lively sound and feel, ideal for users who prefer a more dynamic typographical experience. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) combines crisp and subtle acoustics with a firmer typing experience, attracting those who appreciate a sophisticated feel. When selecting between these two switches, personal preference regarding sound and tactile feedback will ultimately guide the choice, as both switches offer fulfilling experiences in their own right.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Poro linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch will largely depend on your personal preferences and the specific typing experience you desire. If you prefer a lighter touch and a more playful sound profile, the HMX Poro is the way to go. With its 50-gram bottom-out force, you'll find that it offers silky smooth keystrokes that make typing feel effortless. This switch is particularly suited for users who enjoy a tactile and pronounced auditory feedback without the strain of heavier actuations, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or fast-paced gaming. On the other hand, if you lean towards a more robust sensation and a then stronger acoustic character, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) is the better fit. With a 62.5-gram bottom-out force, this switch provides a firmer feedback that can enhance precision in your typing or gaming experience. Its unique design also ensures a higher-pitched resonance, giving it a distinctively crisp sound that many enthusiasts appreciate. In summary, choose the Poro for a lighter, more fluid experience, and opt for the Xinhai (Heavy) for a stronger, more pronounced feel—both provide unique advantages that can elevate your mechanical keyboard experience.
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