HMX Gravel vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the HMX Gravel and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Gravel and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile present distinct options catering to different user preferences. The HMX Gravel is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and refined typing feel, offering a medium-light actuation force that ensures a responsive and effortless typing experience, making it an ideal choice for enthusiasts who prioritize speed and fluidity in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile caters to those in quieter environments, featuring medium tactility combined with superior noise reduction. Its innovative design eliminates the need for silicone dampeners while still delivering a crisp tactile feedback, striking a balance between silence and responsiveness. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches hinges on whether you value the smooth, swift feel of the Gravel or the quiet, tactile feedback of the WS Silent Tactile. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Gravel and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches utilize different materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their acoustic characteristics. The Gravel switch features a polycarbonate top housing known for its stiffness, yielding a sharper and crisper sound profile that enhances the articulation of each keystroke. This quality can be especially advantageous for users who appreciate a more pronounced typing experience, and it is particularly appealing when RGB lighting is incorporated due to the material's translucency. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile is constructed with a nylon top housing, a classic material that provides a softer touch and fosters a deeper, rounder sound. This difference creates divergent auditory experiences when typing, appealing to users with varying preferences regarding sound and feedback.
Interestingly, both switch models utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which brings a commonality in their overall sound profile. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a fuller and richer acoustic quality, creating a deeper sound that resonates more than harder plastics. In both the Gravel and the WS Silent Tactile, this shared aspect enhances the overall typing experience, resulting in a duller yet more satisfying bottom-out sound. Users will find that this commonality helps bridge the differences between the two, providing a stable baseline of sonic qualities while each switch maintains its unique characteristics through the top housing material.
Ultimately, the combination of the different top and bottom housing materials in both switches allows for a nuanced typing experience that reflects the preferences of various users. The Gravel's polycarbonate top emphasizes high frequencies and crispness, while the nylon bottom rounds out the sound, creating a comprehensive auditory profile. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile's softer nylon top creates a more muted and enveloping sound, with the nylon bottom amplifying this attribute. Therefore, while the two switches exhibit contrasting traits due to their differing top housing materials, they achieve similar outcomes in terms of depth and sound absorption through their nylon bottom housings. This blend of materials offers an appealing range of options for keyboard enthusiasts seeking to tailor their typing experience.
Weight
The HMX Gravel linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch exhibit notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Gravel features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, which is considered light, making it suitable for extensive typing sessions and gaming without fatigue. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile switch has an unknown actuation force but a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is categorized as medium-heavy. This difference indicates that the WS Silent Tactile switch requires greater effort to reach the bottom, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. As a result, those who favor lighter switches for prolonged use may find the Gravel more comfortable, while users desiring a firmer feel may gravitate towards the WS Silent Tactile. Ultimately, the Gravel is the lighter option, while the WS Silent Tactile leans towards the heavier end of the spectrum.
Travel distance
Both the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which means they require the same amount of travel from the top to the bottom when pressed. As a result, users can expect a similar feel and responsiveness when using either switch, making them comparably effective for achieving consistent keystrokes. Since their travel distances are equal, those who enjoy the tactile feedback of the WS Silent Tactile switch will also appreciate the smoothness of the Gravel switch, as both will yield similar results in terms of key actuation.
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 Silent 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 examining the sound profiles of the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch, there are notable differences. The Gravel, while noted for its smoothness and refined typing experience, does not provide a specific sound description; thus, one can infer it likely produces a more standard mechanical switch sound that may lean towards being clacky or resonant, especially when used with various boards and keycaps. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile is engineered for quiet operation, classified as both neutral and muted in sound profile. This switch excels in environments where noise reduction is valued, producing a softer, quieter sound that helps maintain a serene workspace, making it suitable for both home and office use.
In terms of feel, the Gravel linear switch is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and light actuation force, potentially offering a fluid and seamless typing experience. However, without a more specific description, the exact tactile feedback it delivers remains unspecified. The WS Silent Tactile switch, on the other hand, evokes a thrilling typing sensation with its medium tactile feedback that balances pronounced actuation and immersive responsiveness. The blend of its mildly firm actuation force and invigorating feel ensures that typists can enjoy a gratifying engagement without overwhelming tactile feedback, striking a balance that many users find appealing.
Ultimately, both switches offer distinct experiences tailored to different user preferences. The HMX Gravel is aimed at those who appreciate smoothness and lightweight actuation, potentially favoring a more uniform key press. Meanwhile, the WS Silent Tactile caters to individuals seeking a tactile yet quiet typing experience, making it an excellent choice for noise-sensitive environments. While one can expect smoothness from the Gravel, the WS Silent Tactile offers a satisfying tactile quality without the disruptive sounds typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Choosing between these two switches will depend largely on personal priorities, such as sound level and tactile feedback preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch, your decision should be influenced by your typing preferences and your environment. If you prioritize a seamless, smooth typing experience and enjoy the sensation of light key presses, the Gravel is an excellent choice. Its lighter actuation force makes it particularly appealing for fast typists who appreciate a rapidly responsive switch, whether for gaming or general use. On the other hand, if you find yourself in a shared workspace or a quiet environment where noise control is a priority, the WS Silent Tactile switch will suit your needs better. With its medium-heavy actuation force combined with unique noise-reduction technology, it strikes a balance between providing tactile feedback and keeping sound levels to a minimum, allowing you to type confidently without disturbing those around you. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style and the setting in which you plan to use your keyboard, ensuring a satisfying and enjoyable experience tailored to your needs.
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