HMX Cheese vs. Wuque Studio WS Onion
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the HMX Cheese and the Wuque Studio WS Onion. The HMX Cheese is praised for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, along with a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. These ultra-light switches are lighter than 90% of all switches on the market, making them ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the WS Onion is known for its buttery smooth keystroke feel and crisp, responsive feedback. With a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, these switches offer a more polished and neutral sound profile. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
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
WS CL635 Gold Plated Stainless Spring
Housing materials
The HMX Cheese and the Wuque Studio WS Onion both feature nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing due to the material's softer nature that absorbs more sound. This similarity means that both switches will have a similar tactile feel and sound when bottoming out keys. However, where they differ is in their top housings. The Cheese utilizes a nylon top housing, which complements the bottom housing to create a duller and rounder sound, while the WS Onion's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This contrast in top housing materials can significantly impact the overall typing experience for users who prefer a specific sound profile.
In terms of aesthetics, the WS Onion stands out with its polycarbonate top housing that allows for RGB lighting to shine through due to its translucency. This feature adds a visually appealing element to the switch that the HMX Cheese, with its opaque nylon top housing, cannot replicate. Additionally, the polycarbonate material's stiffer nature leads to a more clear and resonant sound, providing a different typing experience compared to the Cheese's nylon top housing. While both switches share the nylon bottom housing characteristic, the choice of top housing material can greatly influence the overall performance and aesthetics of the switch.
Overall, the HMX Cheese and the Wuque Studio WS Onion showcase how different housing materials can impact the sound and feel of mechanical keyboard switches. The use of nylon in both switches' bottom housings provides a consistent depth and fullness to the typing experience, offering a familiar tactile feel when pressing down keys. However, the divergence in top housing materials sets them apart, with the Cheese offering a duller and rounder sound profile while the WS Onion delivers a sharper and crisper sound. Whether users prioritize sound quality, aesthetics, or a combination of the two, the choice of housing materials in these switches plays a crucial role in determining the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, it is evident that the Cheese is lighter in both aspects. The Cheese has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, making it a relatively light switch overall. On the other hand, the WS Onion has an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, indicating a medium-heavy feel. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Cheese more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming, while individuals seeking a more substantial push feel may opt for the WS Onion. Both switches provide different typing experiences due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, ensuring users can choose the one that best suits their preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, it is evident that the Cheese has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm while the WS Onion has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Cheese falls within the range of shorter travel distances that are preferred by gamers for faster response times, while the WS Onion provides a bit more depth for those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distance, with the Cheese providing a quicker, more responsive feel and the WS Onion offering a more deliberate keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
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 Onion has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Onion for $5.53.
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
Overall, when comparing the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, there are distinct differences in both sound and feel. The Cheese switch is known for its satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound profile, while the WS Onion switch offers a more neutral sound signature. When it comes to feel, the Cheese switch provides an unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, whereas the WS Onion switch is characterized by a buttery smooth keystroke feel. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, with the Cheese switch being lighter in actuation force compared to the WS Onion switch. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on personal preferences for sound and feel, as well as the overall typing experience desired by the user.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the HMX Cheese linear switch or the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for bottom out force and typing experience. If you prefer a lighter switch with a satisfying clacky sound and smooth typing experience, the HMX Cheese switch with its 46-gram bottom out force may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch with a buttery smooth keystroke feel and a neutral sound profile, the WS Onion switch with its 63.5-gram bottom out force could be more suitable for your typing style. Ultimately, consider how you like the feel and sound of your keyboard switches to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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