HMX SU vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash
An in-depth look at the HMX SU and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, understanding the nuances of different options can significantly enhance your typing or gaming experience. The HMX SU switch stands out as a linear switch characterized by its full PA12 housing and T5 stem, delivering a subtle yet relatively deep sound profile that appeals to those seeking a smooth and consistent keystroke without tactile feedback. This makes it an excellent choice for users who appreciate a more understated auditory experience and value the fluidity of linear switches. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Dash utilizes Hall Effect technology, offering a bright and clacky sound signature along with an exceptionally silky smooth keystroke. This switch caters to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback and a refined, elegant feel, reminiscent of the popular Magnetic Jade switches. While both switches have their distinct advantages—smoothness and stealth versus brightness and polish—they ultimately serve different preferences and use cases. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T5
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX SU and Wuque Studio WS Dash switches exhibit distinct characteristics in their top housing materials that significantly influence their overall sound profiles. The HMX SU, featuring a nylon top housing, produces a deeper and fuller sound, benefiting from the material's softer texture that absorbs sound waves effectively. This characteristic notably contributes to a duller and rounder audio experience when typing. In contrast, the WS Dash utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is inherently stiffer. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, enhancing clarity and resonance. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for better RGB lighting effects, adding aesthetic appeal in environments where lighting is a focus. Therefore, the contrasting materials not only shape the auditory feedback of each switch but also define their visual integration with RGB setups.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the HMX SU and WS Dash echo the qualities of nylon, making them aligned in this specific aspect. Nylon is revered as a classic switch housing material, and both designs utilize it to elicit a deeper, fuller sound profile, reinforcing the switch's overall acoustic characteristics. Since the bottom housing greatly influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, users will experience a consistent auditory depth in both switches, irrespective of the contrasting top housings. In essence, while the top housing results in marked differences in sound profiles, the unified nylon bottom housing creates a harmonious baseline experience across both models.
The combination of differing top housing materials with matching nylon bottom housings in the HMX SU and WS Dash highlights an intriguing balance between uniqueness and compatibility. Each switch's typing experience is affected by this division of material properties, magnifying the auditory differences during keypress and release. The WS Dash, with its polycarbonate top, will deliver a brighter, more resonant sound upon release, while the HMX SU's nylon top will offer a muted response. However, when pressed down, both switches resonate with a similar depth and fullness due to their nylon bottom housings. This interplay between the contrasting top and matching bottom materials allows users to enjoy a unique sound experience tailored to their preferences while ensuring a consistent feel in terms of audio resonance when bottoming out.
Weight
When comparing the HMX SU linear switch to the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, notable differences emerge in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The HMX SU features a light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less effort to engage. In contrast, the WS Dash has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, which contributes to a more effortless keystroke while still having a slightly heavier bottom out force of 55 grams. This makes the WS Dash more comfortable for extended use than the HMX SU. As such, if a user prioritizes a lighter typing experience, the WS Dash is the better choice. However, for those who prefer a bit more resistance in their keystrokes, the HMX SU may provide a more satisfying push feel despite being heavier overall. Overall, while both switches offer varying levels of actuation and bottom out forces, the WS Dash remains the lighter option in terms of actuation force, while the HMX SU has a marginally heavier feel during bottoming out.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX SU linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, the SU features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Dash has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the SU the longer option by a mere 0.1 mm. For those who prioritize faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the WS Dash may be preferable, as it could facilitate quicker key presses, which is often a priority for gamers. On the other hand, the SU’s longer travel distance might appeal to users who enjoy a more traditional feel and a more substantial depth during key presses. Overall, while both switches offer relatively short travel distances compared to traditional options, the SU provides a tiny bit more depth, making it the better choice for those seeking a more tactile typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU for $3.29.
The Wuque Studio WS Dash has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Dash for $7.49.
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 SU linear switch is known for its subtle and relatively deep characteristics, which may offer a more muted auditory experience compared to other switches. This makes it well-suited for environments where quiet operation is preferred, as it doesn't produce a disruptive noise while typing. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Dash Hall Effect switch emits a bright and clacky sound signature, reminiscent of a sharp and snappy response when pressed. This clackiness results in a crisp, percussive auditory feedback that can heighten the tactile experience of typing, making it more engaging for those who enjoy a more pronounced sound with each keystroke.
When it comes to feel, the HMX SU linear switch provides a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke typical of linear switches, promoting fast typing without the tactile bumps or clicks found in other switch types. This smoothness can cater to users who prioritize speed and seamless key travel over tactile feedback. Conversely, the WS Dash switch is described as polished and silky, offering an exceptionally refined and smooth typing experience. The attention to detail in its construction enhances the overall feel, reducing friction and ensuring a fluid keystroke that can elevate the typing experience further. This refined feeling can be particularly appealing for long typing sessions, where comfort and efficiency are vital.
In summary, while the HMX SU switches offer a deeper and more subdued sound profile with a linear feel that promotes fast typing, the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches stand out with their bright, clacky sound and ultra-smooth tactile experience. Each switch caters to different preferences, whether you lean towards a more understated experience or prefer to indulge in the lively sound and refined feel of Hall Effect technology. Depending on your typing style and sound preferences, both switches can provide satisfying results, paving the way for an engaging and enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX SU linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch should depend on your specific preferences and typing needs. If you favor a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of just 50 grams and appreciate a subtle, relatively deep sound profile, the HMX SU will likely be a better fit for you. This switch is excellent for extended typing sessions where you want minimal resistance and a smooth linear feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer bounce with a medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams, along with a bright and clacky sound signature, the WS Dash may be more appealing. This switch not only provides a polished and silky typing experience but also offers a unique auditory feedback that can be enjoyable for both typing and gaming. Therefore, consider your typing style, the kind of sound profile you prefer, and whether you lean towards a smoother or slightly more tactile experience to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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