HMX 1989 vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, both the HMX 1989 and the Wuque Studio WS Brown offer distinct advantages tailored to varying preferences. The HMX 1989, known for its deep and thocky sound profile, stands out as a linear switch that excels in providing a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke experience, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists seeking rapid key presses without tactile feedback. In contrast, the WS Brown switch offers a delightful tactile experience, combining a medium-light actuation force with a familiar tactile bump that provides satisfying feedback during typing. This blend of responsiveness and comfort makes the WS Brown a preferred option for those who enjoy leisurely typing sessions while still appreciating the audible and tactile cues. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX 1989 Linear

Wuque Studio WS Brown Tactile

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$3.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX 1989 and the Wuque Studio WS Brown, a notable divergence is observed in the top housing. The HMX 1989 utilizes polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, thus enhancing clarity and resonance. This quality makes polycarbonate particularly advantageous for applications involving RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for more striking illumination effects. In contrast, the WS Brown features a nylon top housing, which is known for its softer properties that absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound. This difference in material composition fundamentally alters how each switch behaves acoustically, with the polycarbonate top excelling in brightness and the nylon top favoring warmth.

Both switches, however, share a commonality in their bottom housing, both constructed from nylon. This shared material lends a deeper and richer sound profile to both the HMX 1989 and the WS Brown. Notably, the bottom housing's softer nature effects a notable dampening of sound, contributing to a duller and rounder auditory experience upon bottoming out. Since the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel, this shared nylon material ensures that both switches offer a consistent tactile feedback while typing, promoting a cohesive experience when engaging with the respective keyboards.

In summary, while the HMX 1989 and WS Brown differ in their top housing materials—polycarbonate versus nylon—their common nylon bottom housing provides an additional layer of acoustic similarity. This duality allows the HMX 1989 to showcase sharper sounds on key release due to its polycarbonate top while simultaneously benefiting from the full, rounded bass effect initiated by the nylon bottom. Therefore, users can expect a unique auditory experience influenced by each switch's housing material, with the overall character still anchored in the familiar sonic depth offered by nylon in both bottom housings.

Weight

When comparing the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The HMX 1989 features an actuation force of 45 grams, which indicates a relatively lighter feel when typing or gaming. In contrast, the WS Brown does not have a specified actuation force, making it difficult to directly compare this aspect. However, the WS Brown has a slightly heavier bottom-out force at 55 grams compared to the 1989's 53 grams. This suggests that while both switches fall into the medium-light category, the HMX 1989 provides a lighter overall typing experience due to its known actuation force. If the actuation force of the WS Brown were to be similar to that of the 1989, users could expect a balanced typing experience, suitable for those looking for a lighter switch. Nonetheless, for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, the heavier bottom-out of the WS Brown may be more appealing.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, it is clear that the HMX 1989 has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option, while the WS Brown measures at 3.8 mm, which is shorter. This slight difference in travel distance can significantly affect the typing experience; the HMX 1989 provides a more traditional feel, which some users may prefer for its hearty depth. In contrast, the WS Brown, with its shorter travel distance, caters to those who favor responsiveness, particularly in gaming scenarios. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch that feels more abrupt and quick, the WS Brown would be the better choice, whereas the HMX 1989 would suit those who appreciate a deeper, more deliberate keypress.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the HMX 1989 linear switch is characterized by a deep, thocky resonance that many enthusiasts find satisfying and rich, making it ideal for those who appreciate a more bass-heavy auditory experience. In comparison, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch delivers a familiar and pleasant auditory experience as well, but it leans more towards a crisp and refined sound signature, attributable to its nylon housing and POM stem construction. While both switches offer enjoyable auditory feedback, the HMX 1989 provides a deeper thock, whereas the WS Brown presents a more balanced and less pronounced sound, creating differing acoustic environments depending on the user's preference and choice of board and keycaps.

When it comes to feel, the HMX 1989 linear switch stands out with its smooth keystrokes, exhibiting no tactile bump, which allows for a consistent and uninterrupted typing experience. This quality is particularly appealing to users who prefer an unimpeded motion with their switches. Conversely, the WS Brown tactile switch introduces a noticeable tactile bump at the actuation point, providing a satisfying feedback cue that enhances typing precision and engagement. This tactile feedback caters to those who enjoy tactile sensations while typing. Therefore, while the 1989 linear switch promotes a fluid typing experience, the WS Brown appeals to those who appreciate the interplay of feedback and comfort.

Overall, the HMX 1989 and Wuque Studio WS Brown switches cater to different preferences in both sound and feel. The 1989’s deep thocky sound and smooth linear feel contrast with the WS Brown’s crisp sound and tactile feedback, resulting in unique experiences for each. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will come down to personal preference regarding the auditory and tactile qualities that best enhance your typing or gaming experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you value a deeper, “thocky” sound profile and a smooth-linear feel that allows for uninterrupted keystrokes, especially during gaming sessions where quick actions matter, the HMX 1989 is the perfect choice for you. Its medium-light actuation force makes it suitable for extended gaming or typing without much finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile experience that provides feedback with each press, enhancing your typing experience especially for long hours of work or casual typing, the WS Brown is ideal. These switches not only offer a satisfying tactile bump but also maintain a familiar auditory profile appreciated by many typists. Ultimately, weigh your priorities between sound, feel, and the purpose of your keyboard when making your decision between these two excellent switches.

Mentioned in this article

HMX 1989 Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Wuque Studio WS Brown Tactile

$3.50 per 10

Learn more