HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a crucial role, especially when considering the differences between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch. The HMX Cloud - 50g is designed for enthusiasts who revel in a bright typing experience, characterized by its clacky sound profile and silky smooth feel, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize speed and minimal resistance during gameplay or productivity tasks. In contrast, the WS Light Tactile switch offers a unique experience with its snappy and perceptible tactile bump, providing the satisfaction of feedback with each keystroke while maintaining a neutral sound signature that appeals to those who enjoy a quieter workspace. This combination of light actuation force and tactile feedback makes the WS Light Tactile a great choice for typists who prefer a balance between smoothness and the enjoyable physicality of their keystrokes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches, significant differences emerge in their top housings. The Cloud - 50g features a nylon top housing known for its softer texture, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. This characteristic allows for sound absorption, resulting in a sound that is duller and rounder when compared to switches with harder plastics. In contrast, the WS Light Tactile utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and yields a sharper, higher-pitched sound. Its clearer resonance makes it more suitable for showcasing RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate makes colors appear more vibrant and vivid.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, leading to a similar tactile experience with regard to sound. The nylon bottom of the Cloud - 50g, like that of the WS Light Tactile, offers a richer bottom-out sound experience due to the material's ability to absorb sound and create a fuller acoustic profile. This commonality in bottom housing produces a consistent feel when bottoming out, despite the differences in top housing—showcasing how the quality of materials can influence the overall typing experience while maintaining certain uniform aspects in sound output.
Ultimately, the contrast between the top housings of the two switches resulting in differing sound profiles illustrates how the materials can affect the auditory feedback during use. While the Cloud - 50g emphasizes a warm, muffled sound due to its nylon top, the WS Light Tactile delivers a bright, resonant experience thanks to its polycarbonate composition. However, since both switches share the same nylon materials for their bottoms, gamers and typists alike can expect similar results in terms of tactile feel and bottoming-out sound, thus blending the unique auditory characteristics from the top housing with a consistent foundation provided by the nylon bottom.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch, both exhibit light actuation and bottom out forces, though there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Cloud - 50g features an actuation force of 42 grams, while the WS Light Tactile has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams; however, both switches share the same bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that while both switches provide a relatively light feel, the Cloud - 50g is the lighter option in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. For users who prefer lighter switches for extended typing sessions or gaming, the Cloud - 50g may be the better choice. However, if a more substantial typing experience is desired with only a marginal increase in actuation force, the WS Light Tactile could be more appealing. Ultimately, both switches deliver similar lightness, yet the distinct actuation forces may influence personal preference based on typing comfort and experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, there is a slight difference. The Cloud - 50g features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the WS Light Tactile offers a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Cloud - 50g is the shorter of the two switches, providing a more responsive feel that may appeal to gamers who favor quicker key presses. In contrast, the WS Light Tactile, with its longer 4 mm travel distance, caters to users who enjoy a more substantial and deeper keystroke, which can be more satisfying for typing. Therefore, if you prefer agility and quick responses, the Cloud - 50g would be the better choice, whereas those who appreciate a more pronounced tactile experience might lean towards the WS Light Tactile.
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 Light Tactile comes in at $4.20 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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch offers a clacky sound profile that appeals to enthusiasts who enjoy a bright and lively auditory experience when typing. This distinctive sound can bring a more engaging atmosphere, making it suitable for those who relish the auditory feedback of their keystrokes. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch features a neutral sound signature, characterized by a moderate actuation force requirement and a balanced sound profile. This neutrality makes it an excellent choice for a wide range of users, from beginners to advanced typists, and particularly suitable for both home and office settings. It's important to note that a switch's sound can vary based on the keyboard build and chosen keycaps.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch is appreciated for its silky smoothness, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly over the keys. This smoothness is complemented by the switch's lighter actuation force, making it ideal for fast and fluid typing. Conversely, the WS Light Tactile switch offers a different tactile experience, featuring a stepped design that provides a snappy and discernible tactile bump. This tactile feedback is more subdued compared to hyper-tactile switches, allowing for a comfortable typing experience without overwhelming resistance. Additionally, the easy-to-press characteristic of the WS Light Tactile means it requires minimal force to actuate, reducing finger fatigue during longer typing sessions while still offering responsive feedback.
In summary, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch is tailored for those who enjoy a clacky sound and silky smooth feel, making it perfect for an engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile offers a more neutral sound and a tactile feel that strikes a balance between response and comfort. Ultimately, your choice between these switches should be guided by whether you prefer a bright auditory feedback or a balanced tactile experience, with both options providing unique benefits that cater to different typing preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a bright, clacky sound and a silky smooth feel while typing, the HMX Cloud - 50g would be an excellent match for you. This lightweight linear switch provides a fast keystroke response, making it ideal for gamers and typists who appreciate the feedback during rapid movements. However, if you prefer a switch that offers a bit more tactile feedback, the WS Light Tactile is a superb option. Its stepped tactile bump provides a delightful, perceptible response that can enhance your typing experience, especially during longer sessions. The neutral sound profile of the WS Light Tactile also makes it suitable for various environments, whether you’re at home, in an office, or in a shared space. Ultimately, consider what aspect of the typing experience you value more—smoothness and sound, or tactile feedback and versatility—when making your decision.
Mentioned in this article
