HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that stand out are the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Wuque Studio WS Brown. The HMX Cloud - 50g is a linear switch known for its clacky sound profile and silky smooth feel, making it an excellent choice for enthusiasts who prefer a bright typing experience and swift keystrokes without tactile feedback. In contrast, the WS Brown offers a tactile response with its medium-light actuation force, providing a comforting balance between responsiveness and comfort—ideal for long typing sessions. Many users are drawn to the WS Brown for its familiar auditory experience, thanks to its nylon housing and POM stem combination. These distinct characteristics cater to different preferences: while the HMX Cloud - 50g excels in providing an airy and rapid typing feel, the WS Brown offers a more pronounced tactile feedback that many find satisfying. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Cloud - 50g and the Wuque Studio WS Brown both utilize nylon for their switch housings, creating a striking similarity in their overall sound profile and typing experience. Both switches feature nylon for the top and bottom housings, leading to a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This shared material choice allows users to expect a duller and rounder acoustic response, as nylon is softer and absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. Consequently, typing on both switches is designed to deliver a smooth auditory experience, where key presses result in a less sharp and more pleasant sound.
Despite the common use of nylon in both switches, the influence of the housing arrangement could theoretically contribute to nuanced differences in typing feel and sound characteristics during operation. Since the HMX Cloud - 50g has matching nylon top and bottom housings, the resulting sound profile is expected to be more cohesive. Conversely, if there were varying materials in a hypothetical scenario, one could expect the top housing to shape the sound experienced during key release, while the bottom housing would significantly affect the bottom-out sound and feel. However, given both the Cloud and WS Brown strictly use nylon, the overall experience remains consistent and harmonious across both devices.
In summary, when comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Wuque Studio WS Brown, the identical use of nylon housing in both switches delivers similar auditory results and tactile sensations. With both models presenting a uniform approach to material selection, users can anticipate an equally satisfying performance, reinforced by the innate qualities of nylon. The outcome is a typing experience characterized by sound absorption and a more rounded auditory palette, making both options equally appealing for those prioritizing that specific tactile feedback and sound resonance in their typing interactions.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, we find notable differences that cater to different typing preferences. The Cloud - 50g features an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option ideal for those who type for extended periods or engage in lengthy gaming sessions. In contrast, the WS Brown's bottom out force stands at 55 grams, indicating a heavier resistance when fully pressed down, though its actuation force remains unspecified. Consequently, users who prefer a more substantial typing experience may gravitate towards the WS Brown, appreciating the greater force needed for activation. Overall, the HMX Cloud - 50g is lighter when considering both actuation and bottom out forces, while the WS Brown's heavier bottom out force provides a different tactile feedback for users seeking a more pronounced keystroke response.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Cloud - 50g switch offers a more pronounced feeling with a depthier keypress, appealing to those who enjoy a fuller typing experience. In contrast, the WS Brown's shorter travel distance provides a quicker response, which may be more suited for gamers who prioritize speed and agility. Although the difference between the two switches is minimal, with just a 0.1 mm variance, this can influence the overall feel of the keypress, making the HMX Cloud - 50g the longer option and the WS Brown the shorter one.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cloud - 50g 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 - 50g for $2.99.
The Wuque Studio WS Brown comes in at $3.50 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
The sound profile of the HMX Cloud - 50g switch is characterized by a clacky demeanor, perfect for those who relish a bright and engaging auditory experience while typing. This tonal quality can energize your workflow, making each keystroke feel more lively. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Brown switch is designed to provide a familiar and delightful auditory experience, blending a tactile bump with a more subdued sound. The sound produced by the WS Brown switches is not overly pronounced, offering a pleasant feedback that caters to users who prefer a quieter typing environment. It’s important to note that the overall sound of each switch can be influenced by the specific keyboard used and the type of keycaps applied, which means users can navigate their preferences by experimenting with different setups.
When it comes to feel, the Cloud - 50g switch offers a silky smooth experience, delivering seamless keypresses that contribute to a fluid typing rhythm. This characteristic appeals to those who enjoy a responsive and effortless typing experience, enhancing speed and accuracy. In contrast, the WS Brown switch features a medium-light actuation force that balances responsiveness and comfort, making it suitable for prolonged typing sessions without causing fatigue. The tactile feedback provided by the WS Brown switch causes a noticeable bump at actuation, giving a satisfying sensation that many enthusiasts find appealing. This tactile nature allows users to be more attuned to their keystrokes, providing a sense of assurance with each press.
In conclusion, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and WS Brown switches offer unique sound and feel attributes that cater to different preferences. While the Cloud - 50g is known for its lively clacky sound and silky smooth typing experience, the WS Brown strikes a balance with its pleasant auditory feedback and tactile action, perfect for users who prioritize comfort and familiarity. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, tactile feedback, and overall typing experience, but both provide quality options for newcomers exploring the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch largely depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you prefer a lighter, more fluid typing experience accompanied by a clacky sound profile, the HMX Cloud - 50g is an excellent option, especially for fast-paced gaming or quick typing tasks. Its smooth actuation can enhance the overall efficiency of keystrokes, making it particularly appealing if you enjoy an agile, bright auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that provides a satisfying tactile feedback without being overly loud, the WS Brown will suit your needs perfectly. With a medium-light actuation force, it balances responsiveness and comfort exceptionally well, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions or professional tasks that require sustained focus without fatigue. The WS Brown's familiar sound and feel will resonate with enthusiasts who appreciate a classic tactile experience. Ultimately, whether you lean towards the vibrant feedback of the Cloud - 50g or the elegant touch of the WS Brown, both switches offer unique advantages tailored to different types of users and typing styles.
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