HMX Lotus (Heavy) vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly influence your typing experience, and this becomes especially apparent when comparing HMX's Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and Wuque Studio's WS Silent Tactile switch. The Lotus (Heavy) switch offers a medium-heavy actuation force of 62.5g and a bright, resonant sound that provides a super bouncy feel under your fingers, making every keystroke a delightful experience, ideal for gamers and typists who prefer a smooth, uninterrupted flow. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile switch caters to those who seek a quieter yet responsive typing experience, perfect for office environments. With its medium tactility and innovative design that eliminates traditional silicone dampeners, the WS Silent Tactile manages to balance silent operation with crisp feedback, ensuring that you can type efficiently without disturbing others. While each switch boasts unique advantages—whether you crave the lively feedback of the Lotus (Heavy) or the serene touch of the WS Silent Tactile—there's more to explore. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile both utilize nylon as their primary material for both the top and bottom housings, contributing to a similar overall sound and tactile experience. Nylon’s softer composition plays a critical role in shaping the acoustic profile of the switches. In both models, the nylon housing absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, which results in a deeper, fuller sound when the keys are pressed. This shared characteristic means users can expect a comparable auditory experience, exhibiting a duller and rounder sound that can enhance the overall typing environment.
However, despite using the same material, the unique designs and internal components of each switch can lead to differences in the feel and performance during use. For instance, while the nylon construction enhances sound absorption, factors such as spring tension, actuation point, and tactile feedback can vary between the Lotus (Heavy) and WS Silent Tactile, impacting overall typing feel. While they both provide a similar aural experience thanks to their nylon housings, the substitutive elements tailored in each switch can cause a user to notice some distinctions when typing, especially in terms of key responsiveness and tactile feedback.
In conclusion, while both the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches share the same nylon housing materials that contribute synonymous sound characteristics, the potential differences in internal design elements mean that the feel and user experience during typing might not be completely identical. The bottoms of each switch primarily influence the bottom-out sound and feel, while the tops determine the sound upon key release. Therefore, even if the materials are the same, the overall experience can be nuanced, providing enthusiasts with varied satisfaction depending on personal preference and usage contexts.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Lotus (Heavy) features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, positioning it in the medium category of switch forces. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile switch has an unspecified actuation force but a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. Due to the absence of an actuation force for the WS Silent Tactile switch, we cannot directly compare that aspect with the Lotus (Heavy). However, the WS Silent Tactile's additional bottom out force suggests a slightly firmer feel when the key is fully pressed down. Overall, the Lotus (Heavy) can be viewed as the lighter option in terms of actuation force, which may appeal to users prioritizing prolonged typing sessions, whereas the WS Silent Tactile may provide the heavier, more robust feel favored by those who enjoy a substantial touch while typing.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch is identical, with both featuring a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This similarity means that users will experience a comparable feel when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch, leading to similar results in terms of key actuation and overall responsiveness. Since both switches share the same travel distance, neither can be described as shorter or longer; instead, they provide an equal tactile experience.
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 Silent 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch is characterized by a bright and resonant quality, delivering an auditory experience that is lively and engaging with every keystroke. This sound profile contributes to a distinctly energetic environment for typing, making it a delight for users who appreciate audible feedback during their interactions. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch is designed with noise reduction in mind; it produces a muted sound that is significantly softer than traditional switches. This makes the WS Silent Tactile particularly suitable for office settings or shared spaces, where minimizing noise is a priority. While the Lotus switch emphasizes a more vibrant auditory experience, the WS Silent Tactile excels in providing a quieter yet still crisp sound.
Regarding feel, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) offers a medium-heavy actuation weight of 62.5g, which lends itself to a super bouncy and invigorating typing sensation. This switch is designed to provide pronounced feedback, making each keystroke feel satisfying and dynamic. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile features a medium tactility, described as accented yet mild, allowing for a pronounced yet not overwhelming tactile response as you type. The tactile feedback is firm and snappy, creating an engaging typing experience without the harshness that accompanies some more aggressive tactile switches. While both switches provide enjoyable tactile experiences, the Lotus (Heavy) offers a more pronounced bounce compared to the subtlety of the WS Silent Tactile, which emphasizes smoothness and accessibility.
In conclusion, both the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches cater to specific preferences in mechanical keyboard users, albeit in different ways. The Lotus (Heavy) shines in its bright sound and invigorating feel, making it ideal for users who enjoy a lively typing experience. Conversely, the WS Silent Tactile excels in offering a muted sound profile and a balanced tactile feedback, ideal for quieter settings without sacrificing a responsive typing feel. Depending on your priorities—be it sound, feel, or effective usage in shared environments—you can select the switch that resonates with your typing style, keeping in mind that while the experiences may differ, both switches can deliver satisfactory results tailored to their design intentions.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you enjoy a more vibrant and bouncy typing experience with a bright sound profile, the Lotus (Heavy) switch could be your perfect fit. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 62.5 grams provides a satisfying tactile feedback that makes every keystroke feel delightful, appealing especially to those who appreciate more expressive typing dynamics. On the other hand, if your typing occurs in an office setting or shared space where noise minimization is crucial, the WS Silent Tactile will be the better choice. With a slightly heavier actuation force of 63.5 grams and its innovative design that significantly dampens sound while still delivering a notable tactile response, it marries both a serene typing experience and reliable feedback. In essence, if you seek a lively engagement while typing, go with the Lotus (Heavy), but if you value quietness without sacrificing responsiveness, the WS Silent Tactile will suit you splendidly.
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