HMX Hibiscus vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the HMX Hibiscus and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Hibiscus and Wuque Studio WS Brown offer distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The HMX Hibiscus, a linear switch, is celebrated for its ultra-light actuation force, making it one of the most responsive options available. Its bouncy, clacky, and crispy sound profile creates a delightful auditory experience, perfect for users who appreciate a light touch and fast typing speeds. On the other hand, the WS Brown is a tactile switch that strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort, boasting a medium-light actuation force that allows for comfortable and fatigue-free typing during long sessions. Its familiar sound and feel, thanks to its nylon housing and POM stem, make it a favorite among typing enthusiasts seeking that perfect blend of tactile feedback and smooth operation. While the Hibiscus caters to those who crave an ultra-smooth experience, the WS Brown appeals to those who enjoy the tactile feedback of a traditional switch. 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
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
T3
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the HMX Hibiscus and the Wuque Studio WS Brown are notably similar, as both keyboards utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. Nylon is a well-regarded switch housing material known for its ability to provide a deeper and fuller sound profile. The inherent characteristics of nylon, being a softer plastic, contribute to its sound absorption capabilities, allowing for a more muted auditory experience when typing. Both keyboards benefit from these qualities, resulting in a rounded sound that many users find desirable during extended typing or gaming sessions.
In terms of construction, the use of nylon in both the Hibiscus and the WS Brown means that users can expect a fairly consistent tactile and acoustic experience. As the softness of the nylon helps in dampening vibrations, both keyboards are likely to offer a similar bottom-out feel, which can impact user comfort over long periods of use. This shared material choice reinforces that the key switches in both models will deliver comparable performance, including the pleasant auditory feedback that users associate with high-quality keyboards.
Despite the similarity in housing materials, the overall typing experience may still vary slightly based on other components such as switch design and spring tension. However, given that both keyboards employ nylon in their top and bottom housings, users can expect to achieve largely identical sound profiles and tactile feedback. Each housing influences the typing experience such that the softness of nylon ensures an enjoyable blend of sound and feel, making both the HMX Hibiscus and the WS Brown appealing options for enthusiasts who prioritize acoustic quality in their keyboards.
Weight
The HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Hibiscus features a relatively light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the WS Brown has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 55 grams, indicating a medium-light feel at the bottom end. Since the actuation force of the WS Brown is unspecified, we cannot directly compare it to that of the Hibiscus. However, based on its heavier bottom out force, it suggests a sturdier feel when fully pressed down. Thus, the Hibiscus is clearly the lighter option overall, while the WS Brown may appeal to those who favor a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force.
Travel distance
The HMX Hibiscus linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This indicates that the Hibiscus is the shorter of the two options, offering a more responsive experience that many gamers may prefer for quicker reaction times. In contrast, the WS Brown, with its greater travel distance, may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing or gaming, as the additional depth can provide a more satisfying tactile feedback. Thus, if you seek quicker actuation and response, the Hibiscus would be the better choice, while the WS Brown is suited for those who favor a more pronounced keypress.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Hibiscus has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hibiscus for $2.99.
The Wuque Studio WS Brown comes in at $3.50 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 Hibiscus switch stands out with its satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. This switch produces a sharp and snappy sound upon actuation, providing a bright and percussive auditory feedback that many users find appealing. The auditory experience is engaging and can enhance the satisfaction of typing. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches provide a more subtle and refined sound quality. It is marked by familiarity and elegance, but specific descriptors of its sound profile are less prominent. While enthusiasts often appreciate the nylon housing and POM stem combination for their auditory characteristics, the WS Brown switches might not deliver the same level of crispness or excitement as the Hibiscus.
In terms of feel, the HMX Hibiscus switches excel with their bouncy and feathery qualities. The bouncy feedback gives a lively sensation upon keystroke, as it offers a spring-like rebound that can enhance dynamic typing and gaming performance. Additionally, the feathery feel translates to a very light actuation force, significantly easing the strain on the fingers during extended use, whether typing or gaming. In contrast, the WS Brown switches are characterized by a medium-light actuation force that offers a balance between comfort and responsiveness; however, the lack of detailed descriptions in terms of feel means there are no specific qualities to match against the Hibiscus variety.
In conclusion, the HMX Hibiscus and Wuque Studio WS Brown switches serve different purposes and appeal to varying preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Hibiscus is notable for its engaging sound and exceptional feel, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a lively typing experience. Conversely, the WS Brown switches offer a familiar tactile feel and a more subtle sound profile, which might suit users desiring a quieter, yet still responsive setup. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prefer a more pronounced auditory experience and a lively feel or a comfortable and classic typing option.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you favor a light actuation and a smooth, effortless feel, the Hibiscus switch is an excellent option, particularly for extended sessions where comfort is a priority. Its clacky sound signature and bouncy feedback can enhance your typing experience, making it enjoyable and engaging, whether you're gaming, working, or simply writing. On the other hand, if you appreciate a bit more resistance with a slightly heavier bottom-out force that ensures tactile feedback without sacrificing comfort, the WS Brown is likely more suited for you. Its familiar auditory feedback and well-rounded response provide a balanced typing experience that many enthusiasts cherish, making it ideal for tasks that require precision and a tactile sensation. Ultimately, consider how you plan to use your keyboard and what sensations you find most satisfying, as this will guide you in making the best choice for your needs.
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