HMX Cheese vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Cheese and Wuque Studio WS Dash stand out as intriguing options, each offering a unique typing experience tailored to different preferences. The HMX Cheese switches are celebrated for their unparalleled smoothness and ultra-light feel, making them lighter than 90% of all switches on the market. They deliver a distinctively clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, ideal for users who prioritize responsiveness and enjoy a satisfying auditory feedback during typing. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches utilize Hall Effect technology, resulting in a silky smooth keystroke that enhances the overall user experience. With a bright and clacky sound signature, these switches also bring a refined aesthetic to your keyboard setup. Choosing between these two switches ultimately depends on your personal typing style: opt for the HMX Cheese for a lightweight and lively feel, or choose the WS Dash for its smooth response and sophisticated sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the Wuque Studio WS Dash keyboards, we find notable differences between their top housings. The HMX Cheese utilizes nylon for its top housing, a material known for its softer properties that contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This dampening effect stems from nylon's ability to absorb sound, resulting in a sound that is less sharp and more rounded. In contrast, the WS Dash opts for polycarbonate in its top housing. Due to its stiffer composition, polycarbonate produces a crisper and more resonant sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate not only aids in producing a clear sound but also enhances the visual appeal of RGB lighting, making it a popular choice for modern keyboards aiming for aesthetic versatility.
The bottom housings of both keyboards, however, reveal a point of similarity as both the HMX Cheese and the WS Dash use nylon. This shared material creates a deeper and rounded sound profile, echoing the characteristics found in the top housing of the Cheese. The impact of the bottom housing on the typing experience cannot be underestimated, as it influences the bottom-out sound and overall feel when a key is pressed. Consequently, while the WS Dash might boast a sharper sound when keys are released due to its polycarbonate top housing, the nylon bottom provides a sense of familiarity between the two models, ensuring that users experience that fuller sound profile when bottoming out.
Ultimately, the combination of different housing materials results in unique auditory experiences, even when paired with a common material on one side. The HMX Cheese’s nylon top housing enhances the softer, deeper sound during key releases, while its nylon bottom housing binds the overall sound profile together, emphasizing that rounded effect. The WS Dash, with its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing, offers a distinctive crisper release combined with the deeper sound signature during bottoming out. Users may prefer one over the other based on their sound preferences and typing experience, but both keyboards demonstrate how careful material selection can lead to diverse outcomes in a mechanical switch's performance.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, the actuation forces and bottom out forces present a clear distinction in their typing experiences. The HMX Cheese has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, making it a lighter option overall. In contrast, the WS Dash features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams but a heavier bottom out force of 55 grams. This suggests that while the initial keystroke is easier to achieve with the WS Dash, the key’s resistance increases once pressed down, resulting in a more substantial feel upon bottoming out. Therefore, users who favor a lighter switch for prolonged typing sessions would likely prefer the HMX Cheese. Conversely, those who appreciate a firmer resistance and a more pronounced bottoming out effect may find the WS Dash more appealing. Overall, the HMX Cheese provides a lighter overall experience, while the WS Dash, despite being lighter during actuation, offers a more pronounced bottom out feel.
Travel distance
Both the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch feature a travel distance of 3.5 mm, meaning they provide the same level of physical feedback when pressed. Since their travel distances are identical, users can expect similar results in terms of keypress feel and responsiveness. This equivalence ensures that both switches deliver a comparable typing experience, making them suitable for users who prioritize uniform key travel across their keyboard setup.
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 Dash has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Dash for $7.49.
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 HMX Cheese linear switch produces a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, making it a joy to type on for those who appreciate auditory feedback. The ultra-light design of these switches contributes to their lively sound, and they stand out for their superior acoustics, providing a lively typing experience that is sure to engage users who enjoy auditory cues while typing. In comparison, the WS Dash switches also feature a bright and clacky sound signature, providing a delightful auditory feedback that enhances the typing experience. Both switches promise an engaging sound profile, but the Cheese may appeal more to those who prefer an even more pronounced sound presence in their typing.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cheese switches are known for their unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience. The ultra-light nature of these switches makes typing effortless, allowing for rapid keystrokes with minimal resistance, which can significantly enhance typing speed and comfort. The WS Dash, on the other hand, offers a silky smooth keystroke characteristic of Hall Effect technology, providing a refined feel that many users find appealing. While both switches prioritize smoothness, the Cheese may offer a slightly more pronounced responsiveness due to its ultra-lightweight design.
In conclusion, both the HMX Cheese and Wuque Studio WS Dash switches present unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Cheese excels in delivering a poppy and crispy sound complemented by a remarkably smooth feel, appealing to those who seek a dynamic and engaging typing experience. Conversely, the WS Dash provides a bright clack as well as a silky smooth keystroke, appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate a more refined touch. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches will deliver a satisfying typing experience, allowing you to enjoy the nuances of mechanical keyboards regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, you’ll want to consider your specific typing preferences and use cases. If you prioritize a lightweight feel and an extremely smooth typing experience, the HMX Cheese switches are an exceptional choice. Their bottom-out force of just 46 grams caters to those who enjoy rapid typing and gaming without straining their fingers, all while delivering an enticing clacky and poppy sound that enhances the overall experience. However, if you are looking for a bit more resistance and a refined, silky smooth keystroke, the WS Dash with its 55-gram bottom-out force might be the better option for you. These switches not only provide a substantial feel but also showcase their bright, clacky sound with a touch of elegance, making them suitable for both casual typing and more focused work sessions. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you value a feather-light, highly responsive switch or a slightly firmer, yet still smooth and enjoyable, typing experience.
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