HMX FJ400 vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the HMX FJ400 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 choice between linear and tactile options can significantly impact your typing experience and overall satisfaction. The HMX FJ400, a linear switch, is celebrated for its balanced sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer smooth keystrokes devoid of tactile feedback. This quality renders it ideal for gaming or fast-paced typing, where minimal resistance can enhance your performance. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch offers a unique blend of tactile feedback and noise reduction, making it a superb option for office environments. With a medium level of tactility and an innovative design that avoids traditional dampeners, it provides a quiet yet responsive feel, perfect for those who crave a satisfying typing experience without disturbing coworkers. Both switches have their merits, offering distinct advantages depending on user preferences and settings; 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
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
T2
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
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
When examining the housing materials of the HMX FJ400 and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile, a fundamental similarity lies in the use of nylon for both switches' bottom housings. This shared characteristic suggests that both switches will yield a similar sound profile when the key is bottomed out. The nylon bottom housing is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound, largely due to its softer consistency, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. This property contributes to a wonderfully muted auditory experience, enabling typists to enjoy a more tactile and pleasant key press without the harshness that can accompany other materials.
However, the top housing materials diverge; the FJ400 utilizes POM (Polyoxymethylene) while the WS Silent Tactile employs nylon. POM is recognized for its rigidity and smoothness, which creates a unique acoustic environment, resulting in a relatively deeper sound profile that is maintained as you let go of the key. In contrast, the nylon top housing on the WS Silent Tactile embodies the same soft characteristics as its bottom housing. This consistency across both housings leads to a more uniform sound that resonates roundly upon key release. Thus, while the FJ400's POM top housing provides a distinct tonal quality in the sound release phase, the WS Silent Tactile's nylon top enhances its overall sound absorbency, delivering a more muted auditory experience.
Ultimately, while each switch employs different materials for the top housing, the core similarity in the nylon bottom housing creates a blended sound profile when typing. The characteristics of each top housing subtly shift the overall acoustic experience, with POM delivering sharper notes and nylon producing a rounder sound. Therefore, despite their differences, both switches achieve comparable sound depths during bottoming out, and the distinct designs of their top housings further refine the auditory feedback each offers upon release. This nuanced interplay means that users can select either switch based on their preference for tactility and sound without sacrificing the underlying auditory quality intrinsic to nylon.
Weight
When comparing the HMX FJ400 linear switch with a 50-gram actuation force and a 58-gram bottom-out force to the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force but a bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, we see notable differences in their characteristics. The FJ400 is classified as medium in terms of force, making it more suitable for users who prefer a balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback, ideal for extended sessions at work or during gaming. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile, with its heavier bottom-out force, suggests a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who enjoy a firmer feel under their fingers, though the unspecified actuation force prevents a complete comparison in that regard. Ultimately, the FJ400 is the lighter switch with a lower actuation force, while the WS Silent Tactile is heavier due to its higher bottom-out force, making the choice largely dependent on personal preference for force sensitivity in a switch.
Travel distance
The HMX FJ400 linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch differ in their travel distances, with the FJ400 measuring 3.8 mm and the WS Silent Tactile at 3.5 mm. This makes the WS Silent Tactile the shorter of the two, offering a more responsive feel that can be appealing for gamers seeking quicker actuation. In contrast, the longer travel distance of the FJ400 provides a more traditional and hearty typing experience, which might be preferred by users who enjoy a deeper key press. While both switches fall within relatively close ranges, the difference in travel distance suggests that those who favor a pronounced key feel may gravitate towards the FJ400, whereas those looking for snappier feedback might opt for the WS Silent Tactile.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX FJ400 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the FJ400 for $3.29.
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 FJ400 linear switch presents a balanced sound profile that falls comfortably between stark, loud switches and completely silent options. It's designed to produce a noise level that is suitable for most environments, making it an all-around choice for various users. In comparison, the WS Silent Tactile switch is specifically engineered for quiet operation, delivering a muted sound that is significantly softer than traditional switches. Its neutral sound is suited for both office and home settings, reducing distractions while still offering enough acoustic feedback to keep the user aware of their keystrokes. Both switches, while differing in their sound environments, provide good functionalities for a range of settings; however, if minimizing noise is crucial, the WS Silent Tactile will have the upper hand.
In terms of feel, the FJ400's characteristics were not detailed, but compared to the WS Silent Tactile, it can be inferred that the latter's medium tactility and pronounced feedback make for a distinct typing experience. The WS Silent Tactile switch boasts an invigorating feel, offering a good balance of response and comfort with a moderate actuation force. Its accented sensation provides a fulfilling engagement without being overly forceful or reducing the typing experience to blandness. This medium tactile feel is designed to be approachable for most users, making it suitable for varied experiences. The FJ400, while its specific feel attributes are unspecified, may similarly lean toward a satisfying experience for a wide range of users.
In conclusion, both the HMX FJ400 linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch cater to different needs with their unique sound and feel profiles, aligning them to different user preferences. The FJ400 offers a balanced sound that fits well in most environments, while the WS Silent Tactile excels in quiet use without sacrificing tactile engagement. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend on individual preferences concerning sound dynamics and the desired tactile sensation during typing. For those who prioritize a quieter experience, the WS Silent Tactile stands out, whereas the FJ400 could be a solid choice for users looking for versatility in their mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the HMX FJ400 linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch, your intended use case and personal preferences will guide your decision. If you prefer a balanced typing experience that leans towards a linear feel without overwhelming noise, the FJ400, with its medium bottom-out force of 58 grams, offers a smooth and stable response suitable for both gaming and typing. Its neutral sound profile ensures versatility, making it a great option whether you’re in a personal space or a shared environment. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that combines tactile feedback with exceptional sound dampening—ideal for office settings or quiet surroundings—the WS Silent Tactile switch is your best bet. With a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 63.5 grams and a design that minimizes noise while providing gratifying tactile feedback, this switch strikes a perfect balance for those who want a satisfying typing experience without disturbing others. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize a linear and quieter typing experience or a tactile sensation with silent operation, ensuring your mechanical keyboard truly meets your needs and preferences.
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