HMX Deep Navy vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Deep Navy and Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile offer contrasting experiences that cater to different preferences and environments. The Deep Navy switches, designated as linear, provide a silky smooth typing experience with each keystroke, emphasized by their full nylon construction and a distinctive sound profile that elevates the overall tactile enjoyment. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switches strike a remarkable balance between quiet operation and tactile feedback, making them particularly suitable for office environments where noise reduction is paramount. Engineered with precision-stem railings, these switches avoid traditional silicone dampeners, resulting in a crisp yet silent keystroke that enhances productivity without disrupting others. While the Deep Navy appeals to those seeking an immersive and responsive typing experience, the WS Silent Tactile is perfect for users who prioritize discretion and subtlety. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Deep Navy and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches are both crafted from nylon, a material acclaimed for its acoustic properties and overall performance in mechanical switches. Both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, leading to a consistent sound profile characterized by a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This is attributed to nylon’s softer composition, which absorbs sound better than harder plastics; hence, users of both switches can expect a duller and rounder sound when they engage the keys. The use of nylon in both models ensures a similar acoustic effect, highlighting the advantages of this classic switch material.
When comparing the impact of the housing materials on typing experience, it's important to note that even when the same material is used, the design and construction can influence the overall feel and sound. Both the Deep Navy and the WS Silent Tactile employ nylon, meaning their bottom-out sound and tactile feedback remain consistent across the two models. The bottom housing, being pivotal for the bottom-out feedback, will deliver a smooth typing experience thanks to nylon's inherent properties. Conversely, the top housing impacts the sound produced during release, but since both models use nylon here too, seamless auditory characteristics can be expected.
In summary, because both the HMX Deep Navy and Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, users will likely encounter a very similar typing experience. The shared material ensures that both switches produce a lush and rich sound profile, while also maintaining a tactile and satisfying feel with each keystroke. Despite potential variances in design, the nylon housing guarantees a dependable foundation that emphasizes the strengths of this classic material, allowing users of either switch to enjoy comparable results in terms of acoustics and touch.
Weight
The HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch present a contrasting experience in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Deep Navy boasts a light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile switch does not have an specified actuation force, but it features a significantly heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This indicates that while the actuation force remains unknown, users can expect a more substantial resistance when pressing down all the way, which may appeal to those who enjoy a more robust typing experience. As it stands, the Deep Navy is the lighter option overall, while the WS Silent Tactile provides a heavier feel, catering to different preferences in typing dynamics.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, the differences are minimal yet noteworthy. The HMX Deep Navy has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is slightly longer than the WS Silent Tactile's travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Deep Navy may provide a deeper and more deliberate feel when pressed, appealing to users who favor a more substantial keypress experience. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile's shorter travel distance can cater to gamers and those seeking quicker response times, making it feel more responsive. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer the more pronounced depth of the Deep Navy or the more immediate actuation of the WS Silent Tactile.
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 Silent 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 Deep Navy switches produce a rich and sharp auditory profile that genuinely immerses users in their typing experience. The full nylon construction contributes to a satisfying auditory feedback, making each keystroke distinct and resonant. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches prioritize noise reduction, producing a muted sound that makes them more suitable for quiet environments like offices. The engineering behind the WS Silent Tactile allows for a crisp typing experience while minimizing the clicks that typically characterize mechanical keyboards. While both switches offer unique auditory experiences, the Deep Navy is designed for those who enjoy a more pronounced sound, whereas the WS Silent Tactile caters to users seeking a quieter solution without sacrificing feedback.
In terms of feel, the HMX Deep Navy switch provides a silky smooth keystroke experience, thanks to its Ly stem, ensuring effortless typing with each press. While the specifics of its tactile feedback are not detailed, the emphasis on smoothness suggests a pleasant experience for typists who prefer soft and fluid action. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switch achieves a balanced medium tactility which is both invigorating and mild. It combines pronounced feedback with a moderate actuation force, allowing for an engaging typing sensation without overwhelming the user. If you prefer a pronounced tactile bump, the WS Silent Tactile would likely appeal more, whereas the Deep Navy's smoothness caters to those who favor ease over tactile response.
In conclusion, the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch cater to different preferences in both sound and feel. The Deep Navy excels with its rich and sharp auditory feedback, paired with a smooth typing experience for those who appreciate audible keystrokes. Conversely, the WS Silent Tactile offers a superior noise-reduced environment with a pleasantly balanced tactile feedback that invites comfortable typing, especially in quieter settings. Ultimately, your choice will depend on the significance of sound versus typing feel in your keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you prefer a light switch that delivers a silky smooth and engaging typing experience, the Deep Navy is an excellent choice, especially if you enjoy a more pronounced sound profile that heightens the overall tactile feedback. Its lower actuation force of 45 grams makes it ideal for long typing sessions, gaming, or casual use where sound is not a significant concern. Conversely, if you are in an office setting or share your workspace with others, the WS Silent Tactile switch shines with its medium-heavy 63.5-gram actuation force and its innovative design, which minimizes noise while still providing a satisfying tactile feel. This switch offers a balanced typing experience that is perfect for those who require both responsiveness and discretion in their keystrokes, ensuring that your typing does not disturb your colleagues. Ultimately, consider your typing style, the acoustics of your environment, and the feedback that feels best to you when making your decision.
Mentioned in this article
