Jerrzi Poseidon vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Poseidon and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Mechanical keyboard enthusiasts often find themselves torn between various switch options, and two notable contenders in the linear switch category are the Jerrzi Poseidon and the HMX SU. While both switches aim to provide a smooth and responsive typing experience, they each bring their unique characteristics to the table. The Poseidon is renowned for its exceptional feel during continuous typing, offering a satisfying experience without any tactile bump, making it an attractive option for gamers and typists who prioritize uninterrupted keystrokes. On the other hand, the HMX SU is distinguished by its full PA12 housing and T5 stem, delivering a subtly deep sound profile that adds a pleasing acoustic element to every keystroke. Users might gravitate towards the Poseidon for its fluid linearity and overall comfort, while the HMX SU may appeal to those who appreciate a signature sound along with their smooth typing experience. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
pom
Stem material
T5
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Jerrzi Poseidon and HMX SU keyboard switches utilize different housing materials for both their top and bottom sections, with the Poseidon employing polyoxymethylene (POM) and the SU using nylon. POM is known for its durability and smooth feel, producing a unique sound profile that is deeper and relatively muted. This muting effect is attributed to POM's rigidity, which provides a firm structure that influences the acoustic characteristics of the switch's sound. In contrast, nylon, a softer plastic used in the SU, contributes to a fuller and rounder sound profile. Due to its sound-absorbing qualities, nylon mitigates sharp sounds, resulting in a richer audio experience when typing.
When examining the bottom housings, the Poseidon again features POM while the SU maintains its use of nylon. Similar to the top housing, the POM bottom housing of the Poseidon leads to a sound that is deep and pleasing, but slightly muted compared to nylon. The nylon bottom housing of the SU allows for a deeper sound, enhancing the overall impact during bottom-out, an experience that typers find satisfying. The differences in material result in a clear divide between the acoustic qualities; while both switches offer a deeper sound, the POM delivers a more controlled experience, while nylon introduces a softer touch and sound that can feel fuller during keypresses.
Ultimately, the differences in materials lead to a nuanced typing experience that allows for personal preferences to dictate user choice. If one desires a more muted yet uniquely deep sound, the POM-based Poseidon will perform admirably. Alternatively, if a fuller, rounder sound profile is preferred, the nylon-based HMX SU stands out. Both designs possess their unique appeal, yet share the underlying characteristic of producing a satisfying typing experience. Thus, while the materials differ, if one were to seek a similar sound quality, switching techniques and user interaction with the switches could yield comparable tactile satisfaction, emphasizing the personal relationship between typist and keyboard.
Weight
When comparing the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch to the HMX SU linear switch, we can see notable differences in actuation and weight characteristics. The Poseidon has an actuation force of 40 grams, which is lighter compared to the HMX SU’s 45 grams. This makes the Poseidon potentially more comfortable for extended typing sessions, appealing to users who prefer less strain on their fingers. However, the bottom out force for the Poseidon is unknown, while the HMX SU has a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating a firmer feel upon fully pressing the key. This can contribute to a more substantial typing experience for those who enjoy a stronger push feel. Therefore, users looking for a more lightweight switch might lean towards the Poseidon, while those who prefer a heavier switch experience may favor the HMX SU. Ultimately, despite the Poseidon’s lighter actuation, the bottom out experience—which we cannot quantify for the Poseidon—plays a crucial role in the overall typing feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Jerrzi Poseidon and HMX SU linear switches, the Poseidon measures at 3.4 mm, while the SU has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Poseidon the shorter option and the SU the longer one. For gamers or users who prioritize quick response times, the shorter travel distance of the Poseidon may be more appealing, providing a faster actuation. Conversely, the longer travel distance of the HMX SU might be preferable for those who appreciate a more substantial feel when typing, as it offers a deeper actuation point that can enhance tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Poseidon has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Poseidon for $3.59.
The HMX SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU for $3.29.
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 Jerrzi Poseidon switch does not seem to have a distinctive auditory quality noted, which suggests that it may have a more neutral or unremarkable sound profile. In contrast, the HMX SU linear switch features a subtle yet relatively deep sound profile, which is attributed to its full PA12 housing and T5 stem design. This suggests that the SU could provide a more satisfying auditory feedback during use, making it more suitable for those who appreciate a pleasing acoustic experience while typing.
When it comes to feel, the characteristics of the Poseidon switches are not specified, which leaves some ambiguity regarding their tactile properties. On the other hand, the SU’s construction with a T5 stem could imply a smooth keystroke with minimal resistance, common in high-quality linear switches. This design often results in a fluid typing experience that many users find enjoyable, particularly for fast-paced typing without tactile bumps or audible clicks.
In conclusion, while the Jerrzi Poseidon switch lacks specific accolades for its sound and feel, the HMX SU linear switch stands out with its deeper sound profile and potentially smooth keystroke experience. Therefore, if you opt for the Poseidon, you may encounter a more utilitarian experience, while the SU is likely to provide a more tactilely satisfying and acoustically pleasing typing experience. If auditory and tactile nuances are important to you, focusing on the features of the SU may yield a more enjoyable typing journey.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, it’s essential to consider your specific preferences and usage scenarios. If you favor a lightweight switch that provides a gentle typing experience, the HMX SU, with its 50-gram bottom-out force, is ideal for you. It offers a subtle yet satisfying sound profile thanks to its full PA12 housing and T5 stem, which can enhance your typing experience while maintaining a pleasant auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you prioritize a switch that is perhaps more nuanced in terms of feel—depending on recommendations or personal preference despite the limited information on the Poseidon—this might be a switch to explore more, especially if you seek a unique typing characteristic that stands out from common offerings. Overall, your choice between these switches will depend largely on whether you lean towards a crisp, deep sound and a relatively lighter touch, or if you’re intrigued by the Poseidon’s undisclosed features that might cater to a more specialized typing style.
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