HMX Gravel vs. Wuque Studio WS Jade
An in-depth look at the HMX Gravel and the Wuque Studio WS Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the HMX Gravel and the Wuque Studio WS Jade offers a fascinating contrast in user experience. The HMX Gravel is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and refined typing feel, boasting a medium-light actuation force that provides a responsive and effortless typing experience while ensuring a satisfyingly smooth keystroke. This makes it an ideal choice for typists who prioritize a light touch and precise control. In contrast, the WS Jade stands out with its unique design featuring a metallic insert in the stem base, which not only contributes to a bright, resonant sound profile but also enhances the overall aesthetic with its captivating RGB display. The typing sensation offered by the WS Jade is characterized as creamy and smooth, combined with a rock-solid bottom-out that many gamers and typists find immensely satisfying. Ultimately, while both switches cater to linear switch enthusiasts, their distinct traits can influence your overall typing experience. 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
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the HMX Gravel and the Wuque Studio WS Jade, the differences in their housing materials present contrasting sound profiles and overall user experiences. The Gravel utilizes a polycarbonate top housing designed to deliver a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic arises from polycarbonate's rigidity, which enhances clarity and resonance when typing. Additionally, this material's translucent nature plays well with RGB lighting, making it an aesthetically pleasing choice for users who enjoy visual effects alongside their auditory experience. In contrast, the WS Jade features a POM top housing that produces a deeper and more muted sound profile. While polycarbonate emphasizes clarity and brightness, POM leans toward warmth and fullness, showcasing how different materials can distinctly shape the perceived audio characteristics of the switches.
Looking at the bottom housings, the HMX Gravel is equipped with a nylon material that is renowned for its ability to absorb sound, creating a deeper and fuller acoustic experience. This softness allows for a more rounded sound, particularly noticeable when keys bottom out. On the other hand, the WS Jade's POM bottom housing also contributes to a deep and muted sound profile. While both materials aim for a similar outcome of a rich auditory experience, nylon's additional absorption capabilities may lend a smoother feel compared to the more articulate POM, which boasts uniqueness in sound. Thus, while both switches feature different housing materials, they can still elicit a comparable auditory experience due to their shared emphasis on deeper sound profiles.
Ultimately, if the top and bottom housings differ in style and material, it results in a blend of their respective qualities, influencing the overall typing experience. With the Gravel’s polycarbonate top providing a brighter auditory response during key release and a nylon bottom facilitating a fuller sound on bottom-out, users can experience a distinct yet balanced effect. Conversely, the WS Jade combines the muted depth from both its POM top and bottom housings, presenting a cohesive sound profile that envelops the user in a rich auditory experience, albeit in a rounded, controlled manner. Overall, both switches cater to different preferences, allowing users to select which sound characteristics resonate more with their typing style.
Weight
The HMX Gravel linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch present distinct differences in their actuation forces and bottom out forces. The Gravel features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the WS Jade has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial tactile feedback. While the Gravel allows for less effort in both actuation and bottoming out, the WS Jade provides a firmer resistance, which some users may find preferable for a more confident keystroke. Consequently, those seeking a lighter switch would benefit from the Gravel, while those desiring a heavier switch should opt for the WS Jade.
Travel distance
The HMX Gravel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Gravel the shorter option between the two. With a difference of just 0.1 mm, both switches provide relatively similar tactile experiences, especially for those who prioritize faster response times in gaming or typing. The shorter 3.5 mm travel distance of the Gravel may appeal to gamers seeking quicker actuation, while the WS Jade’s 3.6 mm distance offers a bit more resistance that could be preferable for users who enjoy a more pronounced feel when pressing their keys. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches may come down to personal preference for depth and responsiveness.
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 Jade comes in at $4.30 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
The HMX Gravel linear switch produces a sound profile that remains unspecified, while the Wuque Studio WS Jade switch is characterized by a bright, clacky, and resonant quality. The WS Jade's auditory experience, enhanced by its metallic insert, lends a crisp and percussive timbre to each keypress. The combination of the clacky and marbly descriptors suggests a rich sound profile that tends to resonate, making it strikingly informative in a tactile sense. If you're seeking auditory feedback, the WS Jade may appeal more, while the Gravel may offer a quieter typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Gravel switch is heralded for its exceptional smoothness and refined typing experience, often described as responsive and effortless. In contrast, the WS Jade switch is noted for its silky and creamy characteristics, providing a buttery smoothness with minimal resistance during key presses. This combination of features highlights the unique tactile satisfaction of the WS Jade, while the Gravel promises a similarly fluid typing experience. Both switches cater to enthusiasts looking for a premium feel, though the nuances brought by each design may lead to different user preferences.
In conclusion, while the HMX Gravel switch excels in delivering a smooth and refined typing experience, the WS Jade offers an auditory richness with its clacky and resonant properties. The feel of both switches leans towards smoothness, but the WS Jade introduces a creamy quality that heightens the tactile sensation. Ultimately, for those choosing between these two switches, personal preference in sound and subtle differences in tactile response will guide your decision, as each can deliver a premium experience, albeit in slightly different ways.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you favor a lighter actuation force and desire an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience, the Gravel is an excellent option. Its 50-gram bottom-out force provides a responsive and effortless feel, making it ideal for extensive typing sessions, casual gaming, or when you simply want a more relaxed approach to key presses. Its subtle sound profile complements the smoothness, ensuring that you can type quietly without sacrificing comfort. On the other hand, if you prefer a bit more resistance with a medium 60-gram bottom-out force, the WS Jade switches deliver a unique auditory experience with their bright and resonant sound profile, which can be especially satisfying for those who relish a clacky and percussive sound when typing. Additionally, the creamy and silky feel of the WS Jade adds an extra layer of enjoyment, making it a top contender for any typing enthusiast interested in both tactile feedback and performance. In conclusion, assess your typing habits and what aspects you value most—whether it's a lighter touch with the Gravel or a more solid, auditory experience with the Jade—to find the switch that complements your style best.
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