HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice ultimately boils down to personal preference, and two options that stand out are the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Wuque Studio WS Dash. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g, known for its heavier feel and clacky sound profile, appeals to enthusiasts who appreciate a vibrant typing experience. With its bouncy and creamy characteristics, this linear switch offers a silky smooth keystroke that makes every press delightful. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Dash features innovative Hall Effect technology, providing a refined typing experience with a bright and clacky sound signature. While both switches promise a satisfying tactile sensation, the WS Dash leverages its magnetic technology to deliver a unique typing feel that many gamers and typists enjoy. Ultimately, your choice may hinge on whether you prefer the robust weight and traditional linear design of the HMX Cloud or the modern, innovative touch of the WS Dash. 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
56g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.90 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 HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Wuque Studio WS Dash, a clear distinction in materials used for the top housing emerges. The Cloud features a nylon top housing, which is characterized by its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer composition. This material absorbs sound much more effectively than harder plastics, thereby creating a sound that is duller and rounder. In contrast, the WS Dash employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and transparency. Polycarbonate contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience, accentuating the resonance of the key press. Given these differences, users can expect varied audio responses and tactile sensations, as fiber type and structure significantly influence the overall keyboard experience.
Moving to the bottom housings, both the Cloud - 63.5g and the WS Dash utilize nylon material. This consistency in the bottom housing allows for a unified sound experience when pressing the keys, as nylon contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile regardless of the top housing differences. The softer nature of the nylon bottom housing in both models absorbs sound, resulting in a similar bottom-out feel and sound effect when engaged. Consequently, while the top housings deliver distinct auditory characteristics, the identical bottom housing serves to harmonize the overall tactile feedback, ensuring a coherent experience with both keyboards.
In summary, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Wuque Studio WS Dash exemplify contrasting sound profiles through their different top housing materials, while sharing the same nylon bottom housing. Users seeking an enveloping sound with a thud-like quality may prefer the Cloud's nylon top, whereas those favoring a more articulate and bright sound may gravitate towards the WS Dash with its polycarbonate top. This blend of materials ultimately highlights how top and bottom housing synergistically contribute to the overall acoustics and tactile sensations of each switch, allowing users to appreciate unique qualities while still enjoying the comforting familiarity of nylon's performance in both models.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, significant differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Cloud switch features an actuation force of 56 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the WS Dash boasts a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a slightly lower bottom out force of 55 grams, placing it in the medium-light range. This disparity means that the Cloud switch is better suited for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience, as its heavier forces provide a stronger tactile feedback. Meanwhile, the WS Dash’s lighter forces make it ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions, as it requires less effort to actuate, which could reduce fatigue. Thus, while both switches offer unique benefits, the Cloud is the heavier option, offering a more forceful typing experience, whereas the WS Dash is the lighter choice, promoting ease of use over long periods.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, the Cloud switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the WS Dash switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Cloud switch offers a more substantial feel when pressed, appealing to users who prefer a hearty depth to their key presses. In contrast, the WS Dash switch provides a more responsive experience for gamers looking for quicker actuation, thanks to its shorter travel distance. Although both switches cater to different preferences in typing feel and response time, users who favor a more traditional style might lean towards the Cloud switch, whereas those prioritizing speed might find the WS Dash more suitable.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cloud - 63.5g for $2.99.
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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is characterized by a distinctly clacky profile, delivering sharp, bright, and percussive tones with each keystroke. This sound can be both crisp and high-pitched, making it especially appealing to those who prefer a more vibrant auditory experience while typing. While the subjective experience of sound is inherently influenced by factors such as the keyboard build and keycap choice, the clacky nature of the Cloud switch ensures a lively engagement. The WS Dash, meanwhile, is also noted for a bright and clacky sound signature; thus, users can expect a similarly sharp auditory experience, highlighting a certain refinement in the sound characteristic that aligns with the Cloud's profile.
In terms of feel, the Cloud - 63.5g switch offers a notably bouncy and creamy sensation. The bouncy feedback provides a lively rebound effect, enhancing the typing experience, while the creamy feel contributes a smooth and buttery texture, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. This combination creates a tactile delight that is satisfying to both casual and passionate typists. As for the WS Dash, information on its tactile feel isn't provided. However, since both switches are designed to provide a smooth keystroke, one could infer a degree of harmony in the typing experience they offer, despite potential variances in tactile feedback.
In conclusion, both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switches offer compelling options for keyboard enthusiasts, with their bright, clacky sound profiles making for an engaging auditory experience. The Cloud switch stands out further with its bouncy and creamy feel, creating a tactile sensation that many typists will appreciate. While the feel of the WS Dash remains somewhat ambiguous, its alignment with the common traits of smooth keystrokes suggests it may not stray far from the Cloud's captivating performance. Ultimately, for newcomers exploring mechanical keyboard switches, both options present exciting features that cater to different preferences, ensuring an enjoyable typing adventure.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you appreciate a heavier switch with a clacky sound profile, the Cloud - 63.5g is likely to be your best option. Its medium-heavy bottom out force provides a tactile experience that many enthusiasts favor, resulting in a lively, bouncy feel with a crisp, high-pitched sound that enhances the typing experience, particularly for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a more refined keystroke, the WS Dash may be the way to go. Its medium-light force allows for easier key presses, making it ideal for those who engage in extended typing sessions or gaming marathons where speed and efficiency are crucial. This switch delivers a silky, smooth action, combining comfort with a unique bright sound signature. Ultimately, weigh these factors based on your needs—whether it’s for gaming, typing, or general use—as both switches deliver distinct experiences that cater to different preferences.
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