HMX Sunset Gleam vs. Wuque Studio WS Jade
An in-depth look at the HMX Sunset Gleam and the Wuque Studio WS Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right linear switch for mechanical keyboards, the HMX Sunset Gleam and the Wuque Studio WS Jade each offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences in typing experience. The HMX Sunset Gleam, affectionately known as the Duck Duck switch, is celebrated for its exceptional blend of materials, delivering a subtle top-out combined with a satisfying clack, enhanced further by its excellent factory lubrication. This makes it an attractive option for those who seek a refined auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the WS Jade switches stand out with their distinctive metallic insert in the stem base, yielding a bright, resonant sound profile that adds a layer of depth to your keystrokes. The addition of a light diffuser enhances the overall RGB aesthetic, making them a beautiful choice for gamers and enthusiasts alike. While both switches exhibit smooth linear action, the Sunset Gleam leans towards a more subdued experience, whereas the WS Jade offers a uniquely creamy and rich feel with a rock-solid bottom-out. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Sunset Gleam and the Wuque Studio WS Jade demonstrate distinct characteristics that significantly influence their sound profiles. The Sunset Gleam features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness, providing a sharper, higher-pitched sound that resonates with clarity. This quality makes polycarbonate an ideal choice for those who seek a lively and bright auditory experience, particularly when using RGB lighting, as its translucency enhances the visual appeal of the lighting effects. Conversely, the WS Jade employs a POM top housing, which is designed to produce a deeper and more muted sound profile. While both materials serve vital roles in shaping the switch's acoustic properties, the overall results differ, with the Sunset Gleam favoring brightness and clarity, and the WS Jade leaning towards a more subdued experience.
In terms of bottom housing, the Sunset Gleam utilizes a nylon material, which is recognized for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, allowing it to absorb more sound. This characteristic contrasts with the WS Jade's POM bottom housing, which, like its top housing, produces a unique, muted sound, albeit leaning towards a deeper tone. While the nylon in the Sunset Gleam reinforces a rounder sound, the POM material in the WS Jade provides a consistent audio experience, albeit with different nuances. The dichotomy between the two switches becomes more evident as one considers the interplay between the top and bottom housings in determining the final auditory result of each switch.
Overall, while the Sunset Gleam and WS Jade showcase different materials in their housings, the fundamental principles of housing interaction remain consistent across both designs. For instance, the bottom housing's material significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing contributes more prominently to the sound on release. This commonality reveals that, regardless of the unique sound profiles determined by the specific materials used—polycarbonate and nylon for the Sunset Gleam, and POM for both housings of the WS Jade—similar results can be achieved in terms of user experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference regarding the desired auditory characteristics, as well as the stylistic choices that each material embodies.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, distinct differences emerge. The Sunset Gleam has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the WS Jade features a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. This increased resistance provides a more substantial typing experience that may appeal to those who favor a firmer key feel. Consequently, if you choose the Sunset Gleam, you can expect a gentler response from the keys, whereas the WS Jade will deliver a more tactile feedback due to its heavier forces. Thus, while both switches serve their unique purposes, the Sunset Gleam stands out for users seeking a lighter option, and the WS Jade caters to those looking for added weight and resistance in their typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Although the difference is relatively minor, the Sunset Gleam's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more responsive feel when typing or playing. Conversely, those who prefer a deeper and more pronounced keystroke might find the WS Jade's longer travel distance of 3.6 mm to be more satisfying, as it provides a bit more tactile feedback and depth. Therefore, while both switches cater to different preferences, the Sunset Gleam is the shorter option, whereas the WS Jade is the longer one.
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 Jade comes in at $4.30 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 Sunset Gleam switch is known for its subtle top-out and satisfying clack, providing a balanced auditory experience that leans toward a refined, less intrusive sound signature. This creates a pleasant atmosphere during typing, as the sound remains clear without being overly harsh. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Jade switch delivers a brighter sound profile due to its metallic insert, generating a distinct clacky, marbly, and resonant sound. The sharpness and cleanliness of the WS Jade’s sound can be more pronounced, especially in a setting where the acoustics are favorable, making it an engaging component for those who appreciate a more resonant feedback during their typing sessions.
When discussing the feel, the Sunset Gleam contributes to a satisfying typing experience grounded in its careful material blend and factory lubrication; however, specific descriptors for its tactile sensation are not provided. Conversely, the WS Jade switch showcases a uniquely creamy and silky feeling, characterized by minimal resistance and a smooth typing motion that is often attributed to factory lubrication and the quality of materials used. This makes the WS Jade appealing to users who prioritize a seamless keypress that feels luxurious and nearly effortless, enhancing overall typing performance.
In conclusion, both the HMX Sunset Gleam and Wuque Studio WS Jade switches present distinctive qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Sunset Gleam offers a more nuanced sound and an undisclosed texture, the WS Jade excels in its resonant auditory feedback and exceptional smoothness. Depending on your acoustic preferences and typing feel, both switches can provide a satisfying experience, but the WS Jade might be the more compelling choice for those drawn to a vibrant sound and buttery smooth keystrokes.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of 48 grams, the Sunset Gleam may be ideal for you, especially if you appreciate a typing experience that balances subtlety with satisfying feedback thanks to its excellent factory lubrication. This switch is perfect for those who enjoy a softer feel and a more muted sound profile, making it suitable for long typing sessions where comfort is paramount. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile experience and don’t mind exerting a bit more force with its medium 60-gram bottom-out, the WS Jade may be your go-to. Its unique metallic insert provides a brighter, clacky sound that enhances the auditory experience, and the creamy, silky feel makes it a delight for fast-paced typing and gaming. In essence, choose the Sunset Gleam for a smooth and light typing experience and the WS Jade for a more dynamic sound and solid feedback.
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