HMX Gravel vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the HMX Gravel and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Gravel and the Wuque Studio WS Brown both stand out but cater to different preferences within the typing experience. The HMX Gravel switch, celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and refined feel, is a linear switch that offers a medium-light actuation force, making it a top choice for those who enjoy a responsive and effortless typing experience without the distraction of tactile feedback. On the other hand, the WS Brown switch is a tactile switch that elegantly combines familiarity and innovation, providing a delightful balance between responsiveness and comfort. With its medium-light actuation force, the WS Brown ensures that users can enjoy hours of fatigue-free typing, accompanied by a satisfying auditory texture thanks to its nylon housing and POM stem. While the HMX Gravel excels in delivering a seamless keypress, the WS Brown invites users into a world of tactile pleasure, bridging the gap between performance and familiarity. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
POM
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
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Gravel and the Wuque Studio WS Brown, one can observe distinct differences in their top housing components. The Gravel utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic arises from the material's relative stiffness, allowing sound waves to resonate clearly. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it particularly advantageous for RGB lighting setups, enhancing visual appeal. In contrast, the WS Brown employs nylon for its top housing, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon means it absorbs sound rather than reflecting it, leading to a rounder auditory experience. Therefore, while both switches serve to produce auditory feedback, their sound characteristics differ fundamentally due to the materials used in their top housings.
However, when examining the bottom housings, the HMX Gravel and WS Brown switches share a significant similarity, as both utilize nylon for their bottom housing components. This parallel leads to a consistent deeper and fuller sound profile upon keypresses, as both switches leverage the sound-absorbing qualities of nylon. The impact of the bottom housing is crucial during the bottom-out phase of a keystroke, and the uniformity in material means that users can expect a similar tactile experience and sound dampening effect regardless of the top housing material chosen. Consequently, whether using the Gravel or the WS Brown, the bottom housing will contribute to an engaging and satisfying keypress experience.
Ultimately, the combination of materials used in the HMX Gravel and WS Brown switches offers a unique symbiosis of sound profiles influenced by their respective top housings. The polycarbonate top of the Gravel provides a bright and resonant quality characterized by sharp notes, especially prominent when keys are released. Meanwhile, the WS Brown’s nylon top imbues the typing experience with a mellow tone reminiscent of classic switch designs. While the top housings diverge in material and resultant sound, the coalescence of nylon in both bottom housings ensures a foundation of deep, resonant feedback, creating a well-rounded typing experience in both switches. Thus, whether one prefers the clear brightness of polycarbonate or the warm depth of nylon, the tactile and auditory outcomes are underpinned by a shared commitment to quality in the bottom housing design.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Gravel linear switch to the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, we find notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gravel features a light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, ideal for users seeking a less strenuous typing experience during long sessions. In contrast, the WS Brown's bottom out force is slightly heavier at 55 grams, though its actuation force remains unspecified. This indicates that even though it might not require much additional force to actuate, the overall effort might feel a bit more substantial due to the higher bottom out force. As a result, while the Gravel is the lighter option, offering a softer touch for extended use, the WS Brown provides a medium-light experience that may appeal to those who prefer a slightly stronger tactile feedback without being overwhelmingly heavy.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, a notable difference arises. The HMX Gravel has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the WS Brown has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Gravel switch, being the shorter option, may provide a more responsive feel, appealing particularly to gamers who favor quick key presses. On the other hand, the WS Brown's longer travel distance may cater to those who appreciate a more pronounced tactile feedback and depth in their key presses, lending itself to a more traditional typing experience. Therefore, individuals seeking swift response times should opt for the Gravel switch, while those who prefer a more substantial actuation should choose the WS Brown.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Gravel has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gravel for $2.99.
The Wuque Studio WS Brown 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 it comes to sound, both the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch offer distinct auditory experiences that can significantly influence the typing atmosphere. The Gravel's sound profile remains unspecified, but as a linear switch, it is generally quieter and less pronounced, catering to those who prefer a more muted typing experience. In contrast, the WS Brown is celebrated for its familiar and delightful auditory experience, likely producing a subtle yet satisfying click as you engage each key, thanks to its nylon housing and POM stem combination. However, it’s important to acknowledge that the overall sound may vary based on the keyboard construction and keycap choices you make additionally.
When evaluating the feel of these switches, the HMX Gravel excels in providing an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience. Its medium-light actuation force gives it a lightweight feel that is very responsive, promoting effortless keystrokes that many enthusiasts appreciate. On the other hand, the WS Brown also offers a medium-light actuation force but incorporates a tactile bump that adds a layer of feedback while typing. This tactile quality can make typing engaging and enjoyable as it allows users to feel each activation, which is particularly beneficial during lengthy typing sessions.
In conclusion, both the HMX Gravel and WS Brown switches cater to distinct preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Gravel is ideal for those who appreciate a silky smooth typing sensation with a quieter sound profile, perfect for focused environments. Conversely, the WS Brown excels in offering tactile feedback with an engaging auditory experience, making it suitable for users who enjoy an interactive typing process. Depending on what you prioritize—whether it’s sound or feel—both switches promise a delightful typing experience, though they cater to slightly different preferences. For similar results in terms of actuation force, you’ll find that both switches allow for a comfortable and fatigue-free typing experience, making either choice a solid investment in your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you value an exceptionally smooth and lightweight typing experience, the Gravel is your ideal option. Its lower bottom-out force of 50 grams makes it easier to actuate, allowing for faster typing with minimal effort, perfect for long typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, if you appreciate tactile feedback that provides a satisfying bump with each keystroke while still maintaining a comfortable and familiar feel, the WS Brown is the way to go. With a slightly higher bottom-out force of 55 grams, it strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort, making it well-suited for both typing and casual gaming. Additionally, if sound is a consideration, the WS Brown offers a delightful auditory experience that enthusiasts often cherish. Ultimately, your choice should reflect what feels best for you: the effortless smoothness of the Gravel or the tactile pleasure offered by the WS Brown.
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