HMX Macchiato vs. Wuque Studio WS Red

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Macchiato and the Wuque Studio WS Red offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The HMX Macchiato, created by YG Studio, is celebrated for its silky smooth typing experience and bright sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a fluid keystroke with minimal resistance. On the other hand, the WS Red features a 22mm double-stage spring that provides a bouncy and responsive feel, along with a heavier actuation force that adds satisfying weight to each keystroke. This makes the WS Red an appealing option for typists seeking a more substantial tactile experience combined with a familiar sound signature. While both switches are linear, catering to users who prefer a smooth keystroke without tactile bumps, they embody different philosophies of typing comfort and engagement. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Macchiato Linear

Wuque Studio WS Red Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$3.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Macchiato and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches both utilize nylon as the primary material for their top and bottom housings. This choice of housing material leads to significant similarities in the typing experience offered by both switches. Nylon is known for its softer and more flexible properties compared to harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Consequently, users can expect muted keystrokes that create a rounder acoustic signature, contributing to a pleasant auditory feedback during use. This shared material composition ensures that both switches excel in delivering a rich typing ambiance that minimizes the harshness often associated with harder plastic switches.

While both the Macchiato and WS Red feature nylon in their constructions, it’s important to note that the overall auditory experience may still vary depending on other design elements and mechanics of each switch. For instance, the impact of the nylon bottom housing is particularly pronounced when bottoming out; its material contributes significantly to the bottom-out sound and feel. Consequently, even though both switches share the same nylon material characteristics, the unique configurations of their components, such as spring tension and stem design, could still lead to nuanced differences in feedback or sound signature during actual use. This introduces an individualized touch that could cater to different typing preferences and styles.

In summary, the common use of nylon in both the HMX Macchiato and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches leads to similarities in sound absorption and tactile feedback, creating a cohesive foundation for a pleasant typing experience. However, variations in the switches' internal designs may provide unique sensory experiences despite their shared material attributes. Therefore, while users can anticipate a generally soft and full sound profile from both switches, those looking for specific feelings or auditory responses might find subtle distinctions worth exploring, ensuring that they choose a switch that resonates with their preferences.

Weight

The HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Macchiato features a light actuation force of 42 grams, allowing for quick and effortless keystrokes, perfect for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the WS Red switch's actuation force is unspecified, but its bottom out force of 67 grams indicates a medium-heavy experience when fully pressed down. This heavier bottom out force contributes to a more substantial feel, which some users may prefer for a tactile response when typing. Additionally, the Macchiato's bottom out force of 50 grams further underscores its lighter profile compared to the WS Red, providing a more gentle bottoming out. Overall, those seeking a lighter switch should opt for the Macchiato, while users who appreciate a firmer push should consider the WS Red for its heavier bottom out force.

Travel distance

The HMX Macchiato linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Macchiato switch provides a deeper feel as you press down, appealing to those who appreciate a more substantial keypress experience. In contrast, the WS Red's shorter travel distance can lead to quicker response times, making it a preferred choice for gamers who value speed and efficiency. Ultimately, if you lean towards a more pronounced feedback with each keystroke, the HMX Macchiato is the better option, whereas the WS Red may suit those who favor rapid actuation and a more streamlined experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The HMX Macchiato linear switch is best known for its bright sound profile, which contributes to a lively auditory experience during typing. Although specific details about the Macchiato's sound are not provided, it is characterized as having a pleasant auditory quality that enhances the typing experience. In contrast, the WS Red switch features a classic material blend that results in a familiar sound signature, delivering a quiet yet satisfying sound when bottomed out. It’s essential to note that the overall sound can also be influenced by other factors like the keyboard construction and selected keycaps, which means both switches could produce similar acoustic results depending on the setup.

When it comes to feel, the HMX Macchiato switch is celebrated for its silky smooth typing experience, allowing for effortless keystrokes that can make long typing sessions pleasant and comfortable. On the other hand, the WS Red switch incorporates a 22mm double-stage spring that offers a bouncy and responsive feel. This switch's heavier actuation force adds a layer of weight to each keystroke, translating to a more substantial tactile experience. Although the Macchiato emphasizes smoothness, the WS Red focuses on responsiveness, making each typing session distinct.

In conclusion, while both the HMX Macchiato and WS Red linear switches offer unique experiences, they cater to different preferences. The Macchiato is designed for those who enjoy a smooth and bright sound profile, while the WS Red delivers a bouncy, heavier feel with a familiar auditory quality. Ultimately, both switches could lead to satisfying typing experiences, but the choice between them will depend on whether you prioritize smoothness or a more substantial feel in your mechanical keyboard.

Conclusion

To wrap up, choosing between the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch ultimately comes down to your typing preferences and the overall experience you desire. If you favor a lighter, smoother feel with a lower actuation force of 50 grams and appreciate a bright sound profile for a more vibrant typing experience, the HMX Macchiato switch is your ideal choice. This switch will serve you well if you spend long hours typing or gaming and prefer a less tactile resistance. On the other hand, if you lean towards a more robust, heavier feel—especially with a bottom-out force of 67 grams—while enjoying a bouncy and responsive typing sensation, the WS Red switch will likely be more to your liking. Its classic material blend provides a familiar sound and feel, making it suitable for those who appreciate a substantial keystroke that engages the fingers more deeply. Ultimately, your selection between these two switches should reflect whether you prioritize a lighter, silky experience or a heavier, more robust typing feedback.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Macchiato Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Wuque Studio WS Red Linear

$3.50 per 10

Learn more