HMX Jelly vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the HMX Jelly and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, users often find themselves torn between the smooth linear appeal of the HMX Jelly and the tactile comfort of the Wuque Studio WS Brown. The Jelly switch, known for its low-pitched, deep "thock" sound signature, offers an incredibly smooth typing experience thanks to its excellent factory lube and lightweight 42g actuation force, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize speed and fluidity in their keystrokes. In contrast, the WS Brown switch presents a sophisticated fusion of familiarity and innovation, boasting a medium-light actuation force that fosters an enjoyable typing experience, especially during prolonged use. Renowned for the tactile feedback they provide, these switches are particularly appreciated by typists who value responsiveness and a pleasant auditory experience, thanks to their distinctive nylon housing and POM stem composition. While both switches have their unique attributes catering to different preferences, choosing the right one can significantly impact your typing experience. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
T2
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 extended single-stage spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Jelly and the Wuque Studio WS Brown both feature nylon as their housing material for both the top and bottom components, resulting in a notably similar typing experience. Nylon is recognized in the keyboard community for its classic properties; it provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics due to its softer nature. This characteristic is particularly advantageous in both models as it allows for sound absorption, reducing sharpness and promoting a rounder auditory experience. Users can expect consistent sound quality when typing on either switch, reaffirming that the choice of nylon benefits both keyboards equally.
Moreover, the construction of both the Jelly and WS Brown reinforces the advantages of nylon across the switch's full range of movement. Since they both utilize nylon for the top and bottom housings, the sound profile is not only cohesive between the keypress and the release but also contributes to an overall smooth and balanced typing experience. The bottom housing will impart its qualities during the act of bottoming out, while the top housing, with its nylon composition, will contribute to the auditory feedback when the key is released. This equal distribution of nylon across both sections ensures that users receive a rich acoustic experience regardless of which switch they are favoring at any moment.
In summary, both the HMX Jelly and the Wuque Studio WS Brown are designed with identical materials for their housings, confirming that their performance will align closely in terms of sound and feel. Typing on either switch will yield similar results due to the intrinsic qualities of nylon, enriching the sound profile with its soft, absorbing nature. Consequently, keyboard enthusiasts can appreciate the nuanced auditory output and tactile experience offered by both models without concern for significant discrepancies, as the benefits of nylon are consistently realized throughout their use.
Weight
The HMX Jelly linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch present a contrast in both actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences in typing experience. The Jelly switch has a relatively light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it suitable for prolonged typing sessions, as the lighter feel can reduce fatigue over time. In contrast, the WS Brown switch has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 55 grams, indicating a heavier feel overall. This heavier bottom out force offers a more substantial typing experience, appealing to users who appreciate a stronger push with each keystroke. Consequently, if you're someone who values a lighter switch for longer use, the Jelly is the better choice. However, for those who prefer a bit more resistance in their keystrokes, the WS Brown might be more satisfying despite its unknown actuation force.
Travel distance
The HMX Jelly linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch both have a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making their travel distance equal. This similarity means that users pressing either switch will experience the same distance of movement from the top to the bottom, resulting in comparable keystroke feel and response. Therefore, if you're looking for consistent typing results or gaming performance, both switches will deliver the same travel distance, offering a uniform experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Jelly has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jelly 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Jelly linear switch is characterized by a low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature, which can provide a satisfying auditory experience when typing. This sound is often favored by those who appreciate a more pronounced acoustic feedback, pairing well with the switch's smooth operation. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch offers a delightful auditory note that typing enthusiasts cherish, with a sound profile that echoes its medium-light actuation force. The sound produced by WS Brown is often complemented by the familiar nylon housing and POM stem combination, creating a pleasant auditory experience that is generally softer and more nuanced compared to the Jelly's thocky sound. It's important to note that the sound experience can also be influenced by the keyboard build and keycap materials used.
When it comes to feel, the Jelly switch stands out for its super smooth typing experience, attributable to its excellent factory lube and lightweight actuation force of 42g. This lightweight design makes the Jelly an excellent choice for those who prefer a seamless and fluid keystroke. In contrast, the WS Brown tactile switch strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort, also featuring a medium-light actuation force. The tactile bump present in the WS Brown offers a physical cue that enhances typing accuracy and satisfaction, making it ideal for those who appreciate feedback without being overly intrusive.
In conclusion, while the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch cater to different preferences, both offer unique sound and feel characteristics that can enhance the typing experience. The Jelly is perfect for users who enjoy a deeper, thocky sound and a smooth linear feel, while the WS Brown appeals to those seeking a familiar tactile feedback with a balanced auditory profile. Choosing between them ultimately depends on whether you prioritize a specific auditory experience or need tactile feedback in your typing sessions.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, you should consider your typing style and preferences. If you prefer a lighter switch with a smooth keypress and enjoy a low-pitched, thocky sound signature, then the HMX Jelly is an excellent choice. Its lightweight actuation at just 42 grams makes rapid typing feel effortless, perfect for gamers or those who type quickly and prefer a seamless experience. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that offers a balance of responsiveness and a tactile feel, the WS Brown is likely the better option. With a slightly higher actuation force of 55 grams, it provides a satisfying tactile bump that can help with typing accuracy, making it ideal for long typing sessions where comfort and feedback are essential. Additionally, the tactile nature of the WS Brown, along with its familiar auditory experience, appeals to those who appreciate the classic feel of mechanical switches. Ultimately, your final choice will hinge on whether you lean towards the smoothness and lightness of the Jelly or the tactile feedback and slightly higher resistance of the WS Brown.