HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly influence both the typing experience and overall satisfaction. The HMX Cloud - 50g switch, well-regarded for its lighter feel and distinct clacky sound profile, offers enthusiasts a lively and bright typing experience, characterized by its silky smooth motion. It's an excellent option for those who prioritize speed and fluidity in their keystrokes. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch presents a heavier, more pronounced tactile feedback with a 70g bump. This switch delivers an immersive resistance and a satisfying "thocky" sound, making it ideal for users who relish a more deliberate and engaging typing experience. While the Cloud - 50g suits typists looking for a nimble and dynamic feel, the WS Heavy Tactile appeals to those who enjoy a robust tactile sensation and audible feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that meets your personal preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.20 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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, resulting in a very similar acoustic profile and typing experience. The choice of nylon is significant as it is known for its sound-dampening properties, which lend a deeper and fuller sound to keystrokes. This shared material choice means that both switches, when pressed, will present a typing experience characterized by a distinctively duller and rounder sound. This is attributed to nylon's relatively softer plastic composition, which absorbs sound that would otherwise be generated by harder materials. Consequently, users of both switches are likely to experience a satisfying and muted auditory feedback while typing, emphasizing the strong points of nylon as a housing material.
While the materials for both switches are identical, the impact of each housing on the overall key feel and sound profile can differ. The bottom housing typically influences the "bottom-out" feel and sound more than the top. Therefore, even though both switches utilize the same nylon material, the interaction of the bottom housing’s qualities with the user’s keystrokes will create a nuanced difference in tactile feedback. Users might notice variations in the overall experience based on the specific design and mechanism of each switch, despite the fundamental acoustic properties being similar due to the shared nylon construction.
In summary, while the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches share nylon for both their top and bottom housings, resulting in comparable sound profiles, the experience might still differ based on design nuances that affect touch and acoustics. Users can expect similar outcomes in terms of sound, but the tactile feedback could vary slightly based on the unique configuration of each switch. Thus, potential users of either switch can anticipate a satisfying and rich typing experience grounded in the properties of nylon, albeit with potentially small variations that may cater to individual preferences.
Weight
The HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch exhibit notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Cloud - 50g has a relatively light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a suitable choice for users who prefer a lighter touch during extended typing sessions. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile switch features a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a significantly greater bottom out force of 70 grams, appealing to those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience and tactile feedback. Therefore, the Cloud switch is lighter overall, while the WS Heavy Tactile provides a more robust feel. Users looking for a light typing experience for prolonged use may favor the Cloud, whereas those seeking a stronger push should consider the WS Heavy Tactile.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch, we find distinct differences that cater to varying user preferences. The HMX Cloud - 50g has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, which is closer to the traditional 4.0 mm, offering a more pronounced depth that some users may find satisfying for typing and gaming. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. This reduced distance caters to those who favor a quicker response time, often preferred by gamers for rapid keystrokes. Consequently, if you lean towards needing a deeper, more substantial feel, the Cloud - 50g is the better choice, while the WS Heavy Tactile suits those who prioritize speed and responsiveness in their typing experience. Ultimately, selecting between these two switches depends on personal preference for depth versus quickness.
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 Heavy Tactile 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch is characterized by its clacky profile, offering a bright and percussive auditory experience. This switch provides a crisp and sharp tone that typists who appreciate a lively sound will enjoy. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch features a thocky sound profile that is often described as resonant. This switch delivers a cleaner, higher-pitched noise imbued with a rich auditory quality that caters to those looking for a more immersive experience. It’s important to note that the overall sound of each switch will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard frame and keycap material used, but both switches offer distinct sound signatures that will appeal to different preferences.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch is known for its silky smooth actuation, which provides an effortless typing experience. This lighter switch allows for quick, fluid keystrokes with minimal resistance. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile switch presents a more complex tactile experience characterized by a prominent feedback bump at 70g of actuation force. The tactile response is sharp and invigorating, providing a snappy and responsive sensation with each keypress. While the Cloud switch promotes a smooth and linear feel, the WS switch delivers a substantial tactile feedback that engages the typist more actively and can be particularly enjoyable for those who relish a pronounced tactile experience.
In conclusion, both the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch offer unique subjective qualities that cater to different typing experiences. The Cloud - 50g excels in providing a bright, clacky sound and smooth feel, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a lighter touch and rapid keystrokes. Conversely, the WS Heavy Tactile switch stands out due to its thocky sound and robust tactile feedback, appealing to enthusiasts who favor a firmer and more engaging typing experience. Depending on your preferences for sound and tactile feedback, either switch could provide a highly satisfying typing experience, allowing enthusiasts to find their ideal mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and the experience you're seeking. If you gravitate towards a lighter, smooth typing experience that maximizes speed and feels buttery with each keystroke, the Cloud - 50g is an excellent option. Its clacky sound profile adds an element of fun, making it a great choice for casual typing or gaming sessions where rapid key presses are advantageous. Conversely, if you prefer a more substantial typing experience with pronounced tactile feedback, the WS Heavy Tactile switch with its 70g resistance and satisfying "thocky" sound will be more to your liking. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate a deeper connection with their keyboard, offering an invigorating and snappy response that elevates typing into a more engaging task. Ultimately, consider how these factors align with your needs—whether you prioritize speed and lightness or depth and tactility—as you make your decision.
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