HMX Lotus vs. Wuque Studio WS Jade
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Jade both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Lotus, a linear switch with a medium weight of 50g bottom out, provides a super bouncy feeling and emits a bright, resonant sound with every keystroke. On the other hand, the WS Jade, also a linear switch, stands out for its use of a metallic insert in the stem base that creates a distinctive metallic sound profile. Additionally, the WS Jade features a light diffuser for an enchanting RGB display and offers a typing experience that is described as uniquely creamy and smooth, with a solid bottom-out. Each switch offers something special, whether it be the bouncy feel and bright sound of the Lotus or the creamy smoothness and unique sound profile of the WS Jade. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the HMX Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Jade utilize different housing materials for their switches, with the Lotus featuring nylon top and bottom housing while the WS Jade uses POM top and bottom housing. The nylon housing in the Lotus provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the POM housing in the WS Jade produces a unique and pleasing sound that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted compared to nylon. While both materials offer distinctive sound profiles, the choice between nylon and POM ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the HMX Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Jade, both switches offer a tactile typing experience with their respective sound profiles. The split qualities of the top and bottom housing in each switch give users a unique sensation when typing, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This split design allows for a balanced typing experience that caters to different preferences in sound and feel.
In summary, the HMX Lotus with its nylon housing and the Wuque Studio WS Jade with its POM housing provide users with distinct sound profiles that enhance the typing experience. While the nylon housing in the Lotus creates a deeper and fuller sound, the POM housing in the WS Jade offers a more subdued and unique sound. Whether you prefer a duller and rounder sound or a deeper and more muted sound, both switches deliver a tactile typing experience that is influenced by the qualities of their respective housing materials. Ultimately, the choice between the HMX Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Jade will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
The HMX Lotus linear switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch. The Lotus requires 45 grams of force to actuate and 50 grams to bottom out, while the WS Jade needs 50 grams to actuate and 60 grams to bottom out. The Lotus would be favored by those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer sessions, while the WS Jade would suit those looking for a more substantial push feel. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to the variance in actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences in keyboard usage.
Travel distance
The HMX Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them popular choices for those seeking quick and responsive key presses. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the Lotus for its slightly shorter travel distance, allowing for faster response times during intense gaming sessions. On the other hand, the WS Jade may appeal to those who appreciate a bit more depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal, and both can provide similar results depending on individual 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 Jade comes in at $4.30 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 switch offers a bright and resonant sound profile, creating a super bouncy feeling with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Jade switch is known for its clacky and marbly sound, providing a sharp and snappy typing experience with a clean and sharp sound profile. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard layout and keycaps chosen, so individual preferences will play a significant role in determining which sound profile is more appealing.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Lotus switch does not have specific descriptors available, whereas the Wuque Studio WS Jade switch is described as silky and creamy. The silky feel of the WS Jade switch offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimized resistance, while the creamy sensation provides a buttery and smooth typing experience, akin to gliding fingers effortlessly across the keys. These subjective feel descriptors indicate a luxurious and comfortable typing experience with the WS Jade switch.
Overall, the HMX Lotus and Wuque Studio WS Jade switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Lotus switch provides a bright and resonant sound with a bouncy feeling, the WS Jade switch offers a clacky and marbly sound profile paired with a silky and creamy typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that newcomers to mechanical keyboard switches can find a switch that suits their preferences for both audio feedback and tactile sensation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for bottom out force and sound profile. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams and a bright, resonant sound with a bouncy typing feel, the HMX Lotus switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 60 grams and a unique metallic insert in the stem base creating a clacky, marbly, and resonant sound profile with a creamy, smooth typing experience, the Wuque Studio WS Jade switch could be more suitable for your preferences. Consider your typing habits and sound preferences when making your decision between these two impressive linear switches.