HMX Cheese vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Cheese and Wuque Studio WS Pearl are two exemplary linear options that cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The HMX Cheese switches stand out for their unparalleled smoothness and a distinctive clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. As ultra-light switches, they are designed to provide a distinctively effortless typing experience, making them ideal for those seeking a light touch and engaging acoustics. On the other hand, the WS Pearl switches differentiate themselves with their innovative ball-bearing mechanism, which significantly reduces friction during keystrokes, resulting in an exceptionally smooth feel. These switches also produce a medium-high pitched sound when activated, appealing to users who enjoy a soft yet pronounced auditory feedback. While both options offer unique benefits—whether it’s the Cheese’s lightweight touch or the Pearl’s buttery smoothness—determining the best switch for your needs requires a closer examination of their specifications and features. 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
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
Both the HMX Cheese and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl share a commonality in their construction, utilizing nylon for both the top and bottom housings. This choice of material is significant, as nylon is known for its softer qualities compared to harder plastics. When typing on either switch, users can expect to experience a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic arises from nylon's ability to absorb sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. As such, typing on either the Cheese or WS Pearl will create a similar acoustic environment, providing a satisfying tactile feedback combined with muted sound output.
While both switches employ nylon in their housing, the differing configurations may subtly affect the overall typing experience. For instance, while both top and bottom housings contribute to the sound profile, their roles in the acoustics differ slightly. The bottom housing, generally influencing the bottom-out feel and sound, provides a more significant impact to the overall typing experience, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. In this way, even though the same material is employed in both switches, the manner in which each component interacts can lead to nuanced differences in feel and sound during typing.
Ultimately, the use of nylon for both housings in the HMX Cheese and the WS Pearl suggests that users can expect a largely consistent performance regarding sound dampening and tactile feedback. The combination of both top and bottom surfaces working in tandem allows for a cohesive typing experience, where the qualities of each housing material complement one another. For those seeking a keyboard switch with a subdued and rich sound profile, either option would likely meet their expectations, providing a reliable choice in the realm of switch material and design.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different user preferences. The HMX Cheese features a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, ideal for long sessions at work or gaming. In contrast, the WS Pearl has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams but a heavier bottom out force of 58 grams. This combination suggests that while the initial keystroke is easy to press, the feel of bottoming out may provide a more substantial typing feedback, appealing to users who prefer a firmer push. Consequently, the Cheese is the lighter switch overall, while the WS Pearl, due to its heavier bottom out force, can feel more robust despite its lighter actuation. Ultimately, users looking for a lighter touch and less fatigue during extended use may gravitate towards the Cheese, whereas those who appreciate a stronger tactile response may prefer the WS Pearl.
Travel distance
Both the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 3.5 mm, indicating that they provide the same experience when pressing down on a key. This similarity suggests that users of either switch can expect comparable tactile feedback and key feel, resulting in similar performance during typing or gaming sessions. Since both switches share the same travel distance, one can anticipate equivalent results in terms of actuation and responsiveness, enhancing the overall user experience regardless of the switch chosen.
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 Pearl comes in at $6.00 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 switches deliver a distinctly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature that many enthusiasts find appealing for its engaging auditory feedback during typing. This lightness contributes to a bright tone that can make keystrokes feel more lively. On the other hand, the WS Pearl switches produce a medium-high pitched sound, creating a more refined and subtle auditory experience. While both switches offer satisfying sounds, the Cheese provides a more pronounced auditory feedback compared to the more muted tones of the Pearl, though the overall sound can still be influenced by the keyboard and keycap choices.
When considering the feel, HMX Cheese switches are celebrated for their unparalleled smoothness, providing a pristine typing experience that is pleasing to the touch and responsive in action. Their ultra-lightweight nature makes for a very effortless keystroke, appealing to those who prefer a lighter switch. Conversely, the WS Pearl switches are designed with ball-bearings to minimize friction, resulting in a surreal and seamlessly smooth keystroke. While both switches excel in providing a smooth typing experience, the Pearl’s unique bearing mechanism offers a different level of glide compared to the straightforward smoothness of the Cheese.
In conclusion, while the HMX Cheese and Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switches both offer smooth and satisfying keystrokes, they cater to slightly different preferences with their distinct sound profiles and tactile nuances. The Cheese is known for its engaging clacky sound and lightweight feel, making it a favorite for those who enjoy pronounced feedback. The WS Pearl, with its medium-high pitch and buttery smooth action facilitated by ball-bearings, attracts those who favor a more muted and refined experience. Ultimately, both switches can deliver a delightful typing experience, but your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a crisp sound or an extremely smooth feel.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the choice between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and the kind of experience you're looking to achieve. If you enjoy a lightweight feel and prioritize a smooth, satisfying sound with clacky, poppy characteristics, then the HMX Cheese is your best bet. Its ultra-light bottom-out force of 46 grams makes it ideal for prolonged typing sessions where you prefer minimal resistance, allowing for speed and agility in your keystrokes. On the other hand, if you seek a more grounded typing experience with a bit more resistance, the WS Pearl, with its medium bottom-out force of 58 grams, could be more suitable. Its unique ball-bearing design ensures a remarkably smooth feel while providing a distinctive medium-high pitched sound, making it appealing for those who appreciate a little more feedback with every press. Thus, your decision should be guided by whether you favor a lighter, more responsive switch or a firmer, meticulously crafted one that enhances both smoothness and sound quality during use.
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