HMX EMO vs. Wuque Studio WS Onion
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the HMX EMO and the Wuque Studio WS Onion, both of which are linear switches. The HMX EMO switch is distinguished by its lively, clacky feel and feather-light 46g bottom-out force, providing a bouncy and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Onion switch boasts a buttery smooth keystroke feel with a crisp, responsive sensation and neutral sound profile, thanks to its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing. While the HMX EMO excels in offering a smooth and effortless typing experience, the WS Onion stands out for its satisfying tactile feedback and polished feel. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
WS CL635 Gold Plated Stainless Spring
Housing materials
The HMX EMO and the Wuque Studio WS Onion both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which results in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, when it comes to the nylon bottom housings of the EMO and Onion, they offer a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches.
While both the HMX EMO and the Wuque Studio WS Onion have similar top housing materials in polycarbonate, they differ in their bottom housing materials with the EMO using nylon and the Onion also using nylon. This allows for a split in the qualities each housing material brings to the switch, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing influencing the sound when releasing a key. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, providing a different typing experience compared to the polycarbonate top housing.
In conclusion, the HMX EMO and the Wuque Studio WS Onion both offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials. While the polycarbonate top housings create a sharper and crisper sound, the nylon bottom housings deliver a deeper and fuller sound experience. The use of different materials in the top and bottom housings allows for a variety of tactile and auditory feedback when typing on these switches. Overall, both switches offer a balance of qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX EMO linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, it is evident that the EMO is lighter in both aspects. The EMO has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, while the WS Onion's actuation force is unknown and has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the EMO make it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer periods of typing without fatigue. On the other hand, the WS Onion provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel while typing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and weight preference.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX EMO linear switch is 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch. The EMO offers a slightly quicker key press due to its shorter travel distance, which can be beneficial for gaming where faster response times are crucial. On the other hand, the WS Onion provides a bit more depth to each key press, which some users may prefer for a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference in terms of response time and key press feel.
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 Onion has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Onion for $5.53.
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 linear switch offers a lively, clacky typing experience with a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users. On the other hand, the WS Onion linear switch provides a crisp and responsive feel with a neutral sound profile as well, ensuring a pleasant typing experience for both beginners and advanced users. While the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, both switches offer a moderate sound level that is comfortable for various environments.
When it comes to feel, the HMX EMO switch is known for its feather-light 46g bottom-out force, delivering a bouncy and satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the WS Onion switch offers a buttery smooth keystroke feel, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Additionally, the WS Onion switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches offer a unique feel that caters to different preferences, but both ultimately result in a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience.
Overall, the HMX EMO and WS Onion linear switches both have their own unique qualities that make them stand out in the world of mechanical keyboards. Whether you prefer a livelier typing experience with a clacky feel or a buttery smooth keystroke with a polished finish, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience that is sure to please. Ultimately, choosing between the HMX EMO and WS Onion switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style, but rest assured that you will get a similar level of satisfaction and performance from either option.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the HMX EMO linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, feel, and sound. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a bouncy, clacky typing experience, the EMO switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, a buttery smooth keystroke feel, and a neutral sound profile, the WS Onion switch may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal typing preferences and the overall feel and sound profile you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
