HMX Sunset Gleam vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the HMX Sunset Gleam and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the nuances of each option can greatly influence your typing experience. On one hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam, or Duck Duck switch, offers a linear feel characterized by its notable blend of materials that contribute to a subtle top-out and a satisfying clack. This makes it an appealing choice for those who prefer a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke and enjoy the auditory feedback without the harshness typical of some linear switches. Conversely, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch is tailored for quieter environments, such as offices, thanks to its medium tactility and precision-engineered stem railings that provide a crisp yet silent typing experience. Unlike traditional silent switches, the WS Silent Tactile avoids silicone dampeners, resulting in a unique combination of quiet operation and tactile feedback, making it a standout for users who value discretion without sacrificing responsiveness. Each switch offers distinct advantages depending on your preferences—whether you're looking for a lively typing experience or a serene work environment; 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
63.5g
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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Sunset Gleam and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile both utilize plastic materials for their switch housings, but they differ significantly in the specific plastics chosen for the top and bottom housings. The Sunset Gleam features a polycarbonate top housing, celebrated for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This quality enhances the clarity of sound, making it particularly well-suited for RGB lighting applications due to its translucency. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile opts for nylon in its top housing, which yields a deeper, fuller sound profile. As nylon is softer compared to polycarbonate, it absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. Thus, the materials contribute distinctly to the overall sound profiles of the two switches.
When examining the bottom housings, both the Sunset Gleam and the WS Silent Tactile utilize nylon, which intensifies the similarity in their sound profiles. The nylon bottom housing in both models provides a fuller sound due to its ability to absorb sound better than harder plastics. This commonality in bottom housing material indicates that both switches will share a similar acoustic quality when bottoming out. Therefore, regardless of the variance in their top housing materials, users can expect a decidedly similar tactile feedback and sound signature during actuation since the softer nylon in the bottom housing significantly influences that experience.
Overall, the choice of housing materials plays a critical role in defining the auditory and tactile experience of each switch. While the HMX Sunset Gleam's use of polycarbonate for the top housing provides clarity and brightness to the sound, the WS Silent Tactile's nylon top results in a warmer, more muted auditory profile. However, both switches share nylon as a common material in their bottom housings, ensuring that the bottom-out experience remains consistent and enhances the overall sound character. Users looking for unique sound profiles will recognize this divide, while those focused on a cohesive actuation feel will appreciate the similarities achieved through the nylon bottom housing in both switches.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch, we observe notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, which cater to distinct user preferences. The Sunset Gleam features a relatively light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it suitable for users who favor a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile switch has an unlisted actuation force but boasts a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This indicates that it requires a considerable amount of force to fully depress the key, appealing to those who appreciate a more substantial tactile feedback during typing. Therefore, while the Sunset Gleam is the lighter switch, the WS Silent Tactile stands as a medium-heavy option, providing a significantly different typing experience for users who prioritize weight and feedback in their switches.
Travel distance
The HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch both feature a travel distance of 3.5 mm, indicating that both switches offer the same amount of travel from the top to the bottom when a key is pressed down. As a result, users can expect similar feedback and responsiveness when using either switch, making them comparable choices for those seeking a consistent typing experience. With both switches having equal travel distances, typing on a keyboard equipped with either option will yield similar tactile sensations and overall performance.
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 Silent 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Sunset Gleam switch is known for its subtle top-out and satisfying clack, providing a distinctive auditory experience while remaining pleasant enough for a variety of environments. This contrasts with the WS Silent Tactile, which is designed for a more muted operation, combining a neutral sound profile with softer acoustics that minimize the noise commonly associated with mechanical keyboards. The Sunset Gleam’s clacky nature might be more suitable for those who enjoy the auditory feedback of a mechanical switch, whereas the WS Silent Tactile excels in situations where discretion is required, making it ideal for office settings or shared spaces.
When considering their feel, the Sunset Gleam linear switch offers a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke that enthusiasts often treasure, although the exact nuances of its tactile feedback haven't been explicitly detailed. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile provides an invigorating typing experience, characterized by a medium level of tactility that delivers pronounced feedback without overwhelming the typist. Its design strikes a balance between being snappy and responsive yet maintaining a mild touch that appeals to those who prefer a gentler typing sensation. The Sunset Gleam, being linear, will generally offer a more fluid experience, while the WS Silent Tactile offers a satisfying tactile response that enhances typing engagement.
Overall, while the HMX Sunset Gleam and the WS Silent Tactile switches serve different purposes, they cater to varied typing preferences effectively. The Sunset Gleam appeals to those who relish auditory feedback and a smooth linear experience, while the WS Silent Tactile is perfect for users seeking a quiet, tactile switch suitable for professional environments. Each switch has its strengths, and which one to choose depends largely on whether you prioritize sound or feel during your typing experience. If you're looking for similar results, you may consider which specific feature aligns more closely with your typing style and environment.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch should hinge on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you favor a lighter touch with a fun and satisfying acoustic feedback, the Sunset Gleam is an excellent choice—its low bottom-out force of 48 grams makes it easier to type quickly and comfortably, while the subtle clack and well-lubed feel offer an engaging typing experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter operation with a bit more resistance, especially in shared spaces like offices, the WS Silent Tactile switch should be your go-to. Its medium-heavy 63.5 grams actuation combined with thoughtfully engineered silence ensures that you can type with tactile satisfaction without disturbing others around you. The choice between these two ultimately balances your desire for sound and tactility against your specific usage context—whether you prefer the lively responsiveness of the Sunset Gleam or the serene precision of the WS Silent Tactile.
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