HMX Gravel vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear

Overview

When choosing between the HMX Gravel and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear, both exceptional linear switches, enthusiasts will find distinct advantages that cater to different preferences and environments. The Gravel switch is popular among typists who value a smooth, responsive, and lightweight feel, providing an effortless typing experience ideal for extended use without fatigue. Its medium-light actuation force ensures that each keystroke is met with a satisfying glide, making it a favorite for those who enjoy a more tactile feedback in their typing sessions. In contrast, the WS Silent Linear excels in environments where noise reduction is paramount, such as offices or shared spaces. Designed with unique stem railings that reduce sound without compromising responsiveness, these switches provide a muted typing experience that allows users to focus on their work without the distraction of loud keystrokes. Consequently, while the Gravel switch highlights a smooth tactile experience and responsiveness, the WS Silent Linear emphasizes tranquility alongside precision. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Gravel Linear

Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$4.20 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Gravel and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches differ significantly in their choice of materials for the top housing, which plays a crucial role in shaping the sound profile and overall feel of typing experiences. The Gravel features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This quality is particularly enhanced when paired with RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows light to diffuse effectively, creating an attractive visual effect in addition to its acoustic properties. Conversely, the WS Silent Linear switch employs a nylon top housing, which is softer and absorbs more sound, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The contrasting characteristics of these top housing materials illustrate how they influence the acoustic signature of each switch, with the Gravel emphasizing clarity and brightness, while the WS Silent Linear offers a more muted and rounded sound.

Both the Gravel and WS Silent Linear switches share nylon as their chosen material for the bottom housing, which leads to similar sound absorption qualities in that part of the switch. Nylon's inherent softness contributes to a dulled sound profile, providing a consistent bottom-out experience across both types of switches. Since both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing, they will deliver a deeper and richer sound when the key is bottomed out, regardless of the differences in their top housings. This commonality ensures that despite the distinct auditory contrasts provided by the different top materials, the bottom-out feel remains comparable.

Ultimately, the differences in the housing materials govern the unique sonic signatures of the Gravel and the WS Silent Linear switches while maintaining some fundamental similarities. The Gravel's polycarbonate top edge provides clarity and brightness, particularly beneficial in scenarios that emphasize sharp sound profiles, whereas the WS Silent Linear's nylon top contributes to a more subdued auditory experience. Both switches will yield a fuller sound when the key is pressed down due to their shared nylon bottom housing, making them suitable for users who enjoy the comforting absorption and richer sound critical to the typing experience. Therefore, while the two switches may cater to different preferences, users can expect a balanced tactile feedback when bottoming out, ensuring a satisfying experience overall.

Weight

The actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch present a clear contrast in their typing experience. The HMX Gravel features a light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for extended typing sessions due to its lighter touch. In contrast, the WS Silent Linear, with a bottom out force of 63.5 grams and an undefined actuation force, offers a medium-heavy feel, catering to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. The Gravel's lighter forces allow for quicker and less tiring keystrokes, while the heavier WS Silent Linear could provide a satisfying resistance for those who enjoy a firmer feel when typing or gaming. Overall, the HMX Gravel switch is lighter and more suitable for prolonged use, whereas the WS Silent Linear switch leans towards users seeking a more robust tactile response.

Travel distance

Both the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when pressing either switch down, users will experience the same depth of travel from the top to the bottom. Consequently, these switches will provide similar tactile feedback and responsiveness, making them interchangeable in terms of their travel characteristics. Since their travel distances are equal, users can expect a consistent feel across both options.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Gravel linear switch produces a smooth and refined auditory experience that resonates well with mechanical keyboard enthusiasts who appreciate a pleasant typing environment. Although specific descriptors for its sound signature were not provided, the Gravel switch's characteristics likely lean toward a balanced and clear tone, giving it a satisfying auditory feedback during use. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear switch is designed with noise reduction in mind, featuring a neutral, muted, and subdued sound profile. The sound this switch produces is softer and quieter compared to traditional mechanical switches, making it suitable for shared workspaces or environments where noise control is essential. While the Gravel's sound favors clarity, the WS Silent Linear prioritizes discretion, allowing for a more stealthy typing experience.

When it comes to feel, the HMX Gravel switch is known for its exceptional smoothness and a medium-light actuation force that lends itself to a highly responsive and effortless typing experience. This refined tactile feedback contributes significantly to the overall comfort during long typing sessions, making it an ideal choice for those who value a seamless interaction with their keyboard. Conversely, the WS Silent Linear switch is described as providing a mild typing experience, striking a balance between approachability and satisfaction. While it focuses on minimizing noise, it retains a comfortable feel for users. The absence of pronounced characteristics means that the WS Silent Linear offers a gentle experience that complements its purpose as a quiet switch.

In summary, both the HMX Gravel linear and Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches cater to users looking for specific typing experiences. The Gravel emphasizes a smooth and refined typing feel with a well-rounded sound profile, while the WS Silent Linear excels in providing a quieter, more subdued auditory environment without sacrificing feel. Depending on your priorities—whether you favor a more pronounced audible response or a tranquil typing experience—both switches can deliver unique benefits that cater to different needs and preferences. If you are looking for a smooth and satisfying feel with little concern for noise, the Gravel serves well, while the WS Silent Linear ensures a discreet typing experience without the typical characteristics of traditional silent switches.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch, consider your specific typing environment and personal preferences. If you prefer a lighter feel and enjoy a typing experience that emphasizes smoothness and responsiveness, the HMX Gravel switch would be your ideal choice, especially if you’re using your keyboard for extended typing sessions, as its 50-gram bottom-out force allows for effortless typing. Conversely, if you require a more reliable tactile feedback combined with a noise-reduced experience, particularly in a quiet office or shared setting, the WS Silent Linear switch is excellent with its medium-heavy 63.5-gram actuation force, ensuring a more sensitive yet muted action without compromising on feel. The Gravel’s notable smoothness suits those who value speed and ease, while the WS Silent Linear provides a balanced typing experience that minimizes noise, making it suitable for a broader range of environments. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize a lighter touch with smooth operation or a more controlled, quieter typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Gravel Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear Linear

$4.20 per 10

Learn more