HMX EMO vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX EMO and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile stand out as popular options with distinct characteristics. The HMX EMO is a linear switch that is known for its lively and clacky feel, thanks to its feather-light 46g bottom-out force. The switch offers a bouncy typing experience that is effortlessly smooth, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a satisfying and lively typing feel. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile is a tactile switch that provides a profound tactile experience with a 70g bump, immersive resistance, and a captivating "thocky" sound from nylon housings. This switch is categorized as accented, bouncy, clacky, high-pitched, invigorating, resonant, sharp, and snappy, making typing engaging and satisfying for those who prefer a more tactile feedback. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX EMO utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the WS Heavy Tactile's nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound. The stiffness of polycarbonate creates a clear and resonant sound, while nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, producing a duller and rounder sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate in the EMO allows for RGB lighting effects, whereas the nylon top housing of the WS Heavy Tactile offers a classic look without light transmission.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the HMX EMO and the WS Heavy Tactile utilize nylon, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastic options. The split between top and bottom housing materials in a switch impacts the overall sound and feel when typing - the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has an impact on the sound when releasing a key.
Ultimately, the choice between the HMX EMO and the WS Heavy Tactile comes down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetics. The polycarbonate top housing of the EMO offers a sharper and crisper sound with RGB lighting capabilities, while the nylon top housing of the WS Heavy Tactile provides a deeper and fuller sound without translucency. Both switches utilize nylon bottom housings for a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile. Whether you prefer a clear, resonant sound or a dull, rounder sound, both switches offer unique characteristics for keyboard enthusiasts to enjoy.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX EMO linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, there are noticeable differences in weight. The EMO has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, while the WS Heavy Tactile has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams. The EMO offers a lighter typing experience, perfect for extended use during work or gaming sessions, while the WS Heavy Tactile provides a more substantial push feel for those who prefer a stronger typing experience. Both switches provide different levels of feedback, with the EMO having a lighter touch compared to the WS Heavy Tactile's medium-heavy touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The HMX EMO linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both of these switches fall within the shorter end of the spectrum when it comes to travel distance, making them popular choices for those looking for quicker response times, such as gamers. However, the WS Heavy Tactile switch's slightly shorter travel distance may provide a slightly faster key press compared to the EMO switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference in terms of how much depth and feedback you prefer in a switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX EMO has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EMO for $2.79.
The Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile comes in at $3.50 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 EMO switch is often described as producing a lively and clacky sound, adding an energetic element to typing sessions. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch offers a deep and satisfying "thocky" sound that resonates from its nylon housings, providing a more immersive auditory experience. While the EMO switch may lean towards a brighter and crisper sound profile, the WS Heavy Tactile switch offers a fuller and more bassy tone, creating a more rich and engaging typing experience overall.
When it comes to feel, the HMX EMO switch is known for its feather-light 46g bottom-out force, providing an effortless and bouncy typing sensation. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch boasts a 70g bump that delivers a profound tactile feedback, making each keypress feel accentuated and tactile. With characteristics such as being bouncy, sharp, and invigorating, the WS Heavy Tactile switch ensures a reactive feel that enhances the typing experience, while still maintaining a moderate actuation force.
In conclusion, the HMX EMO linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The EMO switch provides a lively and clacky typing experience with a feather-light bottom-out force, while the WS Heavy Tactile switch delivers a deep and "thocky" sound paired with a profound tactile feedback. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound profiles, tactile feedback intensity, and typing experience characteristics. However, both switches are designed to provide a satisfying and engaging typing experience, ensuring that users will achieve similar levels of enjoyment and performance regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the HMX EMO linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and a smooth, bouncy typing experience with a clacky sound, the EMO might be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom-out force, a profound tactile experience with a "thocky" sound, and a switch that offers accented, bouncy feedback, the WS Heavy Tactile could be more suitable for your typing preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and bottom-out force.
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