HMX Poro vs. Gateron Zero Degree 0°
An in-depth look at the HMX Poro and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Poro and Gateron Zero Degree 0° both offer distinct advantages tailored to different typing preferences. The HMX Poro is celebrated for its silky smooth keystrokes and satisfying poppy sound profile, which makes it an excellent choice for users who enjoy an engaging and tactile typing experience. Its ultra-light actuation force enhances responsiveness, making it ideal for fast typists and gamers alike. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° excels in silent operation, featuring an innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure that absorbs sound and delivers a cushioned touch with every keystroke. This makes it a top pick for those who seek quiet productivity without sacrificing smoothness and stability. Both switches cater to specific needs, whether you prioritize an audible typing experience or a discreet, noise-reducing setup. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm extended spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Poro and the Gateron Zero Degree 0°, there are notable differences between their top housings that affect both their acoustic properties and their functionality. The Poro's top housing is made from nylon, a classic choice known for its softer texture. This material absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience during typing. In contrast, the Zero Degree 0° features a top housing of polycarbonate, a significantly stiffer plastic that contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. These differences highlight how the choice of top housing material can influence the overall sound characteristics of a switch, making the Poro more suitable for users who prefer a muted sound while the Zero Degree caters to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the HMX Poro and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° utilize nylon. This consistency in material allows for similar acoustic results in terms of bottom-out sound and feel when pressing the keys. Since nylon is softer, it contributes to a deep and plush auditory experience in both switches, ensuring that the feel of each keypress retains a satisfying quality. Since the bottom housing significantly impacts the bottom-out sound and sensation during use, both switches could deliver a similar tactile response, regardless of the top housing material. Thus, while the two switches differ markedly in their top housing, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a comparable user experience in that aspect.
Ultimately, the combination of different materials in the top and bottom housings of the HMX Poro and Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches results in unique sound profiles and tactile feedback. The nylon top of the Poro produces a mellow sound signature, while the polycarbonate top of the Zero Degree 0° creates a more vibrant and sharp resonance. However, the nylon bottom housing present in both switches harmonizes their key feel, ensuring that users experience a plush typing sensation irrespective of the heightened sound variations from the top housings. Thus, while they are distinctly different in sound characteristics when pressed, the nylon base reinforces a deeper coherence in overall typing satisfaction.
Weight
The HMX Poro linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch have the same actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that both switches require the same amount of force to register a keystroke. This similarity can provide a comparable typing experience in terms of actuation feel, making them suitable for those who prefer lighter switches for longer typing sessions or extended gaming. However, the bottom out forces tell a different story; the Poro has a definitive bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Zero Degree's bottom out force is unknown. This uncertainty implies that the Gateron switch could potentially feel lighter at the bottom, depending on its actual bottom out force. As a result, the Poro is categorized as the heavier option due to its higher bottom out force, while the Zero Degree has an equal actuation weight but an unclear bottoming feel. Ultimately, users who prefer a more substantial typing experience might lean toward the HMX Poro, while those who appreciate a potentially softer feel may be curious about the Gateron switch, depending on its undisclosed characteristics.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Poro linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, we find that the Poro features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Zero Degree has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This indicates that the Poro switch offers a bit more depth, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. Conversely, the shorter travel distance of the Zero Degree switch could be more advantageous for gamers looking for quicker response times. In this context, the choice between the two switches ultimately depends on individual preferences for switch depth and responsiveness, with the Poro being the longer option and the Zero Degree being the shorter one. If one were to choose based solely on travel distance for a more responsive experience, the Gateron Zero Degree would be the preferred option.
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 Gateron Zero Degree 0° has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Zero Degree 0° for $5.50.
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, the HMX Poro linear switch has a satisfyingly poppy and clacky profile, largely due to its ultra-light actuation force, which may create a distinct acoustic presence during typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch focuses on a more subdued auditory experience, courtesy of its innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure. This combination allows for near-silent operation, effectively minimizing noise output while still providing a smooth typing experience. While both switches deliver their unique sound characteristics, the Poro leans towards a more expressive auditory feedback compared to the muted tones of the Zero Degree 0°.
In terms of feel, the HMX Poro switch is acclaimed for its silky smooth keystrokes, enhanced by meticulous lubrication that ensures an effortless glide through each press. The engaging tactile response, attributed to its light actuation force, makes it feel lively and responsive, which can add to the typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° offers a soft and elastic feel, emphasizing stability and smoothness through its dual-rail structure. This design not only contributes to its silent operation but also absorbs disturbances, resulting in a more cushioned typing sensation. While both switches prioritize smoothness, the Poro provides a more energetic feel, whereas the Zero Degree 0° fosters a more plush and muted typing experience.
In summary, the HMX Poro linear switch is characterized by its clacky sound and smooth, lively feel, making it suitable for those who enjoy auditory feedback and responsive keystrokes. In contrast, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch excels in providing a silent and stable typing experience with a soft touch. Though they cater to different preferences in sound and feel, both switches offer a high level of smoothness, allowing users to enjoy a satisfying typing experience, albeit through different auditory and tactile signatures.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Poro linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you appreciate a smooth keystroke with a subtle pop and clack, the Poro's lightweight actuation force and meticulously lubricated design make it an appealing choice, perfect for high-speed typing and gaming. On the other hand, if your priority is achieving a whisper-quiet typing experience without sacrificing smoothness, then the Zero Degree 0° is tailored for you, featuring its innovative self-padding design that absorbs sound effectively. The Zero Degree’s soft, elastic feel combined with its dual-rail structure ensures stability and an incredibly muted experience, ideal for office settings or shared environments. Thus, your decision will hinge on whether you prefer a tactile auditory feedback and light actuation or a silent, smooth typing experience.
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