HMX Macchiato vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the HMX Macchiato and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the HMX Macchiato and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear can significantly influence your typing experience. The HMX Macchiato, crafted by YG Studio, is celebrated for its clacky and bouncy nature, giving typists a silky smooth sensation accompanied by a bright sound profile, perfect for those seeking tactile feedback and a lively auditory experience. In contrast, the WS Silent Linear switches by Wuque Studio are engineered for the modern workspace, featuring discreet cutouts that minimize noise while ensuring responsiveness and a satisfying bottom-out feel. This switch emphasizes a muted typing experience, prioritizing tranquility and precision over the traditional auditory feedback associated with linear switches. Whether you're drawn to the energetic acoustics of the Macchiato or the serene functionality of the WS Silent Linear, each switch has its unique appeal. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
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
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POK
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
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Macchiato and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear keyboards utilize the same housing material—nylon—resulting in similar auditory and tactile experiences. Nylon’s properties offer a distinct advantage by producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, primarily due to its relatively softer plastic composition. This soft nature allows the nylon to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, which contributes to a duller and rounder sound characteristic that many typists find appealing. Since both keyboards implement this material for their top and bottom housings, users can expect a consistent sound profile across both models.
Each keyboard benefits from the nylon housing's sound-absorbing qualities. When typing on the Macchiato, the full experience will mirror that of the WS Silent Linear. Though both keyboards share the same construction, individual characteristics may arise from other factors like spring tension or switch design. Nevertheless, the fundamentally similar material choice ensures that users will enjoy a comparable auditory experience. The nylon top and bottom housings will collectively produce a pleasant acoustic environment, characterized by a layered depth that can heighten the typing experience.
Another important aspect to consider is the impact of these nylon housings on key feel and performance. The bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing primarily shapes the sound when a key is released. Since both keyboards utilize nylon for both top and bottom housings, users can expect a harmonized sensation when typing. This consistent use of nylon will provide a seamless transition between keystrokes, whether on the HMX Macchiato or the WS Silent Linear, ensuring that typists can enjoy a rich tactile feedback alongside the pleasing acoustic properties.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch, we find significant differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Macchiato switch boasts a light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it well-suited for prolonged typing and gaming sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the WS Silent Linear's actuation force is unspecified, but its bottom out force of 63.5 grams indicates a medium-heavy resistance, suggesting that it may require more effort to press down fully. This difference in bottom out forces means that while the Macchiato offers a lighter feel, the WS Silent Linear will provide a more substantial typing experience favored by those who prefer a heavier switch. Overall, the Macchiato switch is lighter and may be preferred for extended use, whereas the WS Silent Linear appeals to users who enjoy a firmer feedback.
Travel distance
The HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch differ in their travel distances, with the Macchiato measuring 4 mm and the WS Silent Linear at 3.5 mm. This makes the WS Silent Linear the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers or those seeking faster response times due to its reduced travel length. In contrast, the Macchiato, with its longer travel distance, provides a more pronounced keypress that some users may prefer for a more substantial feel while typing. If you're looking for a quicker actuation with less distance to travel, the WS Silent Linear is the better choice, while those who appreciate a deeper keystroke might enjoy the Macchiato. Overall, the distinct travel distances reflect varying preferences, with the Macchiato offering a traditional feel and the WS Silent Linear catering to those who favor a more responsive experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Macchiato has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Macchiato for $2.99.
The Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear 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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Macchiato linear switch produces a bright, clacky profile, offering sharp and snappy acoustics that can be crisp and percussive. This characteristic favors a more vivacious typing experience, making it a great choice for those wanting their keystrokes to be audible and lively. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch features a significantly muted sound profile. It creates a more subdued and neutral audio experience, reducing the percussive sounds associated with typing while still delivering a satisfying press. This makes the WS Silent Linear apt for environments that require less noise, such as offices, striking a balance between performance and discretion.
In terms of feel, the HMX Macchiato is famously silky, offering an incredibly smooth typing experience free of resistance. Its bouncy and feathery qualities provide a lively feedback sensation that energizes each keystroke, allowing for prolonged typing sessions with reduced finger fatigue. This makes the Macchiato appealing for both gamers and professionals who spend hours typing. Conversely, the WS Silent Linear switch delivers a mild typing experience, ensuring that its qualities are approachable for all users. While it may lack the pronounced characteristics that define other switches, the mild feel allows for comfortable typing without overwhelming the user.
In summary, if you're looking for an energetic and vibrant sound with a smooth and responsive feel, the HMX Macchiato linear switch may be the switch for you. It offers a lively typing experience that is both clacky and silky. On the other hand, if a quieter and less intrusive sound is your primary concern, along with a gentle typing action, the WS Silent Linear would serve you well. Each switch caters to different preferences, but both promise to enhance your overall typing experience, whether you're in a bustling environment or seeking something more tranquil.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you favor a light actuation with a lively, feathery feel, and you enjoy the engaging, clacky sound profile while typing—perfect for a more casual or gaming setting—then the Macchiato is your ideal switch. Its silky smoothness can make for an enjoyable typing experience, particularly during extended sessions. On the other hand, if you require a more subdued typing experience that won't disturb others around you, especially in an office or shared workspace, the WS Silent Linear would be the better choice. With a medium-heavy actuation force, it offers precision and responsiveness while significantly minimizing noise, allowing for a more focused atmosphere. Therefore, you should carefully consider where and how you'll be using your keyboard to determine which switch best fits your requirements.
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