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HMX Deep Navy vs. Wuque Studio WS Jade

An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the Wuque Studio WS Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Deep Navy and the Wuque Studio WS Jade present two distinct yet compelling options for enthusiasts seeking a linear experience. The Deep Navy is celebrated for its immersive sound profile, deriving a sharp and rich auditory experience from its full nylon construction and silky smooth Ly stem, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate a refined and quiet keystroke. On the other hand, the WS Jade captivates with its combination of a metallic insert in the stem base, delivering a bright, resonant sound alongside a light diffuser that creates a stunning RGB display; this switch provides a creamy, smooth keystroke with a rock-solid bottom-out. While the Deep Navy leans toward a more subtle auditory experience, the WS Jade stands out with its clackiness and unique visual flair. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

40g

Actuation force

50g

Bottom-out force

45g

Bottom-out force

60g

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Total travel

3.60 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

20mm single-stage spring

Spring

18mm double-stage spring

Housing materials

The HMX Deep Navy and the Wuque Studio WS Jade both utilize different materials for their switch housings, which leads to unique sound profiles and typing experiences. The Deep Navy employs nylon for both the top and bottom housings. This classic material is recognized for its softer nature, which allows it to absorb sound effectively, creating a deeper and fuller auditory experience. As a result, the sound profile produced by the Deep Navy tends to be rounder and more muted, characteristics that contribute to a pleasant and rich typing sensation.

In contrast, the WS Jade features POM (Polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings. POM is another high-performance plastic, often praised for its smoothness and durability, but it also introduces a distinct sound signature of its own. The sound produced by POM housings is similarly deep and muted, but it has been noted for its unique characteristics that can be considered more pleasing than traditional nylon. Despite the differences in materials, the WS Jade's sound profile remains on the deeper side, akin to that of the Deep Navy, albeit with its own signature nuances attributed to the POM composition.

While the two keyboard switches utilize different housing materials, the overall sound profiles of the HMX Deep Navy and the Wuque Studio WS Jade exhibit similarities as well. Since both nylon and POM are relatively softer plastics compared to harder alternatives, they help in dampening the sound during typing, resulting in a more subdued and enjoyable auditory experience. Moreover, since both switches are designed to optimize typing feedback—with the bottom housing impacting bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing influencing the sound upon release—the end user can expect a satisfying typing experience from both models, albeit rooted in their respective material properties.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch with the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Deep Navy features a light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions due to its lower resistance. In contrast, the WS Jade sports a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, resulting in a more substantial typing experience that some individuals may prefer for its strong tactile feedback. While the Deep Navy is the lighter option overall, the WS Jade provides a firmer push feel. Due to these differences, users should choose based on their typing preferences; the heavier WS Jade may be better for those who appreciate a solid keystroke, while the lighter Deep Navy may be more advantageous for those who prioritize comfort during extended use.

Travel distance

The travel distance of both the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch is 3.6 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This identical travel distance means that users can expect a similar feel and responsiveness when pressing keys equipped with either switch. Since both switches have the same travel distance, they will provide a comparable typing or gaming experience in terms of actuation depth, allowing for consistent performance regardless of the switch choice.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

The HMX Deep Navy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Deep Navy for $2.79.

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 Deep Navy linear switch offers a rich and sharp auditory profile, thanks to its full nylon construction. This switch delivers a smooth and refined sound that is pleasing and well-controlled, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a more subtle acoustic experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Jade switches produce a notably brighter and more resonant sound. The inclusion of a metallic insert in their stem creates a clacky and marbly auditory experience that can be both crisp and engaging. This switch emits a higher-pitched, immersive sound that enhances the sensation of typing, making it stand out for users who enjoy a lively keystroke.

When it comes to feel, the Deep Navy switches are characterized by an exceptionally smooth typing experience that many users find appealing. However, without specific descriptors detailed in the provided information about their tactile or operational characteristics, we can conclude that the feel may vary based on individual preference and typing habits. In contrast, the WS Jade switches are praised for their silky and creamy typing sensations, allowing for a buttery smooth glide across the keys. This comfortable and responsive feel is often enhanced by factory lubrication and the specific materials used in their construction, contributing to a delightful typing experience that many users seek.

Overall, both the HMX Deep Navy and Wuque Studio WS Jade switches cater to different auditory preferences and tactile experiences. If you're drawn to a rich, controlled sound with smooth keystrokes, the Deep Navy may be your best bet. Conversely, if you prefer a bright, engaging acoustics paired with a uniquely creamy feel, the WS Jade would likely be more appealing. Ultimately, while both switches can deliver satisfying results, your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize a more subdued or an expressive sound and which type of typing experience resonates most with your preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch largely hinges on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a lighter switch that provides a smooth, silky typing experience with a rich auditory profile, then the Deep Navy is an ideal choice for you. Its 45-gram force makes it great for extended typing sessions, as even swift keystrokes feel effortless, while its distinctive sound adds an engaging layer to your typing experience. On the other hand, if you appreciate a firmer feel, enhanced auditory feedback, and a more robust build, the WS Jade with its 60-gram bottom-out force is worth considering. The creamy and silky experience, combined with its clacky, marbly, and resonant sound profile, can make for a more tactile and stimulating typing experience, especially in a gaming environment or when accuracy is paramount. Ultimately, the decision rests on whether you value a lighter, smooth typing sensation or a slightly heavier, more resounding keystroke, so consider what matters most to you in your keyboard experience.

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