HMX Sunset Gleam vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the HMX Sunset Gleam and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Sunset Gleam and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl both offer unique advantages for enthusiasts seeking that perfect typing experience. The Sunset Gleam, also recognized as the Duck Duck switch, is celebrated for its exceptional blend of materials that results in a subtle top-out feel paired with a satisfying clack, further enhanced by HMX's renowned factory lube. If you’re looking for a switch that balances usability with auditory enjoyment, the Sunset Gleam could be your ideal choice. On the other hand, the WS Pearl takes a distinctive approach by incorporating ball-bearings to minimize friction during keystrokes, creating an incredibly smooth typing experience with a medium-high pitched sound signature. This switch might be more appealing if you prioritize a seamless, gliding feel while typing. 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
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the HMX Sunset Gleam and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl, the differences in their top housing materials significantly influence their sound profiles. The Sunset Gleam features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This result is primarily due to polycarbonate's rigidity, which leads to more resonance and clarity in sound transmission. Its translucency not only enhances sound quality but also makes it particularly appealing for RGB setups, providing an aesthetically pleasing illumination effect. In contrast, the WS Pearl opts for a nylon top housing. Nylon is a softer plastic, and this choice results in a deeper and fuller sound, as the material absorbs more acoustical energy, leading to a rounder, mellower auditory experience. Thus, while both switches produce rich audio experiences, the Sunset Gleam is more crisp and bright, whereas the WS Pearl offers a warmer, softer sound.
Examining the bottom housing materials reveals a stark similarity between the two switches, as both the Sunset Gleam and the WS Pearl feature nylon in their bottom housings. This shared material contributes to a deeper sound profile when keys are bottomed out, as nylon's sound-absorbing properties help create a more subdued acoustic impact. Consequently, this alignment in housing material means that users will experience a notably similar bottom-out sound and feel on both switches, which is characterized by a rounded and full auditory presence. The design decisions in the bottom housings ensure that the comfort and soft sound qualities remain consistent between the two models, regardless of the differing top housing materials.
The combination of materials in the Sunset Gleam and WS Pearl results in a unique interplay of sound qualities that can appeal to different preferences. The polycarbonate top housing of the Sunset Gleam accentuates a bright and clear sound, making it suitable for those who favor a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. Conversely, the WS Pearl's nylon top housing offers a softer sound that may be preferred by users looking for a more subdued typing experience. Ultimately, the use of different materials for the top housings highlights each switch's unique character, while the shared nylon bottoms ensure a consistent and pleasant bottom-out feel across both models. This careful selection allows users to choose a switch that aligns with their sound preferences while retaining the comfort inherent in both designs.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Sunset Gleam features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it suitable for extended typing sessions and gaming without causing significant strain. In contrast, the WS Pearl has a heavier actuation force of 30 grams but a notably higher bottom out force of 58 grams, which lends it a more substantial feel during typing. This means that while the actuation force of the WS Pearl is lighter, its bottom out force is heavier than that of the Sunset Gleam. Therefore, typists or gamers who prefer a more tactile experience might lean towards the WS Pearl, while those seeking comfort over longer periods would likely favor the Sunset Gleam. In summary, the Sunset Gleam is the lighter option overall, while the WS Pearl, though having a lighter actuation force, offers a heavier bottom out experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch both have identical travel distances, measuring 3.5 mm from the top to the bottom. This similarity means that users can expect a comparable response when pressing down on a key for both switches, providing a consistent tactile experience. With both switches offering the same travel distance, they are likely to deliver similar results in terms of key feel and actuation, making either option appealing for those seeking a linear switch with a uniform travel profile.
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 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
The HMX Sunset Gleam switch produces a subtle yet satisfying sound profile, characterized by a pleasing top-out followed by a gentle clack that adds an enjoyable acoustic feedback to the typing experience. This quality is enhanced by the excellent factory lube that HMX utilizes, creating a harmonious blend that resonates well without being overly loud or distracting. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switch showcases a medium-high pitched sound signature that reflects its unique construction. The incorporation of ball-bearings in the WS Pearl helps cultivate a more muted and refined acoustic, leading to a typing experience that feels distinctively different from the Sunset Gleam while still maintaining a pleasant auditory quality.
When it comes to the tactile feel, the Sunset Gleam offers a smooth travel that benefits greatly from the thoughtful engineering and materials used, resulting in a comfortable keystroke. The subtle clack at the top-out serves as just enough feedback without being jarring, making it suitable for both typing and gaming. Meanwhile, the WS Pearl stands out with its ball-bearing mechanism that significantly reduces friction during key presses, creating an incredibly smooth action that feels almost surreal. This design allows for effortless typing, with the switch gliding with minimal resistance, which may appeal to users seeking extreme smoothness in their keystrokes.
Overall, both the HMX Sunset Gleam and WS Pearl linear switches provide unique attributes in sound and feel, catering to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. While the Sunset Gleam emphasizes a balanced auditory experience with its subtle clack, the WS Pearl prioritizes an exceptionally smooth keystroke enhanced by friction-reducing ball-bearings. Depending on your individual taste, you may find that both switches deliver satisfying results in their respective qualities, making them both worthy contenders for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Sunset Gleam and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl will ultimately depend on your personal preferences regarding key feel, sound signature, and the kind of typing or gaming experience you're seeking. If you enjoy a lighter touch and a linear switch that's characterized by a subtle top-out and a pleasing clack sound, then the Sunset Gleam is an excellent option for you. This switch is particularly well-suited for long typing sessions or when you're looking for a switch that provides a bit of acoustic feedback without being too loud. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial keystroke with a medium bottom-out force and enjoy an incredibly smooth and frictionless typing experience, the WS Pearl is the way to go. The unique ball-bearing mechanism allows for a seamless keypress, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming or those who prioritize speed and precision in their keystrokes. Ultimately, both switches have their distinctive qualities, so consider what aspects are most important to you—whether it's the sound, feel, or actuation force—as this will guide you in making the best choice for your mechanical keyboard.
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