HMX Sunset Gleam vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the HMX Sunset Gleam and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard, the choice of switch can significantly impact your typing experience, and two popular options are the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch. The Sunset Gleam, also known as the Duck Duck switch, is celebrated for its blend of materials that provide a subtle top-out and a satisfying clack, paired with the excellent factory lube HMX is famous for. This linear switch is ideal for users who prioritize smooth key presses and minimal resistance, making it perfect for long typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the WS Brown switch offers a tactile experience with a medium-light actuation force, striking a balance between responsiveness and comfort. Its familiar nylon housing and POM stem combination deliver a delightful auditory feedback that many typing enthusiasts appreciate, which can enhance the overall satisfaction of each keystroke. Whether you're drawn to the seamless motion of linear switches or the reassuring feedback of tactile ones, both options have their unique benefits. 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
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Sunset Gleam and Wuque Studio WS Brown present a fascinating study in contrasting housing materials that significantly influence their sound profiles and tactile feedback. The Sunset Gleam utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness, which results in a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material's translucency also makes it particularly appealing for RGB lighting applications, allowing for vibrant illumination to shine through. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Brown features a nylon top housing that imparts a deeper and fuller sound. Being a softer plastic, nylon absorbs more sound, leading to a rounder and more muted auditory experience. This difference in top housing materials directly affects not only the tonal quality of each switch when keys are released but also the overall aesthetic when RGB lighting is present.
When examining the bottom housings, both the Sunset Gleam and WS Brown utilize nylon, leading to a convergence in sound characteristics. The nylon bottom housing creates a distinctly deeper and more resonant sound due to its ability to dampen vibrations effectively. Since both switches share this housing material on the bottom, they will elicit a similar auditory experience during key presses, contributing to a muted and rounded sound quality. This similarity in bottom housing materials highlights that while the top housings differ—polycarbonate for the Sunset Gleam and nylon for the WS Brown—both switches will produce a fuller audio feedback when the keys bottom out, owing to their nylon design.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in each switch affords a unique interplay of acoustic characteristics. With the HMX Sunset Gleam's polycarbonate top housing, one experiences a bright and clear sound, beneficial for those who favor a more pronounced auditory stimulus when releasing the keys. On the other hand, the WS Brown's nylon top housing offers a softer and more enveloping auditory experience. However, both can achieve a similar overall deeper sound profile due to their identical nylon bottom housings. This fascinating distinction between the two switches fosters a versatile range of auditory experiences, catering to the diverse preferences of users while underscoring the significant role that housing materials play in the world of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Sunset Gleam features a light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for extended typing sessions with less fatigue. In contrast, the WS Brown switch has an undefined actuation force but a bottom out force of 55 grams, which places it in the medium-light category. This heavier bottom out force may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience, providing tactile feedback that some users prefer. Consequently, while the Sunset Gleam is the lighter option overall, with both the actuation and bottom out forces lower than those of the WS Brown, the Brown switch's heavier bottoming-out experience could satisfy users looking for a firmer keypress feel. Therefore, for individuals who prioritize a lighter switch for comfort in prolonged use, the Sunset Gleam is the preferable choice, while those who enjoy a heavier feel might lean towards the WS Brown.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, one can observe a distinction in their specifications. The Sunset Gleam features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the WS Brown has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Consequently, those looking for a more responsive experience may prefer the Sunset Gleam due to its shorter distance, which facilitates quicker key presses often favored by gamers. On the other hand, the WS Brown's greater travel distance might appeal to users who appreciate a more substantial keystroke feel, offering a deeper response that some find more satisfying. Overall, the Sunset Gleam is the shorter option, and the WS Brown provides a longer travel distance, reflecting the diverse preferences among keyboard users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Sunset Gleam has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sunset Gleam for $2.99.
The Wuque Studio WS Brown 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
The sound profile of the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch is characterized by a subtle top-out and a satisfying clack, offering a pleasing auditory experience that complements the typing process. This sound is made more pronounced due to the combination of materials used in its construction, including the excellent factory lube that enhances the smoothness of each keystroke. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch provides a familiar auditory experience that enthusiasts typically cherish. While specifically described as pleasing, the exact sound dynamics may vary depending on factors like the keyboard's board material and the choice of keycaps. Both switches can deliver enjoyable sound experiences, although the Sunset Gleam might lean more towards a sharper auditory feedback while the WS Brown remains grounded in a classic typing sound.
When it comes to feel, the Sunset Gleam linear switch provides a smooth keystroke experience characterized by consistent resistance throughout the keypress with no tactile bump to interrupt the flow. This design fosters a seamless typing experience ideal for users who prefer swift and uninterrupted keystrokes. Contrastingly, the WS Brown tactile switch offers a medium-light actuation force combined with a tactile bump, making it responsive while allowing for comfortable typing during prolonged use. The tactile feedback can be particularly satisfying for users who appreciate the physical indication of actuation without excessive strain on their fingers, striking a balance between performance and comfort.
In conclusion, while both the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch cater to different preferences, each has qualities that make it appealing in its own right. The Sunset Gleam focuses on delivering a smooth and appealing sound profile, while the WS Brown integrates tactile feedback with a familiar auditory signature. Ultimately, your choice between the two will hinge on whether you prefer the smoothness and subtlety of a linear switch or the tactile experience and responsiveness of a tactile switch, leading to a satisfying typing experience tailored to your needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a lighter switch that provides a smooth and quiet experience, the Sunset Gleam is a great option. This switch is particularly suitable for fast typists or gamers who appreciate a gentle touch and minimal resistance, coupled with a satisfying auditory feedback thanks to its subtle clack. Conversely, if you prefer a more tactile response for typing, the WS Brown switch strikes an excellent balance with its medium-light actuation force and pronounced tactile bump. This makes it ideal for those who may spend long hours typing, as it provides a reassuring feedback without being overly tiring. Ultimately, if you're looking for a swift and seamless keystroke, choose the Sunset Gleam; however, if you appreciate a bit of tactile sensation while you type, the WS Brown will likely enhance your overall typing experience. Consider your typing habits and preferences, as both switches cater to different needs while delivering high-quality performance.
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