HMX Cheese vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Cheese, a linear switch, with the Wuque Studio WS Brown, a tactile switch, it is clear that both offer unique experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Cheese switch is renowned for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, with a satisfying clacky sound and ultra-light feel. On the other hand, the WS Brown switch provides a harmonious blend of familiarity and innovation, with a medium-light actuation force that strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort. While the Cheese switch offers a unique typing experience with its lightness, the WS Brown switch provides a familiar auditory experience that many enthusiasts cherish. 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
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
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-staged spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the HMX Cheese and the Wuque Studio WS Brown utilize nylon as the material for their top and bottom switch housings. This means that typing on switches from either of these keyboards will result in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. The utilization of nylon in both keyboards creates a duller and rounder sound, providing a satisfying typing experience for users.
While both the HMX Cheese and the Wuque Studio WS Brown share the same nylon material for their switch housings, they also have unique design elements that set them apart. The Cheese may have a different design or color scheme that appeals to some users, while the WS Brown might have a more ergonomic layout or additional features that cater to a different set of preferences. These differences in design can impact the overall user experience and attract different types of keyboard enthusiasts.
In terms of typing experience, the top and bottom housings of the switches play crucial roles in how the keyboard sounds and feels while typing. With the qualities of the nylon material being split between the top and bottom housings of a switch, users can expect a different feel when pressing down on a key versus when letting go. Both the HMX Cheese and the Wuque Studio WS Brown will offer a unique typing experience due to the combination of nylon switch housings, providing users with options to choose from based on their personal preferences.
Weight
The HMX Cheese linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Cheese has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 46 grams, while the WS Brown has a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it slightly heavier. The lighter actuation force of the Cheese may be preferable for those looking for a smoother typing experience, ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the WS Brown's slightly heavier bottom out force may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches offer different tactile experiences, catering to varied preferences among keyboard users.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, the Cheese has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the WS Brown has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may result in a slightly different typing experience. The Cheese may feel more abrupt due to its shorter travel distance, while the WS Brown may offer a slightly deeper feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $3.79.
The Wuque Studio WS Brown 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Cheese linear switch is best known for its satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, providing a unique auditory experience that is lighter than the majority of switches. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch offers a harmonious and familiar sound that is cherished by enthusiasts, thanks to its nylon housing and POM stem combination. When comparing the two, the Cheese switch provides a more distinct and crisp sound, while the WS Brown switch offers a more pleasant and familiar typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cheese linear switch offers an unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, providing a unique tactile feel that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch strikes a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort, ensuring fatigue-free typing during long sessions. The Cheese switch may appeal more to users looking for a smooth and light typing experience, while the WS Brown switch offers a tactile feedback that is both responsive and comfortable.
Overall, both the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Cheese switch excels in providing a distinct and crisp sound, as well as a smooth and pristine typing experience, while the WS Brown switch offers a pleasant and familiar typing feel with a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for sound and typing feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, you should consider a few key factors. If you prefer a lighter switch with a unique smoothness and crisp sound, the HMX Cheese may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a medium-light switch that offers a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort, the WS Brown may be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and tactile feedback. Both switches offer their own distinct advantages, so it's important to choose the one that best suits your typing style and preferences.
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