HMX Jelly vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash
An in-depth look at the HMX Jelly and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, personal preferences play a pivotal role, and two excellent contenders are the HMX Jelly and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches. The HMX Jelly switches are celebrated for their low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature, creating a satisfying acoustic experience. They offer a lightweight actuation force of 42g, making them incredibly smooth to type on, which is ideal for users who prioritize comfort and responsiveness during extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Dash, featuring Hall Effect technology, presents a bright and clacky sound profile that delivers a unique auditory punch alongside a silky smooth keystroke. This switch may appeal to those who enjoy a more dynamic and refined typing experience. Both switches offer distinct auditory and tactile characteristics tailored to different typing styles and 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
30g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T2
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Jelly and the Wuque Studio WS Dash, stark differences emerge in their top housing options. The Jelly utilizes nylon for its top housing, which is known for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile. This is due to the softer nature of nylon, which not only absorbs sound effectively but also enhances a more subdued auditory experience. In contrast, the WS Dash opts for polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that results in a sharper and crisper sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate contributes to a more resonant sound, making for a distinctly brighter auditory effect. Thus, while both switches feature high-quality materials, their sound characteristics diverge significantly based on the top housing material used.
In terms of bottom housing, both the HMX Jelly and the WS Dash share nylon as their common material, which further aligns their acoustic behavior in a complementary manner. Nylon's softer qualities allow both switches to generate that deeper, fuller sound profile prevalent in their typing experience. Regardless of the variation in upper housing materials, the nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches provide a consistent feel and sound depth when pressed down, contributing a velvety tactile sensation that defines the bottom-out experience. This sharing of material means that users will encounter a unique consistency in sound and feel, particularly during keypresses.
The result of these materials is an interesting synthesis of sound profiles between the two switches. While the Jelly offers a deeper and rounder sound due to its nylon top housing, the WS Dash presents a more crisp and clear auditory experience with its polycarbonate top. However, with both switches employing nylon in their bottom housings, users will encounter a familiar bottom-out feel and sound, bridging the two experiences. Thus, even with notable differences in the top housing materials, the commonality of nylon in the bottom allows each switch to elicit comparable results in terms of overall tactile and auditory experiences during use, providing a nuanced advantage for enthusiasts who appreciate a variety of sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Jelly switch features an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it a lighter option, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming where quick key presses are beneficial. In contrast, the WS Dash has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams but a heavier bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that while the WS Dash requires less force to initiate a keystroke, it feels more substantial when fully pressed down, appealing to those who prefer a firmer typing experience. Overall, the HMX Jelly switch provides a more consistent light touch throughout its travel, while the WS Dash offers a combination of light actuation with a pronounced bottoming out feel. This distinction means that users will have different tactile experiences based on their preference for lighter or heavier feedback when typing or gaming.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, we find that the Jelly features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the WS Dash has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more responsive feel, the WS Dash may be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, allowing for quicker keystrokes and potentially improved gaming performance. On the other hand, the Jelly's slightly longer travel distance may offer a more satisfying depth during typing, which some users might prefer for comfort and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference—whether one values speed and responsiveness or a more substantial keypress 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 Dash has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Dash for $7.49.
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 delivers a low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature that provides a satisfying acoustic experience with each keystroke. This sound profile is complemented by its factory lube, which enhances smoothness and contributes to an overall muted yet rich auditory presence. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch produces a bright and clacky sound that stands in stark contrast to the Jelly's deeper tone. This character introduces a lively and energetic auditory feedback that many typists and gamers find engaging, though it may not offer the same level of depth. The sound produced by both switches can also be influenced by the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps, meaning that users may have similar results based on their setup.
Regarding feel, the Jelly switch is celebrated for its super smooth keystroke, facilitated by its well-regarded factory lubrication. With a lightweight 42g actuation force, it provides a tactile ease that can benefit long typing sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, the WS Dash hall effect switch is known for its silky smooth actuation as well, providing a responsive feel that enhances performance. Both switches aim for an effortless keystroke experience, making them suitable for users who prioritize a buttery-smooth typing experience.
Overall, both the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch cater to different sound preferences while maintaining a high standard of smoothness in their keystrokes. If you're drawn to a deep, muted sound with a light touch, the Jelly will be your go-to, whereas the WS Dash offers a more vibrant, lively auditory experience. Both switches offer a smooth typing experience, ensuring that regardless of your choice, you will enjoy effortless keystrokes. Ultimately, the decision will come down to whether you prefer the thocky warmth of the Jelly or the bright, clacky nature of the WS Dash.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you desire a light switch that provides a soft and deep thocky sound profile, the HMX Jelly switch would be an excellent choice. Its light bottom-out force of 48 grams and a low actuation force of 42 grams allow for an effortless typing experience that many find comfortable, especially for long typing sessions or gaming. The Jelly’s smooth feel, thanks to its factory lube, enhances the overall experience, making it ideal for those who appreciate a quieter and more tactile feedback.
On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer key response with a more pronounced sound, the WS Dash switch is a strong contender. The medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams combined with its bright and clacky sound signature can offer a more dynamic typing experience, particularly appealing for those who enjoy a bit more resistance and auditory feedback. The silky smooth keystroke of the WS Dash adds to its refined feel, making it perfect for users who want an engaging and responsive switch that feels both robust and articulate during use.
Ultimately, both switches cater to different aspects of typing preferences, so consider your personal style, whether you lean towards a softer, quieter feel or a more responsive and vibrant typing experience, to make the best decision for your keyboard setup.
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