HMX EMO vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX EMO and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The HMX EMO is praised for its lively and clacky feel, coupled with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force, providing a bouncy and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile by Wuque Studio is designed for office environments, offering a medium tactility with superior noise reduction for a silent yet crisp typing experience. The innovative stem railings of the WS Silent Tactile switches set a new standard in silent switches, combining tranquility with 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
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
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
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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX EMO and Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile both use nylon for their bottom housing, providing a deep and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer plastic composition. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics, offering a unique typing experience for users of both switches. While the EMO has a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound profile with its stiff plastic material, the WS Silent Tactile opts for a nylon top housing. This nylon top housing on the WS Silent Tactile contributes to a deeper sound profile, contrasting with the polycarbonate top housing of the EMO.
In terms of their top housing materials, the HMX EMO uses polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a clear and resonant sound profile characterized by a higher-pitched and sharper tone. Conversely, the WS Silent Tactile features a nylon top housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile that absorbs more sound compared to polycarbonate. Despite their differences in top housing materials, both switches provide a unique auditory experience for users looking for varying sound profiles while typing. The translucency of polycarbonate in the EMO's top housing also makes it ideal for RGB lighting effects, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switch.
While the HMX EMO and Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, the overall typing experience is influenced by the qualities of each housing material. The bottom housing's impact on the bottom-out sound and feel is more pronounced due to its composition, whereas the top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Whether it's the sharper and crisper sound of the polycarbonate top housing in the EMO or the deeper and fuller sound of the nylon top housing in the WS Silent Tactile, users can expect distinct typing experiences based on the housing materials chosen for these switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX EMO linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The EMO has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the WS Silent Tactile's unknown actuation force. However, the EMO also has a lighter bottom out force of 46 grams, while the WS Silent Tactile has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This makes the WS Silent Tactile switch overall heavier to press down compared to the EMO. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience or gaming session may opt for the EMO, while individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel may prefer the WS Silent Tactile switch for its heavier force requirements. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The HMX EMO linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch both have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. The travel distance of a switch is important as it determines the amount of feedback and tactile response the user will feel when typing. In this case, both switches offer the same level of travel distance, providing a consistent typing experience for users who prefer a tactile feel. With a travel distance of 3.5 mm, both switches will offer a similar feel and performance, making them suitable options for individuals looking for a switch with a standard travel distance.
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 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 EMO switch offers a lively and clacky typing experience, while the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch provides a quieter operation with its innovative design that eliminates the need for silicone dampeners. The EMO switch may be more audible compared to the WS Silent Tactile, which produces a softer and muted sound. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, the HMX EMO switch delivers a lightweight and bouncy typing experience with an emphasis on smoothness. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switch provides a unique tactile feedback that is described as accented, invigorating, and mild, striking a balance between tactility and comfort. The EMO switch may feel more springy and effortless to press, while the WS Silent Tactile switch offers a more pronounced feedback with a moderate actuation force.
Overall, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a livelier and clackier sound and a feather-light touch, the HMX EMO switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a medium level of tactility and precision-engineered stem railings for noise reduction, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch could be more suitable. Both switches offer their own unique qualities, so ultimately, it depends on your personal preference and typing style to determine which switch would be the best fit for you.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a light bottom-out force and a bouncy typing experience, then the HMX EMO linear switch would be your best choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with medium tactility and superior noise reduction, making it ideal for office environments, then the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch is the one for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel, noise level, and bottom-out force. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so consider what factors are most important to you when choosing between the two.
Mentioned in this article
