HMX Game1989 vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the HMX Game1989 and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard, the type of switch you select can greatly influence your typing experience. Two notable options are the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch. The HMX 1989, famous for being the deepest and most "thocky" switch in the HMX Film series, offers a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke perfect for gamers who prioritize speed and fluidity in their actions. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch provides a robust tactile feedback with its pronounced 70g bump, ensuring a satisfying resistance that engages typists and brings a dynamic auditory experience through its nylon housing. While the HMX 1989 caters to those who enjoy a sleek, linear feel, the WS Heavy Tactile appeals to those who seek a more pronounced tactile sensation. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
T5
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX 1989 and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches, a notable distinction lies in their top housings. The HMX 1989 features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This is primarily due to polycarbonate’s stiffer nature, enhancing resonance and clarity, especially when RGB lighting is employed, thanks to its translucency. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile employs a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound. The softer plastic nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in responses that feel rounder and more muted. This difference in material choice significantly influences the auditory experience and the tactile response when typing on each switch.
Interestingly, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, leading to a shared characteristic in the bottom-out sound and feel. With nylon being a classic housing material, it provides a deep, resonant audio profile across both models. This shared aspect emphasizes how the softer nature of nylon contributes to a more cushioned typing experience, where the bottom housing material influences the sound upon key depression. Thus, while the top housing materials diverge in their contributions to sound clarity and aesthetic qualities, both switches maintain a consistent auditory experience at the bottom end due to their nylon base.
Ultimately, this comparison reveals how the combination of different materials in the HMX 1989 and WS Heavy Tactile can lead to unique sound profiles during use. The polycarbonate top of the 1989 produces a sharper sound during release, while the nylon top of the WS Heavy Tactile offers a rounder sound. At the same time, they converge in their bottom housing, creating a harmonious deep sound experience when keys are pressed. Therefore, even though the materials differ significantly in their upper halves, the nylon base in both provides a cohesive endpoint, showcasing how a thoughtfully designed switch can tailor sound characteristics that cater to user preferences.
Weight
The HMX 1989 linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch exhibit some similarities and notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, which means that users will experience the same effort when triggering a keystroke with either switch; this consistency can lead to similar typing experiences. However, the bottom out force differs significantly: the HMX 1989 has a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it medium-light, while the WS Heavy Tactile features a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. As a result, the WS Heavy Tactile switch will provide a more substantial feel when fully pressed down, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push experience. Thus, while both switches feel similar during actuation, the HMX 1989 is the lighter option, and the WS Heavy Tactile stands out as the heavier choice for users seeking a firmer typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX 1989 linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch offers a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. This difference in travel distance may influence user preference: the HMX 1989 provides a more traditional and pronounced experience, giving users a hearty depth that many find satisfying. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the WS Heavy Tactile switch may appeal to gamers and those who value quick response times, as it allows for a faster actuation. Thus, if you lean towards a tactile and deeper feedback, the HMX 1989 may be the better choice, whereas if you prioritize speed and responsiveness in your keystrokes, the WS Heavy Tactile would be advantageous. Overall, the HMX 1989 is the longer option, while the WS Heavy Tactile is notably shorter.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Game1989 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Game1989 for $3.29.
The Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile comes in at $3.50 per 10 switches.
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
The sound profile of the HMX 1989 linear switch is characterized by a deep and thocky resonance, making it ideal for those who appreciate a bass-heavy auditory experience when typing. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch delivers a more pronounced sound that is described as clacky and high-pitched, producing a sharp and crisp noise that contributes to a lively typing environment. While both switches can produce engaging auditory feedback, the 1989 leans towards a richer, lower tonal quality, contrasting with the vibrant and percussive character of the WS Heavy Tactile. Sound characteristics for each switch can be further altered by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, so users can customize their experience further.
When it comes to feel, the HMX 1989's specific tactile qualities are less defined, creating some uncertainty about its tactile response compared to the detailed descriptions available for the WS Heavy Tactile. The WS switch has a unique combination of tactile feedback that includes accented feedback—neither overly pronounced nor indistinct—and a bouncy, invigorating sensation. These features make the WS Heavy Tactile engaging to type on, offering a sharp, snappy response that feels dynamic with each keystroke. In contrast, the HMX 1989 may not provide the same level of tactile clarity or engaging responsiveness, leading to a more understated typing experience.
In summary, both the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch offer distinctive auditory and tactile experiences suitable for different preferences in keyboard usage. The 1989 excels in producing a deep, thocky sound, whereas the WS Heavy Tactile captivates with its clacky, high-pitched tones and rich tactile feedback. If you prefer a more immersive and tactile typing experience, the WS Heavy Tactile may be the better choice, while the 1989 appeals to those who enjoy deeper resonance and a subtler tactile response. Ultimately, users looking for pronounced sound and engaging feedback will find the WS Heavy Tactile particularly satisfying, whereas the 1989 may suit those seeking a smoother, more linear feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch largely depends on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you prefer a lighter typing experience that allows for quicker key presses without excessive force—suitable for fast-paced gaming sessions where every millisecond counts—the HMX 1989, with its moderate 53 grams bottom-out force, will be your ideal match. This switch is characterized by its smooth, linear action and delightful "thocky" sound profile, making it excellent for a more fluid and discreet typing experience, perfect for both gaming and typing tasks. On the other hand, if you enjoy feeling a pronounced tactile bump with each keystroke and appreciate a bit more resistance in your switches, the WS Heavy Tactile is the way to go. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 70 grams ensures a satisfying, engaging feedback that makes typing feel more immersive and lively. The clacky, high-pitched sound and pronounced tactile feedback of the WS Heavy Tactile can enhance your typing experience, particularly if you find joy in a tactile and auditory response. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize speed and smoothness or tactile feedback and resistance in your keyboard experience.
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