HMX Poro vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the HMX Poro and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Poro and the PH Studio Yoel offer distinctive experiences tailored for different typing preferences. The HMX Poro is celebrated for its silky smooth keystrokes, enhanced by meticulous lubrication that allows for an effortless glide. Users appreciate its ultra-light actuation force, which contributes to a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound profile. In contrast, the PH Studio Yoel, crafted by BSUN, offers a delectably chewy typing sensation, with the keys embracing your fingertips with an engaging tactile feedback on every press. The Yoel's sound is notably bright and clacky, punctuated by a profound resonance at the bottom-out point, delivering a captivating auditory experience. While both switches are linear, the Poro excels in its smoothness and lightness, ideal for those who prioritize effortless typing, whereas the Yoel charms with its rich auditory feedback and tactile depth. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The HMX Poro and the PH Studio Yoel highlight distinct differences in their housing materials, which directly influence the acoustic characteristics and tactile feedback experienced by users. The Poro utilizes a nylon top housing, known for its ability to absorb sound and produce a deeper, fuller auditory profile. This attribute makes it ideal for users who prefer a more muted and rounded sound, as nylon's softer texture dampens vibrations, resulting in a softer release and bottom-out noise. In contrast, the Yoel employs polycarbonate for its top housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile due to the material’s rigidity. This choice provides a more resonant experience, especially beneficial for those who enjoy a pronounced auditory feedback when typing. The translucency of polycarbonate also allows for enhanced RGB effects, making it an aesthetically pleasing option for users who appreciate customizable lighting features.
In terms of bottom housings, the HMX Poro utilizes nylon, similar to its top housing's material, which reinforces the overall sound profile with a deeper and rounder tone. This consistency in materiality emphasizes the Poro's ability to deliver a cohesive auditory experience, as both the top and bottom contribute to a fuller sound when pressed. Conversely, the PH Studio Yoel features a POM bottom housing, which offers a unique sound profile that still maintains a deeper tonal quality, albeit with a more muted character. POM, being a more advanced engineering plastic, can enhance durability and create a pleasing feel during operation, balancing the crispness of the polycarbonate top with a subdued response at the bottom.
Ultimately, the different housing materials of the Poro and the Yoel create distinct typing experiences, yet they can yield similar results in terms of sound characteristics if viewed through the lens of how the materials interact. While the Poro provides a consistently muffled effect through both nylon housings, the Yoel delivers a dynamic contrast between the sharpness of polycarbonate and the subdued richness of POM. When pressed, the specific acoustic qualities of the top and bottom housing materials converge to shape the user’s experience; thus, each model caters to varying preferences while still promising an enjoyable and effective typing experience. Whether users are drawn to the rounded richness of the Poro or the sharp clarity of the Yoel, both switches offer their unique charm, ensuring that individual preferences guide choice rather than a definitive superiority of one housing material over the other.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Poro linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Poro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for extended typing sessions and gaming due to the reduced effort required to actuate a keystroke. In contrast, the Yoel switch features a medium actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, offering a heavier push feel that some users prefer for a more substantial typing experience. While the Poro is better suited for those seeking a lighter touch, the Yoel caters to users who enjoy a stronger, more tactile response. As a result, users who appreciate less resistance might gravitate towards the Poro, while those who favor a firmer action may opt for the Yoel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Poro linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, it's clear that they differ significantly. The Poro boasts a travel distance of 3.7 mm, making it the longer option, while the Yoel features a travel distance of 3.2 mm, making it the shorter choice. For those who favor more responsive key presses, the Yoel may be more appealing due to its abbreviated travel distance, allowing for quicker actuation that gamers often seek. On the other hand, the Poro's greater distance may provide a more satisfying depth for users who prefer a fuller typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches hinges on personal preference; a longer key travel can feel more substantial, while a shorter one can facilitate rapid response times.
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 PH Studio Yoel has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yoel for $4.10.
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 switch features a satisfyingly poppy sound profile that leans towards a clacky quality, which can be described as bright and percussive due to its ultra-light actuation force. This creates an engaging auditory experience, making each keystroke feel lively and dynamic. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel switch also embodies a bright and clacky sound, but it is further characterized by a more pronounced resonance upon bottom-out. This resonance contributes to an immersive auditory sensation that some users may find particularly satisfying when typing. Both switches produce appealing sound profiles, which can be influenced by board choice and keycaps, but generally retain their distinct clackiness.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Poro switch is renowned for its silky smooth keystrokes, which are enhanced through meticulous lubrication for an effortless glide. This creates a typing experience that many users find enjoyable and fluid. In contrast, the Yoel switch delivers a delectably chewy typing experience, offering a creamy and polished feel. The smoothness is likely derived from factory lubrication and materials used, yielding a sensation that envelops the fingertips as they engage with the keys. While both switches excel in delivering a refined typing experience, the Poro emphasizes its smoothness, whereas the Yoel adds a unique chewy texture to the overall feel.
In conclusion, both the HMX Poro and PH Studio Yoel linear switches offer delightful auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The Poro excels in providing a silky smooth keystroke with a lively clacky sound, while the Yoel presents a chewy and polished feel complemented by a pronounced resonance. Depending on your typing style and preferences for sound and feel, either switch can provide an enjoyable experience. Given their unique characteristics, personal preference will ultimately guide your choice between the two.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Poro linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences in terms of typing experience and sound profile. If you prefer a lighter touch and enjoy an effortlessly smooth keystroke, the HMX Poro is an excellent option, as it features a bottom-out force of only 50 grams, making it ideal for long typing sessions where comfort and reduced finger fatigue are paramount. The Poro's unique silky feel and satisfyingly clacky sound make it particularly appealing for users looking for both a delightful auditory feedback and a smooth tactile experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer key feel and a more pronounced auditory experience, the PH Studio Yoel, with its 60-gram bottom-out force, is likely more suitable for you. The Yoel’s creamy, polished typing feel—combined with its bright, resonant sound—provides a satisfying tactile feedback that can enhance both typing and gaming experiences. Ultimately, both switches excel in their own realms, so it depends on whether you favor a lighter, smoother experience with the Poro, or a more substantial, chewy typing experience with the Yoel.
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