HMX Sunset Gleam vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the HMX Sunset Gleam and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between two distinct types: linear and tactile. The HMX Sunset Gleam, a linear switch, stands out with its expertly crafted blend of materials that ensures a subtle top-out and a satisfying clack, making it a popular choice for gamers and typists who appreciate smooth keystrokes without tactile interruptions. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile offers a delightful tactile experience with its snappy bump, allowing users to enjoy a satisfying feedback feel while still maintaining a smooth typing experience and a neutral sound profile. The Sunset Gleam is ideal for those who prioritize speed and fluidity, whereas the WS Light Tactile caters to those who enjoy the sensation of a tactile bump with each keystroke. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
Both the HMX Sunset Gleam and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile feature polycarbonate as their top housing material, which creates a higher-pitched, crisper sound profile. This similarity in materials leads to an enhanced clarity and resonance in sound, making both switches ideal for users who appreciate precision in auditory feedback. Polycarbonate’s innate translucency adds to the aesthetic appeal, especially when RGB lighting is employed. This shared choice of polycarbonate highlights the manufacturers' commitment to ensuring that their products not only perform well acoustically but also visually engage users, especially gamers and typists looking for a vibrant aesthetic.
In contrast to their top housings, both the Sunset Gleam and the WS Light Tactile utilize nylon for their bottom housings, leading to a distinctly different sound profile than that of their top halves. Nylon’s characteristics, being softer than polycarbonate, absorb sound more effectively, yielding a deeper and fuller auditory experience when typing. The combination of a polycarbonate top with a nylon bottom allows each switch to deliver a unique balance of sharpness and warmth, creating a nuanced typing experience that caters to a broader range of preferences. As such, while both switches share similar acoustic properties attributable to their polycarbonate tops, the inclusion of nylon at the bottom allows for richer, more rounded sound when the key bottoms out.
Furthermore, the impact of the different housing materials becomes evident during the use of the switches, particularly in how they respond during key presses. With the nylon bottom influencing the feel and sound upon bottoming out, users can expect a smooth and plush sound experience. Conversely, when releasing a key, the crispness provided by the polycarbonate top will come to the forefront. This separation of acoustic characteristics illustrates how the thoughtfully chosen materials in the HMX Sunset Gleam and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile harmonize to create an engaging interaction, making typing both a tactile and auditory pleasure. While they share materials that produce certain sound profiles, the overall experience varies with the interaction of the two distinct types of housing.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch, both switches exhibit light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for extended typing sessions. The Sunset Gleam has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the WS Light Tactile has slightly higher values with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Sunset Gleam is the lighter option, appealing to users who prefer less resistance for longer usage. Conversely, the WS Light Tactile, while still on the lighter side, offers a slightly more substantial feel, which some users might prefer for a more pronounced typing experience. Ultimately, while both switches provide a comfortable typing experience, the Sunset Gleam caters more towards those seeking a lighter touch, whereas the WS Light Tactile suits those who appreciate a minimal bump and a bit more resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch, a notable difference emerges. The Sunset Gleam features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the WS Light Tactile has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This sets the Sunset Gleam as the shorter option, appealing to users seeking a more responsive feel for faster key presses, commonly favored by gamers. On the other hand, with its longer travel distance, the WS Light Tactile may provide a more pronounced tactile feedback, making it suitable for users who prefer a deeper key press sensation. While both switches cater to different preferences, opting for the shorter Sunset Gleam can enhance responsiveness, whereas the longer WS Light Tactile is designed for a fuller keystroke experience.
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 Light Tactile 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 Sunset Gleam is characterized by its subtle top-out and satisfying clack, which adds a pleasant auditory dimension to typing. This makes it a great option for those who appreciate the auditory feedback of a keyboard but might not want a sound that is overly loud. In contrast, the WS Light Tactile switch has a neutral sound signature, which means it produces a moderate sound profile that is generally unobtrusive. This neutrality makes the WS Light Tactile suitable for various environments, whether at home or in an office, where you might want to minimize distractions. While both switches aim for a pleasing auditory experience, the Sunset Gleam has a more distinct sound compared to the more muted tones of the WS Light Tactile.
In terms of feel, the HMX Sunset Gleam provides a smooth linear experience, allowing for fluid key presses without the tactile feedback provided by bumps. This results in a very consistent and uninterrupted feel as you type. Conversely, the WS Light Tactile is designed with a stepped tactile feel, providing a noticeable bump that indicates actuation. This tactile feedback can enhance the typing experience for those who prefer to feel when a key has registered without being overly forceful. Additionally, the WS Light Tactile features an easy-to-press characteristic, making it light and comfortable to use during extended typing sessions, which could reduce finger fatigue. In essence, while the Sunset Gleam emphasizes smoothness and a linear response, the WS Light Tactile focuses on a tactile feedback that is gentle yet pronounced.
In summary, the HMX Sunset Gleam and WS Light Tactile switches cater to different preferences when it comes to sound and feel. The Sunset Gleam offers a satisfying auditory feedback with a smooth linear feel, ideal for those who enjoy fluid typing. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile presents a more subdued sound profile with an engaging tactile response that is easy to press. Depending on your priorities between sound and tactile feedback, either switch can enhance your mechanical keyboard experience, offering different flavors of satisfaction to match your typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch largely depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you favor a smooth and linear experience with minimal resistance, the HMX Sunset Gleam is an excellent choice. Its lighter actuation and subtle clack enable effortless typing that’s particularly well-suited for gamers or those who type quickly and frequently. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that provides tactile feedback with a bit more character, the WS Light Tactile would be your go-to option. Its snappy tactile bump and neutral sound profile cater well to both casual and work environments, providing a satisfying feel without being overly disruptive. Additionally, the stepped design of the WS Light Tactile feels more structured, making it ideal for those who appreciate a bit of tactile nuance without sacrificing smoothness. Ultimately, your decision should be guided by whether you prioritize pure typing speed and smoothness or if you value the clarity and engagement that tactile feedback offers in your typing experience.
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