HMX EMO vs. Wuque Studio WS Red
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the Wuque Studio WS Red 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 Red both offer unique qualities for a typing experience tailored to individual preferences. The HMX EMO is renowned for its lively and clacky feel, featuring a feather-light 46g bottom-out force that provides an effortless and bouncy typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Red boasts a 22mm double-stage spring that delivers a bouncy and responsive typing experience with a heavier actuation force, adding a satisfying weight to each keystroke. While the EMO is known for its smooth and satisfying typing experience, the WS Red offers a classic sound signature and substantial typing 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
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 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 double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX EMO and the Wuque Studio WS Red, one key difference is in the top housing material used. The EMO features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the WS Red utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This variation in top housing material can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of the switches.
Moving on to the bottom housing material, both the EMO and WS Red employ nylon for this component. This choice of material in the bottom housing leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound than harder plastics. Despite both switches utilizing nylon for the bottom housing, the overall typing experience may still differ due to other factors such as switch design and construction. However, the common use of nylon in the bottom housing of these switches may result in a similar typing sound and feel in this aspect.
It is important to note that the qualities brought by each housing material are not limited to just the sound profile but also impact the overall typing experience. The bottom housing, whether polycarbonate or nylon, plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. On the other hand, the top housing material influences the sound when a key is released. Understanding the properties of each housing material can help users tailor their switch choice to suit their preferences for typing sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX EMO linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, it is evident that they have notable differences. The EMO has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the WS Red, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the WS Red has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, while the EMO has a bottom out force of 46 grams. This means that the EMO would provide a lighter typing experience overall, with less force needed to trigger a keystroke and bottom out, while the WS Red would offer a more substantial typing experience, with a heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for typing feel and the desired level of force required for typing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX EMO linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, it is evident that the EMO has a shorter travel distance of 3.5mm compared to the WS Red's 3.8mm. While both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances favored by gamers for faster response times, the EMO offers a slightly quicker key press due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the WS Red provides a slightly deeper key press experience due to its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key press depth and responsiveness. If you prefer a quicker key press, the EMO would be the better option, whereas if you prefer more depth in your key press, the WS Red would be more suitable.
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 Red 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
When comparing the subjective qualities of the HMX EMO linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, it is evident that the EMO provides a lively and clacky feel with a light 46g bottom-out force, offering an effortless and bouncy typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Red features a 22mm double-stage spring that delivers a responsive and slightly heavier typing feel, adding a satisfying weight to each keystroke. As for sound, the EMO and WS Red have distinct characteristics, but it's important to note that the sound produced by a switch is influenced by various factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used. Ultimately, whether you choose the HMX EMO or the WS Red, both switches will provide a unique and enjoyable typing experience tailored to your preferences, with the EMO offering a lighter and more lively feel compared to the WS Red's slightly heavier and more substantial typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HMX EMO linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, consider your preferences for typing feel and actuation force. If you prefer a light and bouncy typing experience with a lower actuation force, the EMO switch may be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial and weighty typing feel with a medium-heavy actuation force, the WS Red switch may be more suitable. Both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. Consider trying out both switches to see which one fits your needs and preferences best.
Mentioned in this article
