HMX Gravel vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the HMX Gravel and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact your typing experience. The HMX Gravel, a linear switch, is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and refined feel, making it an attractive option for enthusiasts seeking a fluid and effortless typing experience. Its medium-light actuation force leans towards the lighter side, allowing for quick, responsive keystrokes without compromising on comfort. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch offers a different sensory experience with its snappy, perceptible tactile bump, providing satisfying feedback with every press. Its neutral sound signature ensures a quieter typing experience, which can be ideal for office settings or late-night work sessions. While the Gravel excels in offering a seamless and speedy sensation, the WS Light Tactile balances smoothness with tactile engagement, catering to those who appreciate the feedback of each keystroke. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The HMX Gravel and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches both employ polycarbonate as the material for their top housing, resulting in a remarkably similar auditory experience. The use of polycarbonate, known for its stiffness, contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic is particularly beneficial for users who favor the clarity and resonance provided by such materials. Additionally, polycarbonate’s translucency plays a significant role when RGB lighting is integrated, allowing for vibrant illumination effects that can enhance the aesthetic appeal of the switches. Consequently, users of both switches can expect a comparable sound experience related to the top housing when engaged in gaming or typing, showcasing the advantages of polycarbonate in sound clarity and visual display.
In contrast, the bottom housing of both the HMX Gravel and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches utilizes nylon, which is a classic choice in switch design. Nylon contributes a strikingly different auditory profile compared to polycarbonate; due to its softer nature, it tends to absorb more sound, leading to a deeper and fuller sound during typing. This absorption is particularly noteworthy because it allows for a more rounded sound that contrasts with the sharpness of the polycarbonate top. Thus, users will experience a richer, more muted sound profile during the bottoming out of keystrokes, creating a more pleasant typing experience that softens the overall sound.
When analyzing the combined effects of top and bottom housing materials, it becomes evident that the HMX Gravel and the WS Light Tactile switches produce a balanced auditory experience through the interplay of their respective materials. The polycarbonate top delivers clarity during the release of keys while the nylon bottom provides a fuller sound upon activation. As a result, even though each of the switches features different materials in their bottom housing, the staggering contrast stemming from these materials allows each switch to shine in its unique way, while still providing a familiar auditory experience to users. The synergy between the polycarbonate and nylon hones a nuanced typing experience: the crispness of the top tips the user toward precision, while the bottom adds a warmth that enhances the tactile feedback.
Weight
The HMX Gravel linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch both exhibit similar specifications, featuring an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making them both light options. This similarity means that users can expect comparable performance in terms of keystroke triggering and bottoming out, providing a consistent typing experience across both switches. With both switches being equally light, they are ideal for individuals who prefer extended typing sessions without fatigue, whether for work or gaming. However, those who favor a stronger push feel for a more substantial tactile experience might need to consider heavier alternatives, as both switches provide a relatively gentle typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch, we find distinct differences. The HMX Gravel has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the WS Light Tactile features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that pressing the Gravel switch yields a more responsive feel during quick keystrokes, making it potentially more appealing for gamers seeking faster response times. In contrast, the WS Light Tactile offers a deeper travel experience, which can be preferable for users who appreciate a more pronounced actuation point. Ultimately, the Gravel provides shorter travel, catering to those who prioritize speed, while the WS Light Tactile's longer travel is suited for those who favor a fuller tactile sensation.
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 Light 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 Gravel linear switch presents a characteristic that can be influenced by various factors, but the overall sound profile remains unspecified in this context. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch provides a neutral sound signature. This neutral quality makes it versatile, suitable for both home and office environments. Its moderate actuation force and sound profile allow it to cater to users ranging from beginners to more experienced typists, ensuring that it can blend seamlessly into most typing settings without becoming obtrusive.
In terms of feel, the HMX Gravel switch is noted for its exceptional smoothness and refined typing experience, characterized by a medium-light actuation force that emphasizes responsiveness and ease during use. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile switch features a unique stepped design, providing a tactile bump that allows users to experience a distinct pre-travel sensation. This switch offers an easy-to-press feel, requiring minimal force to activate, making it comfortable for prolonged typing sessions and an overall low-impact experience. While the Gravel switch provides an uninterrupted smoothness, the WS Light Tactile adds a tactile moment, catering to different typing preferences.
In conclusion, both the HMX Gravel and WS Light Tactile switches excel in providing enjoyable typing experiences, though they cater to slightly different user needs. The Gravel's smooth linear action may appeal to those looking for effortless key presses, while the tactile bump of the WS Light Tactile adds a layer of feedback that can enhance typing precision. Ultimately, the preference between these switches will hinge on whether one prefers the smoothness of a linear switch or the tactile engagement of a stepped design, as well as considerations regarding sound profile in the keyboard's overall setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch, you should evaluate your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prioritize a smooth, uninterrupted typing experience and desire a switch that feels effortless under your fingers, the HMX Gravel is an excellent choice. Its medium-light actuation force and exceptional smoothness make it ideal for anyone looking to enhance their typing speed without the distraction of tactile feedback. However, if you prefer a bit of tactile feedback while typing to help guide your fingers without overwhelming them, the WS Light Tactile is a fantastic option. Its perceptible bump provides just enough feedback to make each keystroke satisfying, while still offering a smooth experience and a neutral sound signature that fits well in various environments. Ultimately, consider where and how you plan to use your keyboard: for a serene workspace or focused gaming sessions, lean towards the Gravel, while for a mix of typing and light gaming with an engaging tactile sensation, the WS Light Tactile would serve you better.
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