HMX Lotus vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch stand out as top contenders. The Lotus switch, with its medium weight of 50g bottom out and bright, resonant sound, offers a super bouncy typing experience that can make every keystroke a delight. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switch from Wuque Studio is ideal for office environments, providing a medium tactility with superior noise reduction due to precision-engineered stem railings. While the Lotus switch excels in providing a satisfying tactile experience, the WS Silent Tactile switch sets a new standard in silent switches by delivering a quiet operation without sacrificing tactile feedback. 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
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 housing materials of the HMX Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile are both made of nylon, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The similarities in their housing materials mean that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel when using either of these switches.
However, while both switches share the same nylon material for their top and bottom housings, the qualities each housing brings to the switch may differ. For example, the bottom housing of a switch tends to have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This distinction means that despite using the same material, the HMX Lotus and the WS Silent Tactile may offer slightly varying tactile feedback and sound characteristics during typing.
Overall, the use of nylon housing in both the HMX Lotus and the WS Silent Tactile speaks to the popularity of this material in switch manufacturing. Its ability to enhance sound profiles and provide a softer typing experience makes it a preferred choice among keyboard enthusiasts. Whether it be the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound or the top housing influencing the sound upon key release, the nylon material in both switches contributes to a consistent and enjoyable typing experience for users.
Weight
The HMX Lotus linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Lotus has a lighter 50 grams compared to the WS Silent Tactile's heavier 63.5 grams. The differences in force between the two switches cater to different preferences in typing experience. Some may prefer the light actuation force of the Lotus for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may prefer the more substantial feel of the WS Silent Tactile for a stronger push. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the individual's preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Lotus linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch both have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the travel distance of these two switches, it is clear that you will get similar results in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. Both switches provide a consistent tactile feedback experience despite having different switch types. It is impressive that despite their design variances, the travel distance remains the same. This similarity ensures that users can expect a familiar typing experience regardless of the switch they choose.
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 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 switch provides a bright, resonant sound that can make every keystroke a delight. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switch offers a muted sound profile, thanks to its innovative design that prioritizes noise reduction without sacrificing the crisp typing experience. Depending on your personal preference and the setup of your keyboard, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different needs and environments.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Lotus switch is praised for providing a super bouncy feeling with a medium weight of 50g bottom out. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile switch is described as accentuated and invigorating, offering a prominent amount of tactility and a snappy, reactive feel for an immersive typing sensation. Meanwhile, the Lotus switch's specific feel characteristics are not mentioned, but it is safe to assume that the bouncy feeling of the switch will provide a unique tactile experience compared to the WS Silent Tactile switch.
Overall, the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Lotus switch provides a bright and resonant sound with a super bouncy feeling, the WS Silent Tactile switch offers a muted sound profile and an accentuated, invigorating feel. Depending on your preference for sound, tactile feedback, and typing experience, both switches provide unique options that cater to different typing styles and environments. Ultimately, trying both switches in person will give you the best idea of which one suits your needs and preferences the most. You can expect a different typing experience with each switch, but both will provide a high-quality performance that meets the standards of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, consider your priorities in terms of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter weight with a bright, resonant sound and a super bouncy keystroke, the Lotus switch may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you value medium tactility with superior noise reduction for a silent yet crisp typing experience, the WS Silent Tactile switch would be a great option, especially for office environments. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience and the environment in which you will be using the keyboard.
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