HMX Lucky vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the HMX Lucky and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often narrows down to personal typing preferences and the desired tactile experience. The HMX Lucky switch stands out as a linear option, known for its smooth and lightweight feel, featuring softer, glittery nylon housings that create a neutral and satisfying typing experience. This switch is categorized by its clacky, bouncy, silky, and polished characteristics, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy a quieter, yet lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Brown switch offers a tactile experience that beautifully blends familiarity with innovation. With a medium-light actuation force, these switches provide a balance of responsiveness and comfort, making them perfect for extended typing sessions without causing fatigue. The audible feedback and the delightful tactile bump make the WS Browns a favorite among enthusiasts who appreciate the nuanced auditory experience paired with the familiar nylon housing and POM stem combination. Both switches have their unique appeals: the Lucky for those seeking a smooth, linear experience, and the WS Brown for typists craving the 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
37g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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 double-staged spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Lucky and Wuque Studio WS Brown switches both feature nylon as their housing material, which is considered a classic choice in switch design. This shared composition is significant, as nylon's softness contributes to the overall sound profile of each switch. Both switches produce a deeper and fuller sound when typing due to this characteristic of nylon, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. Therefore, users can expect a similar auditory experience from both switches, characterized by a duller and rounder sound that many typists find pleasant.
Examining the housing composition further, both the HMX Lucky and WS Brown utilize nylon for both the top and bottom housings. This uniform choice across both components enhances the switches' sound properties, allowing the influences of the top and bottom housings to blend harmoniously. Given that the impact of sound when a key is released predominantly comes from the top housing, while the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound, the fact that both switches use nylon throughout ensures a cohesive acoustic signature. It solidifies the user experience in a way that might not be as consistent if differing materials were employed for either housing.
In terms of overall typing experience, the similar use of nylon in both switches indicates that users will likely find comparable tactile attributes alongside the expected auditory effects. Since both the HMX Lucky and WS Brown utilize the same material throughout their structure, any distinctions in feel or sound would arise from other factors, such as switch design or actuation force, rather than housing material. Consequently, typists can confidently expect a degree of synergy from both switches, ensuring that those who favor the nylon construction will enjoy a consistent experience in sound and tactile feedback across both models.
Weight
The HMX Lucky linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch differ significantly in their actuation and bottom out forces, impacting typing experience and preference. The Lucky switch has a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it well-suited for longer typing sessions or gaming due to its lower resistance. In contrast, while the actuation force for the WS Brown is not specified, it has a heavier bottom out force of 55 grams, which indicates a more substantial feel when pressing down to the bottom. This could appeal to users who prefer a firmer touch for better feedback during typing. Consequently, the HMX Lucky switch is the lighter option, ideal for those who type for extended periods, whereas the WS Brown offers a heavier experience that might be favored by those seeking a more tactile response.
Travel distance
Both the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch have a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making them equal in this regard. This means that when you press down on either switch, you'll experience the same amount of key travel from the top to the bottom. As a result, users seeking a consistent typing experience in terms of travel distance will find that both switches deliver similar results, enhancing the overall feel and responsiveness of the keyboard.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Lucky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lucky 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
The sound profile of the HMX Lucky linear switch is characterized by its clacky nature, producing a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. This audio feedback tends to give a satisfying auditory experience, especially for those who appreciate a lively typing atmosphere. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch lacks a specific sound descriptor in the provided information. However, it is known for its familiar auditory experience coupled with its nylon housing and POM stem. Users of the WS Brown may find the sound experience understated and pleasant, but without definitive qualitative descriptors to compare against the Lucky’s clacky sound.
When it comes to the feel of each switch, the Lucky switch excels with a combination of bouncy, silky, and polished characteristics. This means that every keystroke delivers a lively, elastic feedback sensation, complemented by an exceptionally smooth typing experience that minimizes resistance. The combination of these features creates a refined and enjoyable touch experience, perfect for both casual and extended typing sessions. The WS Brown, however, does not have detailed descriptions about its tactile feedback within the provided information. Nevertheless, it strikes a medium-light balance in actuation force, which suggests a potentially comfortable and responsive feel; but without specifics, the exact tactile experience remains unclear.
Overall, while the HMX Lucky linear switch presents a distinctly clacky sound with a bouncy, silky, and polished touch, the Wuque Studio WS Brown switch offers its own charm with a familiarity that many users may appreciate. Without detailed sound attributes for the WS Brown, one can infer that it might not be as pronounced as the Lucky's, but it compensates with a thoughtful design aimed at fatigue-free typing. For those who seek a lively auditory experience along with a refined feel, the Lucky may be the ideal choice, while the WS Brown caters to those who value comfort and a more subdued sound profile. Each switch excels in its own right, and the choice ultimately depends on personal preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a lighter typing experience with a bottom-out force of just 43 grams, and you enjoy a lively, bouncy feel with a clacky auditory feedback, the Lucky switch is an excellent option. Its smooth, polished finish helps create a silky-smooth typing experience, making it ideal for fast-paced typing or gaming scenarios where responsiveness is key. On the other hand, if you value a more tactile feel with a weightier bottom-out force of 55 grams, the WS Brown switch may be your go-to. Its harmonious balance of medium-light actuation offers a comfortable experience for prolonged typing sessions, allowing for a more deliberate and familiar sensation while you type. The WS Brown’s auditory feedback, while not specified, provides a satisfying clickiness that can enhance your overall typing experience for both work and pleasure. Therefore, you should consider what aspects matter most to you—whether it’s the lightness and elasticity of the Lucky or the tactility and comfort of the WS Brown—to make a well-informed decision that will enhance your keyboard experience.
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