HMX Jammy vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the HMX Jammy and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Jammy and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl are two compelling options that stand out among linear switches. The Jammy, celebrated for its softer and glittery nylon housings, delivers a muted yet deeply satisfying typing experience, making it an appealing choice for users seeking a balance between comfort and auditory subtlety. In contrast, the WS Pearl distinguishes itself with an innovative design that incorporates ball bearings to minimize friction during keystrokes, yielding an exceptionally smooth typing experience accompanied by a medium-high pitched sound signature. Each switch brings its unique characteristics to the table: the Jammy is ideal for those who prefer a softer touch, while the WS Pearl is perfect for users who value an ultra-smooth keystroke. 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
57g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Nylon
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-staged spring
Spring
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The HMX Jammy and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl both utilize nylon as their primary housing material, both for the top and bottom components. This choice of material is significant as nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound better than harder plastics, leading to a typing experience characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile. In both cases, the softer nature of nylon contributes to a rounder and duller sound, making the act of typing on these switches feel more satisfying. Consequently, users can expect a similar auditory experience when using either keyboard, with a sound profile that minimizes sharp noises and enhances the overall tactile feedback.
While both the Jammy and the WS Pearl share identical housing materials, the impact of this similarity is nuanced by the design of each switch. The bottom housing predominantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is fully pressed, whereas the top housing plays a decisive role in the sound produced upon releasing a key. Therefore, even with the same nylon material utilized in both switches, the way these characteristics manifest can vary based on the specific design and engineering of each keyboard. This means that users may have different overall experiences despite the foundational similarity in materials.
Moreover, while the similar nylon housings of the HMX Jammy and the WS Pearl promise a comparable auditory experience, considerations such as the internal mechanisms and design nuances of each switch can lead to distinct typing feels. The specific engineering of the switch internals may dictate responsiveness, actuation force, and tactile feedback, which could further differentiate the two models. Thus, despite the shared materials contributing to a rich and deep sound profile, factors beyond housing—like switch design—remain crucial for users when determining their preferred typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Jammy features an actuation force of 57 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, indicating a medium level of resistance, while the WS Pearl has a much lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a slightly lower bottom out force of 58 grams. This makes the WS Pearl the lighter option overall, resulting in easier keystrokes that could benefit users looking for reduced fatigue during long typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may find the Jammy switch's higher forces more satisfying. While both switches have similar bottom out forces, the considerable difference in their actuation forces would lead to contrasting typing experiences, appealing to different preferences among users.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, there are notable differences that cater to varying preferences in tactile feedback and responsiveness. The Jammy features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the WS Pearl has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Jammy offers a more pronounced depth, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial keypress experience and a less abrupt feel. In contrast, the WS Pearl's shorter travel distance may be favored by gamers or users seeking quicker response times due to its more immediate actuation. Thus, if you prioritize responsiveness, you might lean towards the WS Pearl, while the Jammy could be the better choice if you desire a deeper, more tactile switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Jammy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jammy for $2.99.
The Wuque Studio WS Pearl comes in at $6.00 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Jammy linear switch produces a muted and subdued audio profile, complemented by its softer nylon housing that dampens keystrokes effectively. This results in a typing experience that is quieter and invites a more relaxed atmosphere while typing. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch delivers a medium-high pitched sound that is sharp yet not obnoxious, owing to its innovative design with ball-bearings that allow for reduced friction. While both switches will exhibit distinct audio qualities, the Jammy leans towards a more silent operation, making it ideal for quiet environments, whereas the WS Pearl offers a livelier sound that some users may find more engaging.
Regarding the feel, the Jammy switch offers a medium-weight typing experience that is deeply satisfying, thanks to its glittery nylon housing that contributes to a cushioned and plush sensation during keystrokes. The feedback it provides can evoke a sense of comfort for users who prefer a softer touch while typing. Conversely, the WS Pearl switch shines with its unique ball-bearing mechanism, resulting in a remarkably smooth keystroke feel that can be described as almost surreal. This design reduces friction substantially, allowing for a luxurious glide as fingers move over the keys, providing a distinctly different tactile sensation compared to the moderately cushioned feel of the Jammy.
In conclusion, both the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the Jammy offers a quieter, plush typing experience, the WS Pearl introduces a lively sound signature and a remarkably smooth keystroke feel that sets it apart. Ultimately, your choice may depend on the type of sound and feel you prefer, but both switches are designed to provide satisfying typing experiences in their own right.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch will ultimately depend on your specific preferences in typing experience. If you're looking for a satisfying feel with muted feedback, the Jammy switches are an excellent choice. Their medium-weight resistance of 63 grams provides a balanced push while offering a deeply satisfying tactile experience thanks to the softer nylon housings. This makes them suitable for long typing sessions where comfort is key. In contrast, if you prioritize an incredibly smooth keystroke and a unique sound profile, then the WS Pearl switches would be more appealing. Their medium-bottom out force of 58 grams combined with ball-bearings for reduced friction allows for a surreal typing experience with a pleasant medium-high pitch sound signature. These features make them ideal for those who enjoy an exceptionally fluid and quick typing style. Ultimately, consider what elements of typing and sound are most important to you in order to make the best choice that aligns with your keyboard usage.
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