HMX Cheese vs. Wuque Studio WS Jade

Overview

When exploring the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly impact your typing experience. The HMX Cheese switch stands out for its unparalleled smoothness and satisfies enthusiasts with a uniquely clacky and crispy sound profile. Weighing in at an ultra-light design, it’s one of the lightest switches available, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a nimble, effortless keystroke. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Jade offers a different yet captivating typing experience, enhanced by a metallic insert in its stem base that produces a bright, resonant sound. Its smooth operation is complemented by a rock-solid bottom-out feel and an enchanting RGB display facilitated by a light diffuser. While the Cheese excels in creating an airy, delicate typing experience, the WS Jade embraces a richer, more textured feedback. 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 Cheese Linear

Wuque Studio WS Jade Linear

$5.50

$3.79 per 10

$4.30 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Cheese and Wuque Studio WS Jade utilize different materials for their top and bottom housing, which significantly influences their sound profiles and typing experiences. The top housing of the Cheese is made from nylon, a tried-and-true material known for its softer texture compared to harder plastics. This softness allows the nylon to absorb more sound, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound when typing. In contrast, the WS Jade features a top housing made of POM (Polyoxymethylene), which while still contributing to a deeper sound, tends to yield a unique and pleasing auditory experience that is relatively more muted. As a result, while both switches offer a desirable sound profile, the Cheese leans towards a duller and rounder sound due to the absorbing nature of nylon.

Examining the bottom housings reveals a similar divide in materials and characteristics. The Cheese maintains the use of nylon in its bottom housing, granting it the same qualities of sound absorption and depth as in its top housing. Meanwhile, the WS Jade features POM for the bottom housing as well, ensuring that even though the typist may feel a more muted response, the unique sound qualities of POM remain intact. The nylon bottom housing of the Cheese will have a more pronounced effect on the bottom-out sound and feel, promoting a rounded auditory signature. On the other hand, the POM bottom housing enhances the overall sound quality of the Jade while retaining its distinctive muted tone.

Both the Cheese and the WS Jade demonstrate how different materials can affect the overall typing experience, although the outcomes may be influenced by their respective bottom and top housing compositions. The Cheese’s nylon components are designed to foster a rounded and fuller sound, while the WS Jade's POM elements provide a distinct and muted soundscaping. Ultimately, the differences in material—nylon for the Cheese and POM for the Jade—allow for various sound characteristics and typing sensations, catering to personal preferences regarding keyboard acoustics and feedback. Though they achieve somewhat similar auditory experiences through different means, the nuanced sound profiles and tactile feedback provided by their respective materials highlight the variety of options available in acoustic key switches.

Weight

The HMX Cheese linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch present contrasting characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Cheese switch features a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience that can accommodate long hours of use, whether for work or extended gaming sessions. In contrast, the WS Jade switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which appeals to those who enjoy a more robust and substantial typing feel. The difference in weight emphasizes the preference dichotomy: lighter switches like the Cheese provide easier key presses, while heavier switches like the Jade deliver a firmer tactile response. Ultimately, users will choose based on their preference for either a lighter or heavier switch experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, the travel distances reveal notable differences that may influence user preferences. The HMX Cheese has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the WS Jade features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Cheese the shorter option and the WS Jade the longer one. For those who prioritize rapid response times, the slightly shorter travel distance of the Cheese might be more appealing, offering a quicker actuation. Conversely, users who favor a more substantial feel during typing or gaming could prefer the WS Jade, as its longer travel distance may provide a more pronounced feedback. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you lean towards responsiveness or prefer a deeper, more tactile experience while typing.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX Cheese linear switches deliver a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy auditory experience. This lively sound profile sets them apart, making each keystroke feel animated and engaging. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Jade switches feature a bright metallic and resonant sound profile, largely due to the metallic insert in their stem base. This adds a unique depth to the auditory experience, characterized by a crisp and percussive quality, alongside high-pitched resonant notes that evoke a powerful response. Both switches offer distinct sound characteristics, lending themselves to a more immersive typing experience. Ultimately, your setup, including the keyboard's construction and keycap choice, will influence the sound of either switch.

In terms of feel, the HMX Cheese switches are renowned for their unparalleled smoothness, delivering an incredibly pristine typing experience that many users seek. On the other hand, the WS Jade switches also boast a notably creamy and silky feel, enhanced by the factory lubricant and characteristic materials used in their design. The typing experience with the WS Jade is described as rock-solid upon bottoming out, offering a sense of confidence in each keystroke. While both switches promise a smooth sensation, the Cheese is known for its overall effortless typing experience, which can make them feel lighter and more playful compared to the robust feel of the Jades.

Overall, while the HMX Cheese and Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switches present clear distinctions in sound and feel, both offer compelling options for enthusiasts seeking different attributes in their keyboard experience. The Cheese's clacky and lively sound combined with its smoothness creates a playful yet refined typing environment, whereas the Jades provide a more resonant auditory experience paired with a creamy and solid feel. Depending on personal preference and the desired typing experience, either option could yield satisfying results; however, the choice between the two will ultimately reflect individual taste and typing style.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, it ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and intended use. If you are looking for an ultra-light switch with a bottom-out force of just 46 grams, the Cheese is an excellent choice. Its unparalleled smoothness and satisfying clacky, poppy sound make it ideal for casual typing and gaming sessions where fast key presses are essential. The Cheese is perfect for you if you enjoy a lively auditory experience and are drawn to lighter switches that enhance your speed and agility. Conversely, if you prefer a more substantial feel with a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, the WS Jade offers a uniquely creamy and silky typing experience, paired with a distinct metallic sound profile that resonates with each keystroke. This switch is well-suited for those who appreciate a rock-solid bottom-out feel and an enchanting RGB display, making it a fantastic option for both productivity and aesthetic appeal. In summary, choose the Cheese for speed and lightness, while the WS Jade is your go-to if you prefer a robust and smooth typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Cheese Linear

$5.50

$3.79 per 10

Learn more

Wuque Studio WS Jade Linear

$4.30 per 10

Learn more