HMX Lotus vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lotus and Wuque Studio WS Brown offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Lotus, a linear switch, boasts a medium weight of 50g bottom out and a resonant sound, providing a super bouncy feeling with every keystroke. On the other hand, the WS Brown, a tactile switch, features a medium-light actuation force that strikes a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort. While typing on the Lotus switches may bring delight through its bouncy feel, the WS Brown switches offer a familiar and delightful auditory 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the HMX Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Brown utilize nylon as the material for their switch housings. This choice of material results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches, as nylon is known for being a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. As a result, both keyboards offer a duller and rounder sound experience compared to other materials.
Despite both keyboards using nylon for their housing material, there may still be subtle differences in the sound and feel of typing on each. The qualities of the top and bottom housings play a role in the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has more influence on the sound when releasing a key. These differences, although nuanced, may be noticeable to users who are particularly attuned to the intricacies of keyboard switches.
In essence, the use of nylon as the housing material for the HMX Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Brown results in a similar sound and typing experience for users. The softer nature of nylon allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a more rounded typing experience overall. Therefore, while there may be minor differences in how the top and bottom housings impact the typing feel, the overall sound and feel of typing on both keyboards will be quite comparable due to the shared nylon material.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, we find that the Lotus is lighter in both categories. The Lotus has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the WS Brown has an actuation force that is unknown but a bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that the Lotus requires less force to trigger a keystroke and to bottom out compared to the WS Brown, making it a lighter option overall. Those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming may lean towards the Lotus, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may opt for the WS Brown. In this case, choosing the Lotus will result in a lighter typing experience overall, while selecting the WS Brown will provide a slightly heavier feel.
Travel distance
The HMX Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Lotus has a shorter travel distance compared to the WS Brown. The difference may not seem significant, but it can impact the typing or gaming experience depending on personal preferences. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Lotus with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more pronounced key press may lean towards the WS Brown with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, both switches offer unique benefits and it's important to consider how travel distance plays a role in your typing or gaming preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Lotus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus 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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Lotus linear switch produces a bright, resonant sound that adds a level of satisfaction to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch offers a familiar and delightful auditory experience with its nylon housing and POM stem combination. Both switches provide a unique sound profile that enthusiasts appreciate, with the Lotus offering a more bouncy sound compared to the harmonious balance of the WS Brown.
In terms of feel, the HMX Lotus linear switch provides a super bouncy feeling with a medium weight of 50g bottom out, enhancing the typing experience with each key press. Conversely, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort with its medium-light actuation force, ensuring fatigue-free typing during long sessions. While the Lotus may offer a more tactile feedback due to its linear nature, the WS Brown provides a smoother typing experience thanks to its tactile bump.
Overall, both the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer a bouncy and bright sound with a medium weight switch like the Lotus or a harmonious and comfortable typing experience with the WS Brown, both switches deliver in their own way. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference, but rest assured that with either option, you can expect a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, it all comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a light bottom out force and a bright, resonant sound with a super bouncy feeling, then the Lotus switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force with a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort, along with a familiar and delightful auditory experience, then the WS Brown switch may be more suitable for your needs. Consider your typing habits, preferences, and the overall typing experience you are seeking when making your decision between these two switches.
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