HMX Lotus vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the HMX Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile. The HMX Lotus is a linear switch, offering a medium weight of 50g bottom out and a bright, resonant sound. With a super bouncy feeling to every keystroke, the Lotus switch provides a delightful typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile is a tactile switch known for its smoothness, snappy and perceptible tactile bump, and neutral sound signature. Categorized as 'Stepped', 'Neutral', and 'Easy-to-press', the WS Light Tactile switch offers a different typing experience compared to the Lotus. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The HMX Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile both feature nylon top housings, which are known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to their softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both materials offer unique sound qualities, the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Lotus and the WS Light Tactile utilize nylon material, which again contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. The similarities in bottom housing material suggest that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel across both switches. This shared characteristic highlights the importance of bottom housing material in determining the overall sound profile and tactile feedback of a switch.
Despite the similarities in bottom housing, the difference in top housing material between the Lotus and the WS Light Tactile results in distinct sound profiles when pressing down on the switch and releasing a key. The Lotus's nylon top housing provides a duller and rounder sound, while the WS Light Tactile's polycarbonate top housing offers a clearer and resonant sound. These contrasting sound profiles showcase how the choice of top housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience and sound quality of a switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, resulting in similar results when it comes to typing performance. However, the Lotus linear switch is lighter overall compared to the WS Light Tactile switch. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Lotus make it ideal for users who prefer a lighter typing experience, perfect for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the WS Light Tactile switch offers a slightly heavier feel, which may appeal to users looking for a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for typing force and feel.
Travel distance
The HMX Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Lotus being on the shallower end and the WS Light Tactile being closer to the average. Gamers may prefer the Lotus for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the WS Light Tactile. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and keypress feel.
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 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Lotus linear switch is best known for its bright, resonant sound, providing a super bouncy feeling with every keystroke. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch is known for its neutral sound signature, maintaining smoothness with a snappy and perceptible tactile bump. Both switches offer different sound profiles, with the Lotus providing a more lively and resonant sound compared to the neutral sound of the WS Light Tactile. However, the actual sound experience can vary depending on other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Lotus linear switch offers a medium weight of 50g bottom out, resulting in a bouncy and delightful keystroke experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch is described as stepped, providing a two-stage tactile feel with mild feedback. Additionally, the WS Light Tactile switch is easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate and offering a comfortable and low-impact typing experience. While both switches offer different tactile experiences, the Lotus switch provides a more traditional linear feel with a medium weight, while the WS Light Tactile offers a stepped tactile feel with easy-to-press actuation.
In conclusion, the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch offer distinctive sound and feel qualities. The Lotus switch provides a bright and resonant sound with a bouncy keystroke feel, while the WS Light Tactile switch offers a neutral sound signature with a stepped tactile feel and easy-to-press actuation. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, it is important to consider your typing style and preferences when choosing between the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch to ensure a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, you should consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a bouncy feeling with a bright, resonant sound, the Lotus switches may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth typing experience with a noticeable tactile bump and a neutral sound profile, the WS Light Tactile switches would be a great option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a bouncy feel with bright sound or a smooth feel with a noticeable tactile bump in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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