HMX Deep Navy vs. Wuque Studio WS Red

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, both the HMX Deep Navy and the Wuque Studio WS Red offer unique advantages that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Deep Navy switch is celebrated for its rich, sharp sound profile and its silky smooth keystrokes, thanks to its full nylon construction and Ly stem. This switch is ideal for users seeking a quiet yet satisfying typing experience that enhances focus and immersion. In contrast, the WS Red switch provides a bouncy and responsive feel with its double-stage spring, which delivers a heavier actuation force for those who enjoy a more tangible feedback with each keystroke. This classic switch material blend produces a familiar sound signature, perfect for typists who appreciate a bit of weight and substance in their typing experience. While both options are linear switches that promote fluid keystrokes, the choice ultimately depends on whether you prefer the smoother, quieter Deep Navy or the firmer, more tactile WS Red. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Deep Navy Linear

Wuque Studio WS Red Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

$3.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The HMX Deep Navy and the Wuque Studio WS Red both utilize nylon for their switch housing, featuring both top and bottom housings made from this classic material. This choice of nylon delivers a deeper and fuller sound profile, as its softer nature dampens sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a rounder auditory experience. Both switches are designed to provide similar tactile feedback and acoustic qualities, fostering a consistent performance in terms of sound and feel when typing. The inherent properties of nylon allow for a seamless typing experience across both models, highlighting the material's versatility and reliability in mechanical keyboard design.

When comparing the top and bottom housings of the two switches, it becomes clear that both the Deep Navy and WS Red share identical materials, which amplifies the idea that their characteristics will reflect similar auditory and tactile outcomes. As both switch types utilize nylon for both housings, users can expect consistency in how sound travels and is absorbed within the switches. While there may be subtle differences in the overall design or construction of each switch, the prevalence of nylon in both models simplifies the discussion on their potential performance, as the fundamental qualities remain aligned.

In terms of sound experience, the interplay between the top and bottom housings is crucial. In both the HMX Deep Navy and the WS Red, the nylon bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the nylon top housing primarily affects the sound upon releasing the key. This synergy between the two housings ensures that users will have a uniform experience regardless of which switch they choose. Ultimately, since both switches utilize the same material for their construction, they are likely to produce comparable results, affirming nylon's place as a key player in delivering an optimal typing experience in mechanical keyboards.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Deep Navy switch features a relatively light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an excellent option for those who prefer a lighter touch, beneficial for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming. In contrast, the WS Red switch does not have a specified actuation force; however, its bottom out force is significantly heavier at 67 grams, indicating a medium-heavy typing experience that appeals to users who seek a more substantial feel under their fingers. As a result, while the Deep Navy is the lighter option, the WS Red provides a heftier keystroke, requiring more force for both actuation and bottoming out, thereby affecting the overall typing dynamics. If you are looking for options conducive to long-term use or a softer touch, the Deep Navy is preferable, whereas the WS Red is ideal for those who appreciate a stronger push feel.

Travel distance

The HMX Deep Navy linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This difference may seem minimal, but it can influence the typing experience. The Deep Navy, with its shorter travel distance, may provide a more responsive feel, catering to gamers or those who prefer quicker keystrokes. In contrast, the WS Red, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial tactile depth in their keystrokes, making it feel less abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between them depends on personal preference for response time versus typing depth, with the Deep Navy being the shorter option and the WS Red offering a longer experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the HMX Deep Navy switch is noted for its rich and sharp characteristics, attributed to its full nylon construction. This lends itself to a distinct auditory experience with each keystroke that can evoke a sense of presence as you type. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Red switch maintains a classic sound signature that complements its design and material composition. While both switches are linear and thus quieter than tactile or clicky switches, the specific sharpness of the Deep Navy may provide a more crisp auditory feedback compared to the familiar and slightly heavier tonal quality of the WS Red. It's important to consider that the sound produced will also vary based on the keyboard plate, board materials, and keycap choices involved.

When discussing the feel, the Deep Navy switch offers an incredibly smooth typing experience, highlighted by the Ly stem, which is engineered to provide silky keystrokes that flow seamlessly. This linear switch allows for uninterrupted motion with no tactile bump, making it an excellent choice for fast typists and gamers alike. Conversely, the WS Red switch features a more bouncy and responsive action thanks to its 22mm double-stage spring. While still linear, the heavier actuation force of the WS Red adds a layer of weight that many users find satisfying and substantial, giving it a notably different typing dynamic, though both switches deliver a linear, smooth experience.

In conclusion, if you are deciding between the HMX Deep Navy and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switches, you will find that both offer a blend of smoothness, albeit in different ways. The Deep Navy excels in sound sharpness and silky feel, while the WS Red provides a bouncy responsiveness with a heavier actuation force and a classic tonal signature. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you prioritize an acute sound profile or a more substantial typing weight experience. Both switches promise a satisfying linear performance, making them excellent options for newcomers to the world of mechanical keyboards.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a lighter touch for effortless typing, the Deep Navy, with its 45 grams bottom-out force, makes an excellent choice. Its silky-smooth keystrokes and rich, sharp sound profile are perfect for extended typing sessions or gaming, where speed and comfort matter most. The full nylon construction adds durability while enhancing the overall tactile experience, making it ideal for those who appreciate a smoother action and a lively auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel beneath your fingers, the WS Red switch, with its medium-heavy 67 grams bottom-out force, will likely appeal to you. Its bouncy response and classic sound signature cater well to typists who enjoy a slightly heavier actuation, allowing for deliberate keystrokes and a satisfying tactile feedback. Ultimately, consider your typing habits, whether you prioritize speed with the Deep Navy or a more weighty and responsive feel with the WS Red, and let that guide your decision in selecting the switch that perfectly complements your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Deep Navy Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

Wuque Studio WS Red Linear

$3.50 per 10

Learn more