HMX SU vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the HMX SU and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your typing experience, the HMX SU and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl both offer unique attributes that cater to different preferences. The HMX SU stands out with its full PA12 housing and T5 stem, delivering a subtle yet relatively deep sound profile that appeals to users who appreciate a more subdued auditory experience. Its smooth linear action is designed for seamless keystrokes, making it an excellent choice for both typing and gaming enthusiasts seeking reliability and comfort. In contrast, the WS Pearl distinguishes itself with its innovative use of ball bearings, which significantly reduce friction during keystrokes, resulting in an extraordinarily smooth feel. This switch is characterized by a medium-high pitched sound signature that provides a somewhat brighter auditory feedback, appealing to those who prefer a livelier typing experience. While both switches fall under the linear category, they each offer distinct characteristics that can enhance your typing or gaming experience in different ways. 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
45g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
T5
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 single-stage spring
Spring
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The HMX SU and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl both utilize nylon for their switch housings, encompassing both the top and bottom components. This choice of material is pivotal in shaping the acoustic and tactile properties of the keyboards. Nylon is a classic plastic known for its ability to absorb sound, which results in a deeper and fuller auditory experience when typing. Since both the HMX SU and the WS Pearl use identical materials for their housings, users can expect a similar sound profile characterized by a duller and rounder tone due to the softer nature of the nylon. This similarity in housing materials ensures that both keyboards provide an enjoyable and harmonious typing experience, free from the harsher sounds produced by switches with harder plastic housings.
While both keyboards utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, the respective qualities of these housings contribute differently to the overall sound and feel during keypress interactions. The bottom housing plays a critical role in determining the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback when a key is fully pressed down. Conversely, the top housing is more influential in the sound produced when a key is released. Therefore, although the auditory characteristics are largely influenced by the nylon composition in both keyboards, subtleties in the typing experience may still exist based on the design and construction of each switch. This distinction highlights that while the materials may be the same, the overall execution can lead to nuanced differences.
Additionally, because both the HMX SU and the WS Pearl rely on identical switch housing materials, users can anticipate a consistent performance in their keyboard typing dynamics. This includes not only sound absorption but also the way the switches interact with fingers during operation. Given that the nylon features in both keyboards lead to similar sound profiles and tactile results, users likely won’t notice significant variances in perception when switching between the two models. In essence, this alignment in material choice ensures that enthusiasts seeking a satisfying sound experience and tactile quality will find both the HMX SU and the WS Pearl comparably effective and appealing options.
Weight
When comparing the HMX SU linear switch to the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, significant differences arise in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, impacting user experience. The HMX SU has a relatively light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a gentler touch, allowing for extended typing or gaming sessions without excessive fatigue. In contrast, the WS Pearl features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, which is ideal for those who favor a softer push, but it has a higher bottom out force of 58 grams, providing a more substantial feedback once the keystroke is fully engaged. Thus, while the WS Pearl is easier to activate, the heavier bottom out force may still satisfy users who desire a sense of firmness at the bottom. Ultimately, the SU is classified as lightweight overall, while the WS Pearl is lighter in actuation but heavier in bottoming out, catering to different typing preferences based on force sensitivity.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX SU linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, we find a slight difference. The HMX SU has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Pearl features a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the WS Pearl is the shorter option, providing a marginally reduced distance that may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times. Conversely, the HMX SU, with its slightly longer travel distance, might be preferable for those who appreciate a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, while both switches offer relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, the SU's travel distance allows for a more hearty feel, while the WS Pearl leans towards a snappier 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 Pearl comes in at $6.00 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
In terms of sound, the HMX SU linear switch produces a subtle and relatively deep sound profile, which lends itself to a more muted auditory experience as compared to the distinct clickiness often sought in mechanical keyboards. The WS Pearl linear switch, on the other hand, boasts a medium-high pitched sound signature, which adds a bit more character and brightness to each keystroke. It's important to note that the overall sound of both switches can be influenced significantly by the keyboard design and the choice of keycaps, so users might find that they can achieve a similar sound with various setups.
Regarding the feel, the SU switch is characterized by a smooth keystroke due to its T5 stem, providing a satisfying tactile response without any noticeable bumps. This switch is designed for those who appreciate a straightforward linear feel. In contrast, the WS Pearl switch takes the smoothness to an entirely different level, thanks to its innovative ball-bearing system that reduces friction during the pressing motion. This results in a keystroke that feels extraordinarily fluid and almost surreal, appealing to users who prioritize an ultra-smooth typing experience.
In conclusion, both the HMX SU and WS Pearl linear switches offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. The SU provides a deep and subtle sound with a smooth linear feel, while the WS Pearl delivers a brighter sound profile complemented by an incredibly smooth keystroke due to its ball-bearing design. Understanding these differences can help a newcomer make a more informed decision based on personal preference, as both switches can create satisfactory typing experiences depending on individual tastes and keyboard configurations.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX SU linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter keystroke with a subtle and deeper sound profile, the SU switch may be the better choice for you. Its 50-gram bottom-out force allows for quicker and less tiring typing sessions, making it ideal for long hours of use, especially for casual typing or gaming. Conversely, if you value a slightly heavier keystroke with a more unique and smooth feel, the 58-gram WS Pearl switch might be more to your liking. The ball-bearing technology provides a notably frictionless experience, perfect for those who appreciate a refined and pleasant tactile feedback while typing. Both switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences: the SU features a relatively deep sound, while the WS Pearl presents a medium-high pitched signature. In essence, consider how you want your keyboard to feel and sound during use, as these factors will guide you toward the switch that best suits your needs.
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