HMX Hibiscus vs. Wuque Studio WS Jade
An in-depth look at the HMX Hibiscus and the Wuque Studio WS Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect linear switch for your mechanical keyboard, the HMX Hibiscus and the Wuque Studio WS Jade offer distinct yet appealing options tailored to different preferences. The HMX Hibiscus is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and light actuation force, providing a delightful typing experience that caters to those who appreciate a bouncy and feathery feel. Its clacky, poppy sound signature adds an auditory dimension to typing, making it a favorite for users who value both performance and acoustic feedback. In contrast, the WS Jade features a metallic insert in its stem base, resulting in a bright and resonant sound profile that creates a uniquely creamy and smooth feel with a rock-solid bottom-out. Equipped with a light diffuser, the WS Jade also enhances the visual aspect of your setup, making it a great choice for RGB enthusiasts. Both switches are exemplary in their own right, but they cater to different sensory experiences and aesthetic preferences. 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
42g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T3
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Hibiscus and the Wuque Studio WS Jade switches utilize distinct housing materials, which influence their overall sound profiles and typing experiences. The Hibiscus employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a traditional choice that enhances the switch's ability to absorb sound due to the softer nature of nylon. This results in a deeper and fuller auditory experience that is characterized by a duller, rounder sound. In contrast, the WS Jade uses POM (polyoxymethylene) for its housing materials. POM is known for its unique acoustic properties, which result in a sound profile that is similarly deep, yet retains a slightly more muted quality. This variance in material not only alters the sound but also the tactile feedback each switch provides while typing.
When considering the bottom housing of each switch, the difference in materials becomes even more apparent. The Hibiscus, with its nylon bottom housing, produces a sound that is fuller and more resonant, which can enhance the overall tactile feedback of bottoming out. Conversely, the WS Jade's POM bottom housing yields a sound that is pleasing yet comparatively subdued. As the impact of a user's keystrokes primarily resonates through the bottom housing, the Hibiscus may offer a more pronounced response during the downstroke, while the WS Jade may deliver a softer feel, blending its unique sound with its tactile experience. This distinction underscores how the materials in the bottom housing significantly influence the full experience of using these switches.
Despite their differences, both the HMX Hibiscus and the Wuque Studio WS Jade can deliver similarly appealing sound profiles thanks to their respective designs. Both switches are optimized to create deeper sounds that contribute to user satisfaction. For instance, if one were to switch from the Hibiscus to the Jade or vice versa, the acoustic qualities of each housing could produce a comparable sound experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two may come down to personal preference regarding the tactile feel and responsiveness during typing, as well as the specific tonal attributes one desires in their mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, we see notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Hibiscus features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it suitable for prolonged typing sessions, appealing to those who prefer a lighter feel. In contrast, the WS Jade has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, offering a more substantial typing experience that some users may find satisfying. This means that while the HMX Hibiscus is better for users who prioritize comfort over extended use, the WS Jade may be favored by those looking for a firmer push. Overall, the Hibiscus is the lighter switch, whereas the WS Jade is the heavier option, reflecting varying user preferences in keyboard feel.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch differ slightly, with the Hibiscus measuring 3.5 mm and the WS Jade measuring 3.6 mm. This means that the WS Jade offers a longer travel distance, giving it a more pronounced depth that some users might appreciate for a more tactile feel when pressing down on a key. Conversely, the slightly shorter travel distance of the Hibiscus could provide a more responsive experience, which is often favored by gamers looking for quick keystrokes. Ultimately, if you're seeking a switch that feels more abrupt and encourages faster response times, the Hibiscus would be ideal. However, if you prefer the sensation of a deeper press, the WS Jade is the better choice.
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 Jade comes in at $4.30 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, both the HMX Hibiscus and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switches offer a clacky typing experience characterized by sharp and snappy feedback. The Hibiscus is particularly noted for its satisfyingly crispy and poppy sound, which provides a delightful auditory experience as you type. In contrast, the WS Jade enhances this sound profile with the addition of a metallic insert in the stem base, contributing to a bright and resonant sound that elevates the overall auditory experience to a higher pitch. The WS Jade's combination of clacky and resonant qualities adds a unique depth, making it an immersive choice for those who appreciate sound in their typing environment.
In terms of feel, the HMX Hibiscus switches provide a distinctly bouncy and feathery sensation, allowing for a lively and responsive typing experience that promotes comfort during prolonged use. Users will enjoy the spring-like feedback, making each keystroke feel satisfying without requiring much exertion from the fingers. The WS Jade, on the other hand, presents a silky and creamy typing experience that allows for smooth gliding across the keys. This combination minimizes resistance and delivers a buttery feel that can be incredibly enjoyable for typing and gaming alike. While both switches prioritize smoothness and ease of use, the Hibiscus leans towards a more playful rebounding feel, whereas the WS Jade offers a velvety glide.
Overall, both the HMX Hibiscus and WS Jade linear switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences that cater to varied preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Hibiscus switch provides a smoother and bouncier typing experience, accompanied by a crisp and poppy sound, while the WS Jade enhances that experience with its resonant audio and silky touch. Both options promise satisfying feedback and pleasant typing sessions, making them excellent choices for newcomers exploring the world of mechanical keyboards. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer a livelier feedback or a creamier typing experience, as both switches provide their own unique advantages.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you favor a lighter switch that offers an ultra-smooth typing experience with a bouncy and feathery feel, the Hibiscus is your best bet. It's ideal for extended typing sessions, whether for gaming, school, or work, thanks to its light actuation force of 48 grams that minimizes finger fatigue. Moreover, if you enjoy a clacky sound profile that’s both crisp and bright, the Hibiscus will deliver an engaging auditory experience. Conversely, if you prefer a more solid feel with a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, then the WS Jade is the way to go. It provides a creamy and silky typing experience, perfect for those who value a robust and immersive sensation while typing. Additionally, the metallic insert in the Jade’s stem base not only contributes to its unique resonant sound profile but also enhances the overall aesthetics with effective RGB diffusion. Ultimately, choose the Hibiscus for lightness and ease, and the WS Jade for a more substantial, yet equally enjoyable typing feel. Your selection will guide you to a keyboard experience that aligns with your specific needs and preferences.
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