HMX Sunset Gleam vs. Wuque Studio WS Red
An in-depth look at the HMX Sunset Gleam and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Sunset Gleam and the Wuque Studio WS Red are both compelling options, each with its unique attributes that cater to different typing preferences. The HMX Sunset Gleam, also known as the Duck Duck switch, is celebrated for its carefully crafted blend of materials, offering a subtle top-out and a satisfying clack that many typists find enjoyable. With excellent factory lubrication, it not only provides a smooth typing experience but also maintains durability. On the other hand, the WS Red switch features a distinctive 22mm double-stage spring, delivering a bouncy and responsive feel with a heavier actuation force that adds a bit of weight to each keystroke. This switch strikes a balance between a familiar sound signature and a substantial typing experience. While both switches deliver a linear typing sensation, the choice ultimately hinges on whether you prefer the refined responsiveness of the Sunset Gleam or the robust feedback of the WS Red. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
67g
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 Red offer unique sound profiles largely influenced by the materials used in their top and bottom switch housings. The Sunset Gleam features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This material's stiffness enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound, making it particularly favorable for those who enjoy a bright auditory experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for effective diffusion of RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal. In contrast, the WS Red’s top housing is made of nylon, a classic material that yields a deeper and rounder sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound rather than amplifying it, resulting in a warmer and fuller auditory experience when typing.
Both switches, however, share a commonality in their bottom housing, which is constructed from nylon in both cases. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper sound across both switches, as it absorbs more sound compared to harder materials like polycarbonate. This means that while the HMX Sunset Gleam has a prominently sharper sound when pressing and releasing keys, the bottom-out effect resonates with a fuller tone due to the nylon. Therefore, the overall typing experience provides a balance, where the sharper qualities of the polycarbonate top housing complement the rounder fullness of the nylon bottom housing, leading to a dynamic auditory experience.
In summary, while the HMX Sunset Gleam and Wuque Studio WS Red differ significantly in their top housing materials—polycarbonate versus nylon—the bottom housings align in their use of nylon. This results in a combined effect where the distinct sound profiles reflect the characteristics of both materials. The Sunset Gleam’s sharper, more defined sound contrasts with the fuller and deeper tones of the WS Red, yet both switches benefit from the warmth added by their nylon bottoms, illustrating how different materials can merge to create diverse yet harmonious results in a typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, there is a notable difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Sunset Gleam features a light actuation force of 42 grams, with a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch during prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the WS Red has a higher bottom out force of 67 grams, indicating a medium-heavy resistance, although its actuation force is not specified. This suggests that the WS Red will provide a firmer and more substantial typing experience, ideal for users who appreciate a stronger push feel. Consequently, if you prefer lighter switches for longer use, the Sunset Gleam is the better choice, while the WS Red caters to those who favor a heavier switch. Overall, the Sunset Gleam is lighter, while the WS Red is heavier.
Travel distance
The HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Sunset Gleam the shorter option between the two, which can be beneficial for gamers seeking quicker response times due to its reduced actuation distance. In contrast, the WS Red's 3.8 mm travel distance offers a more pronounced feel, appealing to users who prefer a deeper, more substantial keystroke that may enhance their typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will largely depend on individual preferences for depth versus responsiveness, as both options cater to different user needs.
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 Red 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 HMX Sunset Gleam switch produces a delightful auditory experience characterized by a subtle top-out and a satisfying clack. This sound quality is complemented by the excellent factory lube that HMX is known for, enhancing the overall acoustic profile. Meanwhile, the Wuque Studio WS Red switch retains a classic sound signature thanks to its material blend. The heavier actuation force contributes to a less pronounced acoustic response compared to the Sunset Gleam but may still provide a familiar, slightly muted clicking sound that many users appreciate. It's essential to keep in mind that the actual sound you experience may also depend on factors such as your choice of keyboard plate and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Sunset Gleam switch is designed to deliver a smooth linear experience, combining easy travel with a hint of resistance, making it beginner-friendly yet enjoyable for seasoned typists. The factory lubrication further enhances this fluid feel, ensuring minimal friction during key presses. In contrast, the WS Red switch features a 22mm double-stage spring that adds a layer of bounciness and responsiveness to the typing experience. The heavier actuation force gives the WS Red a more substantial feel on each keystroke, making it ideal for those who prefer a bit of weight in their typing action, though it may require more effort to press than the Sunset Gleam.
Overall, while the HMX Sunset Gleam and Wuque Studio WS Red switches are both linear and share some similarities in offering satisfying auditory and tactile responses, they cater to slightly different preferences. The Sunset Gleam offers a lighter and smoother typing experience with a pleasant sound, making it a great option for casual users or those who enjoy a fast typing speed. Conversely, the WS Red's heavier actuation adds weight and responsiveness, appealing to typists who appreciate a more substantial feel. Depending on personal preference, both switches can create enjoyable typing experiences, but the nuances in sound and feel will cater to different tastes.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the HMX Sunset Gleam and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switches, it’s important to consider your typing preferences and overall needs. If you prefer a lighter touch and an effortless typing experience, the Sunset Gleam is an excellent choice. With its bottom-out force of just 48 grams, it delivers a smooth and satisfying feel, enhanced by its quality factory lubrication and a subtle top-out sound that makes it ideal for long typing sessions, whether for work or play. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more substantial and tactile experience, the WS Red switch, with its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 67 grams, could be more suitable for you. The 22mm double-stage spring design offers a bouncy responsiveness that provides a reassuring weight to each keystroke, making it a great option for users who appreciate a firmer feel and are looking to increase their typing accuracy. Therefore, understanding your typing style and the kind of feedback you enjoy can significantly impact your choice between these two switches.
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