HMX Jelly vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the HMX Jelly and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly alter your typing experience, and two notable contenders are the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch. The Jelly switches are celebrated for their smooth operation and low-pitched, deep thocky sound, characterized by an impressive 42g actuation force that makes them lightweight and suitable for fast-paced typing or gaming scenarios. In contrast, the WS Light Tactile switches offer a delightful blend of smoothness with a notable tactile bump, ensuring that users receive satisfying feedback with each keypress, all while producing a neutral sound signature, making them appealing for both typing and quiet office environments. Each switch brings its unique attributes, with the Jelly favoring speed and a satisfying sound while the WS Light Tactile emphasizes tactile feedback and versatility in a variety of settings. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The HMX Jelly and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile exhibit contrasting materials in their top housing, which significantly impacts their acoustic profiles. The HMX Jelly features a nylon top housing, known for its softer plastic makeup. This softness leads to a enjoyable typing experience characterized by a deeper, fuller sound that absorbs sound more effectively, thus producing a duller and rounder auditory profile. In contrast, the WS Light Tactile employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is relatively stiffer. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, maximizing clarity and resonance. Furthermore, the translucency of the polycarbonate enhances its capability for displaying RGB lighting effects, making it an aesthetically appealing choice for enthusiasts who prioritize illuminated keyboards.
When examining the bottom housing, both the HMX Jelly and the WS Light Tactile utilize nylon. This shared material results in a consistent bottom-out sound and feel, as nylon is renowned for its sound-absorbing properties. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches leads to a fuller and rounder acoustic experience, bolstering the depth of the typing sound. Consequently, even though the top housings differ significantly in material and impact on sound profile, the shared nylon bottom housing unifies their performance characteristics at the moment of key activation, ensuring that the user experience remains coherent in terms of the deeper sound quality that nylon provides.
Overall, when comparing the HMX Jelly and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile, it becomes clear that while their top housing materials create distinct auditory experiences, the nylon bottom housing serves to create a cohesive feel and sound consistency between the two switches. This dichotomy results in the Jelly delivering a warm and subdued auditory experience, while the WS Light Tactile offers a brighter and more resonant sound, but the underlying contribution of nylon ensures that foundational acoustic qualities remain similar. Therefore, users can expect a satisfying typing experience from both switches, particularly when considering the cohesive role of their nylon bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch, we find subtle differences that cater to varying preferences. The Jelly switch features an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the WS Light Tactile requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Jelly switch lighter overall, which may appeal to those who prefer less resistance for extended typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the WS Light Tactile, with its heavier forces, offers a more substantial push feel that some users may find more satisfying. Although both switches are considered light, the Jelly switch is the lighter option, making it more suitable for prolonged use without fatigue, while the WS Light Tactile provides a firmer experience for those who favor a stronger key press.
Travel distance
The HMX Jelly linear switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This difference makes the Jelly switch the shorter option, catering to users who prefer a more responsive feel, particularly appealing for gaming scenarios where quicker keypress registration is beneficial. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile's 4.0 mm travel distance offers a more substantial feedback experience, which some users may find more comfortable and satisfying, particularly for typing tasks. Therefore, if you favor the sensation of deeper key presses, the longer travel distance of the WS Light Tactile switch would likely be more suitable for you.
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 Light Tactile comes in at $4.20 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
The sound profile of the HMX Jelly linear switch stands out for its low-pitched, deep, thocky signature, providing a satisfying auditory feedback that many typists enjoy. This quality, combined with its smooth operation due to excellent factory lubrication, makes it particularly attractive for those who appreciate a rich acoustic experience while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch presents a neutral sound signature that is inherently moderate. This means it produces a softer and less pronounced sound overall, making it suitable for a variety of environments, whether at home or in an office setting. While the Jelly switch offers a distinctive auditory experience, the WS Light Tactile ensures a quieter operation, which could appeal to users looking to minimize distraction.
When it comes to the feel, the Jelly switch is known for its super smooth keystroke that is enhanced by its lightweight actuation force of just 42g. This allows for effortless typing, promoting a fluid experience that can be particularly appealing during long sessions. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile switch offers a stepped tactile experience, characterized by a perceptible tactile bump that provides feedback when the key is activated. This tactile bump is mild compared to hypertactile switches, providing a balance of feedback without being overwhelming. Moreover, the easy-to-press nature of the WS Light Tactile ensures that minimal force is needed to actuate it, minimizing finger fatigue and enhancing comfort during prolonged use.
In conclusion, while the HMX Jelly linear switch is noted for its deep, thocky sound and super smooth feel, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile alongside a gentle tactile feedback that is both easy to actuate and comfortable for extended typing. The choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound and tactile feedback; the Jelly is ideal for those who enjoy a rich acoustic experience, whereas the WS Light Tactile is perfect for users who prioritize a balanced yet responsive feel. Each switch brings its unique characteristics to the typing experience, enabling newcomers to find the right fit based on their specific needs and environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you prefer a smooth and lightweight typing experience with a thocky sound signature, the Jelly switch may be the right choice for you. Its low actuation force and deep sound make it ideal for typists who enjoy a fluid keystroke and appreciate auditory feedback during their typing sessions. Conversely, if you value a tactile feedback without overwhelming noise, the WS Light Tactile switch would be an excellent fit. Its gentle tactile bump and neutral sound profile cater well to both home and office environments, allowing you to enjoy an engaging typing experience that minimizes noise while still providing a satisfying feel with each keystroke. Ultimately, consider whether you prioritize auditory aesthetics and smoothness versus tactile feedback and versatility to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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