HMX Blue Topaz vs. Wuque Studio WS Jade
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the Wuque Studio WS Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The HMX Blue Topaz and the Wuque Studio WS Jade are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique characteristics for different typing experiences. The Blue Topaz is praised for its super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, making typing a breeze with its clacky sound signature and eye-catching glitter housing. On the other hand, the WS Jade stands out with its metallic insert in the stem base, creating a bright metallic sound profile and enchanting RGB display. The typing experience with the WS Jade is described as creamy, smooth, and rock-solid. Both switches have their own advantages, with the Blue Topaz being easy-to-press and clacky, and the WS Jade offering a range of characteristics from clacky and marbly to silky and creamy. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Blue Topaz and the Wuque Studio WS Jade both feature different materials for their top and bottom switch housings, resulting in unique sound profiles. The Blue Topaz's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharp, crisp sound profile due to its stiffness, while also allowing for RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the WS Jade's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound, providing a different typing experience. In terms of the bottom housing, the Blue Topaz's nylon bottom housing offers a fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound and creating a rounder sound when compared to the WS Jade's POM bottom housing.
While both switches have distinct characteristics based on their housing materials, they also share similarities in their sound profiles. Both the Blue Topaz's polycarbonate top housing and the WS Jade's POM top housing result in a unique and pleasing sound, although the Blue Topaz's sound is sharper and higher-pitched while the WS Jade's sound is deeper and more muted. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Blue Topaz and the POM bottom housing of the WS Jade both contribute to a fuller sound profile, despite their differences in sound quality. Overall, these switches offer different typing experiences based on the combination of their top and bottom housing materials.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in switches such as the HMX Blue Topaz and the Wuque Studio WS Jade plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and typing experience of the switches. The polycarbonate top housing of the Blue Topaz creates a sharper sound, while the POM top housing of the WS Jade produces a deeper and more muted sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Blue Topaz and the POM bottom housing of the WS Jade both contribute to a fuller sound profile, each offering a different typing experience. Whether the housing materials are the same or different, these switches showcase how the materials used can impact the overall sound and feel of typing on mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, we can see some differences. The Blue Topaz has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes compared to the WS Jade, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Blue Topaz requires 48 grams to fully press down, while the WS Jade needs 60 grams. This means that the WS Jade is both heavier to push down and requires more force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Blue Topaz. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Blue Topaz may be the better option, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the WS Jade. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference in terms of actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the WS Jade has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Blue Topaz. The difference may not be significant, but it can still impact the typing or gaming experience for individuals who are sensitive to these variations. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for users who prioritize faster response times. However, those who prefer a slightly deeper key press may lean towards the Blue Topaz for its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Blue Topaz has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Topaz for $3.49.
The Wuque Studio WS Jade comes in at $4.30 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch offers a unique clacky sound signature that is crisp and bright, providing users with an auditory delight with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch also features a clacky sound profile, but adds a marbly and resonant quality to the typing experience, creating a more immersive and vibrant sound that resonates with users. Both switches will provide a satisfying typing experience, but the WS Jade may offer a more diverse and engaging sound profile.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, offering a light actuation force that makes typing effortless and comfortable. This switch reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch is described as silky and creamy, providing users with a smooth and buttery typing experience that feels like gliding fingers effortlessly across the keys. Both switches offer a comfortable typing feel, but the WS Jade may provide a more luxurious and indulgent tactile experience.
In conclusion, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch each offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. While the Blue Topaz excels in providing a clacky sound and easy-to-press feel, the WS Jade stands out with its marbly and resonant sound profile, as well as its silky and creamy typing experience. Depending on individual preferences, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that users will get similar results in terms of smoothness and quality, while also offering a personalized touch based on their chosen switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you prefer a light and smooth actuation with a distinctive clacky sound, the Blue Topaz may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a slightly heavier actuation force with a creamy and silky feel accompanied by a resonant and marbly sound, the WS Jade could be the better option. Consider how you value typing feel and sound profile when making your decision between these two unique switches.
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