HMX Lotus (Heavy) vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Wuque Studio WS Dash present two intriguing yet distinct options for typists and gamers alike. The HMX Lotus (Heavy), characterized by its medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, offers a delightful tactile experience marked by a bright, resonant sound that enhances the satisfying bouncy feeling of each keystroke. This linear switch is perfect for those who appreciate a smooth pressing experience without the distraction of tactile bumps or clicky feedback. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Dash employs innovative Hall Effect technology, delivering a bright and clacky sound signature along with a silky smooth action that appeals to users who enjoy a refined typing experience. Each switch has its unique strengths: the Lotus (Heavy) excels in delivering a more consistent linear feel, while the WS Dash captures the allure of Hall Effect switches with a distinctive auditory character. 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
55g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
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 single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Wuque Studio WS Dash both utilize nylon in their bottom housings, indicating a shared commitment to delivering a rich auditory experience. The nylon material provides a softer surface that absorbs sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. This shared bottom housing material ensures that both switches will produce a substantial bottom-out sound that is characterized by a round quality, appealing to those who appreciate a more subdued auditory feedback. The consistency in the bottom housing means both models will deliver similar tactile experiences that emphasize comfort and a more muted sound, regardless of the variation in their top housing materials.
In contrast, the top housing materials of the Lotus (Heavy) and WS Dash present a distinct divergence in their acoustic properties. The Lotus (Heavy) utilizes nylon for its top housing, which contributes to a mellow sound profile aligned with the rest of its construction. This choice allows for a consistent auditory character throughout the switch, enhancing the deeper tones that are produced when keys are released. Conversely, the WS Dash employs polycarbonate for its top housing, introducing a brighter and crisper sound profile. The stiffer polycarbonate material amplifies treble frequencies, resulting in a more pronounced auditory clarity that contrasts with the softer sound produced by the nylon in the Lotus (Heavy). The use of polycarbonate, particularly in a transparent housing, also enhances visual aspects when paired with RGB lighting, making it an attractive option for users who value aesthetics alongside performance.
Ultimately, the combination of these materials in the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and Wuque Studio WS Dash creates distinct soundscapes influenced by their individual top and bottom housing materials. While both models share a common nylon bottom housing that promotes depth in sound, the differentiation in their top housings leads to varied auditory experiences. Users of the WS Dash may appreciate the sharpness and clarity offered by polycarbonate, especially in bright lighting scenarios, while those opting for the Lotus (Heavy) will likely value its warmer, rounder sound character. Regardless of their contrasts, both switches, through the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing, ensure that the foundational aspects of tactile feedback remain solid and comfortable across the board.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, notable differences emerge. The Lotus (Heavy) switch features a stronger actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, making it the heavier option. In contrast, the WS Dash switch offers a significantly lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This disparity means that users who prefer a more substantial typing experience may gravitate towards the Lotus for its firmer feel, while those seeking a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may favor the WS Dash. While both switches have medium to medium-light profiles, their forces reflect distinct preferences in typing feel, thus catering to different user needs.
Travel distance
The HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch both feature a travel distance of 3.5 mm, meaning that they offer identical key presses in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This equal travel distance ensures that users can expect a similar tactile experience while typing or gaming, as both switches will register a key press at the same depth. Consequently, those who prefer either switch can enjoy the same level of responsiveness and feedback, making them comparable options for keyboard enthusiasts.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Lotus (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus (Heavy) 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 Lotus (Heavy) switch delivers a bright and resonant auditory experience, ensuring a satisfying sound with each keystroke. This is complemented by a certain level of acoustic feedback that brings a delightful character to typing. Conversely, the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch exhibits a bright and clacky sound signature, which also enhances the auditory feedback during use. Both switches offer a lively sound, which can be influenced further by the type of keyboard and keycap materials, but they generally ensure an engaging auditory experience.
When considering the feel of each switch, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) is known for its medium-heavy actuation force of 62.5g, resulting in a super bouncy sensation that invigorates every keystroke, making it a pleasure to type on. On the other hand, the WS Dash switch is characterized by its silky smooth keystroke, providing a delightful glide that adds to the overall typing experience. Both switches promise a satisfying tactile feedback, although the Lotus may have a slightly more pronounced push-back due to its heavier weight.
In conclusion, while both the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and Wuque Studio WS Dash switches offer an enjoyable typing experience characterized by bright sound and pleasing tactile sensations, they each have unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Lotus provides a bouncy feel with its substantial actuation force, while the WS Dash emphasizes smoothness in keystrokes. Ultimately, your choice may come down to whether you prefer the bounciness of the Lotus or the silky smoothness of the WS Dash, but you can expect a rewarding typing experience from either option.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch largely depends on your personal preferences and the typing experience you seek. If you appreciate a medium-heavy actuation force that offers a bouncy sensation with every keystroke, the Lotus (Heavy) might be the ideal switch for you. Its tactile feedback and pronounced acoustic profile provide a satisfying typing experience, making it an excellent choice for both typing and gaming, especially if you enjoy the sound of bright, resonant clicks to accompany your actions. On the other hand, if you prefer a softer touch with a lighter bottom-out force, the WS Dash switch may be more aligned with your needs. The silky smooth keystrokes paired with a bright and clacky sound make it well-suited for those who favor a refined yet lively auditory experience while typing. Ultimately, whether you lean towards the uplifting bounce of the Lotus (Heavy) or the smooth elegance of the WS Dash, both switches offer unique experiences that cater to different styling and functional desires.
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