HMX Lucky vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the HMX Lucky and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the HMX Lucky and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile can significantly affect your typing experience. The HMX Lucky switch, with its soft, glittery nylon housing, provides a neutral and deeply satisfying feel characterized by a clacky and bouncy response, making it ideal for those who prefer a smooth and effortless keypress. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile switch from Wuque Studio boasts a robust 70g tactile bump and an alluring "thocky" sound, offering an immersive typing sensation for those who appreciate a tactile feedback that is both accented and snappy. While the Lucky switch caters to a lighter, more fluid typing experience, the WS Heavy Tactile appeals to users seeking a pronounced tactile response and satisfying auditory feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for either a smoother sensation or a more tactile engagement. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.20 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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the HMX Lucky and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile utilize nylon for their switch housings, encompassing both the top and bottom parts of the switches. This similarity in materials contributes to an acoustic profile that is distinctly deeper and fuller due to nylon's inherent properties. The softness of nylon not only helps absorb sound, but also produces a rounder sound profile compared to switches crafted from harder plastics. This shared construction suggests that both switches are likely to elicit a satisfying auditory experience during typing, yielding a soft thud rather than a sharper clack.
Despite the fact that both the Lucky and the WS Heavy Tactile switches utilize the same nylon housing material, there are nuances in their design that can lead to different tactile experiences. If the bottom housings are similarly designed, the overall feel upon bottoming out when typing can be more pronounced and softer, maintaining consistency in the impact sound and sensation. On the other hand, variations in the top housing design, including the shape and tolerances, can influence the sound generated when the key is released. This means that while the material remains constant, the overall auditory experience during keypresses could differ based on the specific shaping of each switch's top construction.
Ultimately, both the HMX Lucky and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches deliver similar qualities in terms of sound due to their nylon housing. However, any potential differences in key feel and acoustic characteristics during typing may stem from their respective minor design alterations rather than the material used. Thus, users can expect comparable sound profiles and tactile feedback with the added caveat that individual switch design could slightly alter the overall experience while typing. This illustrates how even with the same materials, thoughtful design variations can lead to diverse user experiences in mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lucky linear switch to the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch, there are distinct differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Lucky switch features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it more suitable for users who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile switch requires a stronger actuation force of 45 grams and a considerably heavier bottom out force of 70 grams. This makes the WS Heavy Tactile a better choice for those who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Therefore, while the Lucky switch is lighter and may accommodate those looking for reduced strain during extended use, the WS Heavy Tactile caters to users seeking a firmer feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch, we find a clear distinction. The HMX Lucky features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the WS Heavy Tactile has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. This difference suggests that users who prioritize responsiveness may favor the WS Heavy Tactile for its quicker actuation, catering to the needs of gamers who benefit from faster response times. Conversely, the longer travel distance of the HMX Lucky appeals to those who prefer a more substantial keypress, offering a more satisfying and pronounced feel. Overall, if you seek a balance between rapid response and a deeper keystroke, these switches provide contrasting experiences based on their respective travel distances.
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 Heavy Tactile 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
When it comes to sound, both the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch exhibit a "clacky" quality, characterized by a sharp and snappy sound upon actuation that is crisp, bright, and percussive. However, the WS Heavy Tactile switch also adds a layer of high-pitched tones, providing a cleaner and sharper auditory experience for those who prefer less bassy profiles. The choice of keycap materials and keyboard construction will also influence the overall sound signature, but you can generally expect the auditory experience from both switches to be similarly engaging, albeit with the WS offering a slightly brighter sound.
In terms of tactile feedback and feel, the HMX Lucky switch stands out with its bouncy, silky, and polished characteristics. This combination results in an exceptionally smooth typing experience with a lively feel that minimizes resistance during key presses. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch offers a contrasting experience, delivering an invigorating and sharp tactile feedback thanks to its profound 70g bump. Although both switches have a bouncy quality, the WS Heavy Tactile exhibits a more pronounced tactile hit, giving it a distinctive edge in terms of tactile engagement. The overall typing experience might feel more immersive with the WS Heavy Tactile, while the Lucky provides a more consistently smooth and refined user experience.
In summary, while both the HMX Lucky and Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches showcase a clacky sound, the WS Heavy Tactile offers a higher-pitched quality for those desiring that sound profile. In terms of feel, the Lucky excels in providing smoothness and liveliness, whereas the WS Heavy Tactile emphasizes a more pronounced, invigorating tactile feedback. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a silky typing experience or a more tactile and engaging actuation.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you lean towards a lighter, more effortless typing experience that feels smooth, bouncy, and polished, the Lucky switch would be your go-to option. With its clacky sound profile and lower actuation force of 43 grams, it’s perfect for those who prefer a lively feel and rapid key presses, making it particularly suited for fast typists or gamers who want to minimize fatigue during extended sessions. Conversely, if you enjoy a more tactile and engaging typing experience, the WS Heavy Tactile switch should be your choice. Its higher actuation force of 70 grams provides a substantial bump that offers satisfying feedback with each press, perfect for typists who appreciate a pronounced tactile sensation and a snappy response. The deeper, more resonant sound associated with the WS Heavy Tactile also adds an immersive audio element to your typing experience, making it ideal for users who revel in that tactile and auditory drama. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, so consider your typing habits and acoustic needs when making your decision.