HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Wuque Studio WS Jade
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Wuque Studio WS Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves debating the merits of various options, such as the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Wuque Studio WS Jade. The HMX Cloud - 50g, a linear switch known for its lighter actuation force and clacky sound profile, offers a bright and lively typing experience that appeals to those who enjoy an engaging auditory feedback while typing. Its silky smooth feel further enhances comfort during extended use, making it an appealing choice for typists who favor a lighter touch. On the other hand, the WS Jade sets itself apart with a metallic insert in its stem base, delivering a resonant sound profile accompanied by a visually stunning RGB light diffusion. Users can expect a uniquely creamy and smooth typing experience, coupled with a rock-solid bottom-out that many find satisfying. Both switches cater to different preferences and typing experiences, but they share a commitment to quality and performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that is right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Cloud - 50g and the Wuque Studio WS Jade utilize distinctly different housing materials for their switches, which significantly impacts their sound profiles and overall user experience. The Cloud - 50g employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings. Nylon is well-known in the keyboard community for its softer qualities, creating a deeper and fuller sound due to its sound-absorbing properties. This results in a typing experience that is notably rounder and less harsh, contributing to a more muted auditory feedback. The uniformity of nylon in both the top and bottom housings means that the sound and tactile characteristics are harmoniously integrated, providing a consistent experience throughout each key press.
In contrast, the WS Jade features POM (polyoxymethylene) as its housing material, also used in both the top and bottom housings. POM is recognized for producing a pleasing and unique sound as well, but it manifests differently than nylon. The sound profile of the WS Jade is also deep and muted, yet it tends to offer a more distinct auditory feedback because POM has slightly harder characteristics compared to nylon. Consequently, while both materials provide a deeper sound experience, the POM used in the WS Jade could produce a sharper feedback when the key is released, as POM housing allows for crisper sound articulation than nylon.
Though the two switches are made from different materials, they share similarities in the sound profile that each provides, showcasing a balance of muted auditory experiences. If one desires to achieve similar results when using either switch, understanding the distinction in how each material contributes to the sound and feel is key. The nylon in the Cloud - 50g provides a warm and rounded sound, while the POM in the WS Jade offers a sharper yet still muted auditory feedback. Ultimately, users can find themselves enjoying deeper sound perceptions regardless of their choice, though the experience will vary slightly based on the unique material properties and how they interact during typing.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cloud - 50g switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter typing experience for prolonged use, whether at work or during long gaming sessions. In contrast, the WS Jade switch features a higher actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, catering to those who appreciate a more substantial push feel while typing. As a result, the HMX Cloud - 50g is the lighter switch, while the WS Jade is the heavier option. This difference in force creates distinct typing experiences; the Cloud switch allows for quicker, less fatiguing keystrokes, while the WS Jade offers a firmer, more controlled feedback at the cost of requiring slightly more effort to actuate and bottom out.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, the Cloud - 50g has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the WS Jade features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the WS Jade the more responsive option, as shorter travel distances generally result in quicker actuation, appealing to gamers and those who prioritize rapid key presses. Conversely, the Cloud - 50g, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more satisfying tactile experience for users who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences regarding responsiveness and key feel.
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 Jade comes in at $4.30 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 features a clacky auditory profile that produces a bright and percussive sound when typing, ideal for enthusiasts who appreciate a vibrant feedback with every keystroke. On the other hand, the WS Jade switch delivers a more complex sound, characterized by a bright metallic resonance due to its unique metallic insert. It is known for its combination of clackiness, marbly qualities, and a clean, sharp resonant tone. Both switches offer a lively auditory experience, but the WS Jade has a more layered and immersive sound profile, thanks to its design.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch provides a silky smooth typing experience, enhancing overall comfort and minimizing any resistance during key presses. The WS Jade matches this fluidity with its creamy feel, characterized by an exceptionally buttery and smooth sensation as you type. This quality is further accentuated by the switch's construction, leading to a plush and enjoyable tactile experience. Both switches excel in smoothness, but the WS Jade may provide an extra level of luxuriousness due to its specific materials and design.
In conclusion, while both the HMX Cloud - 50g and Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switches present unique characteristics, they share a common emphasis on smoothness and a lively auditory experience. The Cloud offers a vibrant clacky sound and silky feel, appealing to those who favor a brighter and more straightforward typing experience. In contrast, the WS Jade stands out with its elaborate metallic tones and creamy sensation, suggesting a slightly more sophisticated touch. Ultimately, your choice may hinge on whether you prefer a more straightforward sound or a richly resonant audio profile while enjoying a buttery smooth typing feel.
Conclusion
To wrap up, choosing between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you appreciate a lighter switch that produces a bright and clacky sound profile, then the HMX Cloud - 50g would be more suited to you. It's perfect for those who enjoy a lively typing experience and prefer a bottom-out force of just 50 grams, making it ideal for fast-paced typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you’re seeking a switch with a more substantial feel and enjoy a unique auditory experience, the WS Jade should be your go-to. Its 60-gram bottom-out force offers a firmer resistance, paired with a creamy and silky smooth typing feel, while its resonant sound profile enhances the overall typing ambiance. The choice between these two switches ultimately reflects your preferences for tactile feedback, auditory feedback, and gaming or typing dynamics, so consider how each switch aligns with your specific needs when making your decision.
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