HMX Gravel vs. Wuque Studio WS POM+

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Gravel and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ both stand out as exceptional linear options, each offering unique advantages for users. The HMX Gravel is celebrated for its remarkable smoothness and light actuation force, providing a responsive and effortless typing experience ideal for those who favor speed and agility during intense gaming or fast-paced typing sessions. In contrast, the WS POM+ takes pride in its all-POM construction, delivering a rich "thock" sound signature paired with a buttery-smooth keystroke, which can create a more tactile and satisfying auditory experience for typists and gamers alike. Both switches cater to distinct preferences, with the Gravel emphasizing a lighter touch and swift action, while the WS POM+ focuses on a deeper sound and luxurious feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.

By the numbers

HMX Gravel Linear

Wuque Studio WS POM+ Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$3.90 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the HMX Gravel and the Wuque Studio WS POM+, we see a distinct difference in their top housing materials, which profoundly influences the characteristics of their sound profiles. The Gravel features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and translucency, which significantly enhances clarity and resonance. This property creates a sharper, more defined sound when keys are released, making the typing experience feel crisp and lively, especially when RGB lighting is incorporated. On the other hand, the WS POM+ utilizes a POM top housing that produces a deeper, more muted sound profile. While both materials serve the purpose of enhancing sound quality, the polycarbonate's attributes lean toward brightness and clarity, whereas the POM material favors warmth and richness.

The bottom housing of each switch reflects a similar contrast. The Gravel comprises a nylon bottom housing, recognized for its softer texture that absorbs sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This housing material creates a pleasantly rounded sound as keys are pressed down, providing a more subdued bottom-out noise. In contrast, the WS POM+ maintains a POM bottom housing, delivering a unique yet similarly deeper sound profile. While both switches utilize different materials for their bottom housings, they converge in the way they affect the overall sound, with each fostering a consistent focus on a muted, deeper auditory experience.

Ultimately, even though the HMX Gravel and Wuque Studio WS POM+ employ varying materials in their top and bottom housings, achieving similar results is feasible. The contrasting attributes can be balanced across the switches, with the Gravel's polycarbonate top providing brightness while the nylon bottom offers depth, creating a rich overall sound. Conversely, the POM housings in the WS POM+ contribute a unique yet muted depth in both top and bottom, resulting in a unified sound experience. When pressed, the bottom housing's characteristics dominate the feeling of bottom-out, while the coloring and clarity of sound remain interlinked through their unique compositions, blending to create a fascinating typing experience in both cases.

Weight

The HMX Gravel linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch both feature the same actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that users would experience a similar initial resistance when pressing the keys to register a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out forces, the Gravel switch has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the WS POM+ requires a slightly heavier 55 grams. This means that while both switches provide a light actuation feel, the Gravel offers a more forgiving experience when bottoming out, making it potentially suitable for users looking for longer typing sessions. In contrast, the heavier bottoming out of the WS POM+ might appeal to those who prefer a more substantial tactile feedback, indicating deeper keystrokes. Overall, the Gravel switch is the lighter option, and this distinction in bottom out forces can influence the choice for users based on their typing preferences.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, it is evident that the Gravel has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly shorter than the WS POM+, which measures 3.6 mm. This means that if you prefer a more responsive feel, the Gravel might be the better option for quicker response times, appealing especially to gamers. In contrast, the WS POM+, with its longer travel distance, could provide a more substantial and deeper keystroke experience, which some users may find more comfortable and satisfying. Ultimately, while the difference in travel distance is minimal, it could lead to varying preferences based on individual typing styles and sensitivities to key feedback.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Gravel linear switch is renowned for producing a subtle and refined acoustic profile during typing. While it's not as heavily emphasized as some other switches, the Gravel tends to deliver a crisp yet muted sound that’s pleasant without being overly obtrusive. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS POM+ offers a deep, satisfying "thock" sound that stands out among linear switches. This distinct acoustic signature is paired with a buttery-smooth keystroke, which together create a rich auditory experience. However, it’s important to remember that the sound of any switch can vary based on the specific keyboard build, including the choice of board and keycaps.

When it comes to feel, the HMX Gravel switch excels in delivering an exceptional smoothness that is highly preferred by many mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Its medium-light actuation force leans towards the lighter side, which contributes to a responsive typing experience that feels effortless and satisfying. On the other hand, the WS POM+ shares a similarly smooth keystroke quality, which is reinforced by its all-POM construction known for enhancing the switch's overall feel. Although both switches may provide a smooth typing experience, the Gravel focuses on a lighter actuation force, while the WS POM+ may feel more substantial due to its design and sound profile.

In conclusion, both the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch present distinctive qualities that cater to different types of keyboard enthusiasts. The Gravel offers a smooth, lightly actuated typing feel complemented by a subtle sound profile, while the WS POM+ shines with its deep acoustic thock and buttery smoothness. If you're seeking a refined typing experience, you can't go wrong with either option, as they will provide satisfying results in terms of both sound and feel, albeit with unique characteristics that may appeal to different preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you're looking for a smoother and lighter typing experience, the Gravel is an excellent option with its 50g bottom-out force. Its design offers an effortless feel that will appeal to those who enjoy fast-paced typing or gaming, allowing you to execute commands quickly and with minimal effort. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly more substantial feel and a deeper “thock” sound signature that enhances your typing experience, the WS POM+ with its 55g bottom-out force might be more suitable. This switch not only delivers buttery-smooth keystrokes but also provides a satisfying acoustic profile, making it ideal for quieter environments where sound matters. Ultimately, consider your typing style, sound preferences, and whether you prioritize a lighter action or a more pronounced auditory feedback when making your choice.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Gravel Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Wuque Studio WS POM+ Linear

$3.90 per 10

Learn more