HMX Lotus vs. Wuque Studio WS Onion
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Onion both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Lotus switch from HMX is characterized by a medium weight of 50g bottom out and a bright, resonant sound, providing a super bouncy feeling with every keystroke. On the other hand, the WS Onion switch features a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, offering a buttery smooth keystroke feel and a crisp, responsive touch with a neutral sound profile. While the Lotus switch provides a delightful typing experience with its bouncy feel, the WS Onion switch delivers a satisfyingly smooth and responsive typing 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
63.5g
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
Partial box
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
WS CL635 Gold Plated Stainless Spring
Housing materials
The HMX Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Onion both feature nylon as the material for their bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is because nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound quality. On the other hand, the Lotus uses nylon for its top housing, while the WS Onion utilizes polycarbonate. The polycarbonate top housing of the WS Onion produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Overall, both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials, with the Lotus providing a softer tone and the WS Onion delivering a sharper sound.
However, when comparing the two switches, it is important to note that the housing materials play a significant role in determining the sound profile of each key press. The nylon bottom housing of the Lotus and the WS Onion both contribute to a deeper and fuller sound experience due to their softer nature and sound-absorbing properties. On the other hand, the differences in the top housing material between the two switches result in contrasting sound profiles. The polycarbonate top housing of the WS Onion creates a crisper and more resonant sound, while the nylon top housing of the Lotus produces a rounder and duller sound. Therefore, depending on your preference for sound quality, you may lean towards one switch over the other based on their housing materials.
In conclusion, while the HMX Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Onion share nylon as their bottom housing material, the use of different materials for their top housing creates distinct sound profiles. The Lotus's nylon top housing offers a softer and rounder sound, while the WS Onion's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and more resonant sound experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in sound quality, with the housing materials playing a crucial role in shaping the typing experience for users.
Weight
The HMX Lotus linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a slightly heavier bottom out force of 50 grams compared to the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, which has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams. The WS Onion switch does not have a specified actuation force. The lighter actuation force of the Lotus switch may appeal to those looking for a smoother typing experience for extended periods, while the heavier bottom out force of the WS Onion switch may provide a more tactile typing sensation for users who prefer a more substantial key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preference for typing feel and weight sensitivity.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Lotus linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Lotus has a shorter distance than the WS Onion switch. The Lotus switch's 3.5 mm travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the 4 mm travel distance of the WS Onion switch may offer a more substantial keypress for those who prefer a greater sense of depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and responsiveness. Both switches offer distinct travel distances, providing users with options to suit their specific typing or gaming needs.
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 Onion has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Onion for $5.53.
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 is known for its bright and resonant sound profile, providing a super bouncy feeling with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Onion switch offers a neutral sound profile, which means it has a moderate actuation force requirement and sound level suitable for various purposes. Depending on personal preference and setup, the sound produced by these switches can vary significantly.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Lotus switch is noted for its medium weight of 50g bottom out, offering a tactile and responsive typing experience. In contrast, the WS Onion switch is described as buttery and polished, providing a smooth and refined keystroke sensation with reduced friction and effortless key travel. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience, albeit in slightly different ways.
Overall, the HMX Lotus and Wuque Studio WS Onion switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Lotus switch provides a bouncy and resonant sound with a tactile typing experience, while the WS Onion switch offers a neutral sound profile with a buttery and polished feel. Depending on individual preferences, both switches can enhance the typing experience in different ways. Whether one chooses the Lotus or the WS Onion, they can expect a high-quality typing experience with either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the HMX Lotus linear switch or the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, it really comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a bright, resonant sound with a bouncy feeling, then the Lotus switches from HMX are the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a buttery smooth keystroke feel with a crisp, responsive touch and a neutral sound profile, then the WS Onion switches might be more to your liking. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to consider what factors are most important to you in a keyboard switch before making your decision.
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