HMX Sunset Gleam vs. Wuque Studio WS Yellow
An in-depth look at the HMX Sunset Gleam and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two standout options are the HMX Sunset Gleam and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow, both of which boast linear characteristics that cater to different preferences in the typing experience. The HMX Sunset Gleam, also known as the Duck Duck switch, is renowned for its thoughtfully engineered blend of materials that provide a subtle top-out feel alongside a satisfying clack. This switch features HMX's excellent factory lube, ensuring a smooth typing experience that minimizes friction. In contrast, the WS Yellow switches offer an enticing mix of traditional craftsmanship and modern engineering, featuring a 22mm double-stage spring that delivers a delightful bounce. Thanks to their lightweight design and familiar sound signature, the WS Yellow switches provide a fluid typing experience that many enthusiasts cherish. While both switches have their unique advantages, the Sunset Gleam is perfect for those who appreciate a balanced sound and feel, while the WS Yellow appeals to users looking for effortless keystrokes and a nostalgic auditory profile. 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
53g
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 housing materials of the HMX Sunset Gleam and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow differ significantly in their top housing composition, which leads to contrasting sound profiles. The Sunset Gleam utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, a material known for its stiffness, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This characteristic makes polycarbonate an excellent choice for enhancing sound clarity, particularly when paired with RGB lighting, as its translucency allows the light to shine through beautifully. In contrast, the WS Yellow features nylon for its top housing. As a classic switch material, nylon provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder audio experience. Therefore, while both switch designs prioritize different auditory outcomes, they showcase the unique advantages of their respective top housing materials.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Sunset Gleam and the WS Yellow feature nylon as their material, leading to similar acoustic qualities. The soft nature of nylon in the bottom housing tends to absorb sound more than harder plastics, contributing a rich, rounded tone to the typing experience. By using nylon for the bottom housing in both models, the designers ensure that the sound produced upon bottoming out will share a consistent depth and fullness. This commonality helps create a sense of familiarity for typists looking for an enjoyable and consistent experience across different switches, regardless of their unique top-housing constructions.
Ultimately, the contrasting top housing materials of the HMX Sunset Gleam and the WS Yellow lead to divergent sound profiles, while their shared nylon bottom housing harmonizes the sound experience upon bottoming out. For those who prefer the crisp clarity of the Sunset Gleam’s polycarbonate top, the combination with nylon in the lower section allows for a satisfying blend of crispness and fullness. Meanwhile, the WS Yellow’s cohesive nylon housing throughout provides an entirely warm sound experience. By understanding how each material functions in the context of the switch, users can achieve their desired audio effects by selecting switches that align with their typing and acoustical preferences.
Weight
The HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch present a notable contrast in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Sunset Gleam features a light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it an appealing choice for users who prefer prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, while the actuation force for the WS Yellow is unspecified, its bottom out force is 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This indicates that the WS Yellow is heavier in terms of bottoming out, suggesting a more substantial feel during use. Although we can compare their bottom out forces, the lack of an actuation force measurement for the WS Yellow makes it challenging to draw direct parallels. Consequently, typists seeking a lightweight experience may gravitate towards the Sunset Gleam, while those favoring a stronger push might consider the characteristics of the WS Yellow, particularly due to its higher bottom out force.
Travel distance
The HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Sunset Gleam the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel, which may appeal to gamers looking for quicker actuation and faster response times. On the other hand, the WS Yellow, with its longer travel distance, offers a more substantial depth that some users might find preferable for a more tactile experience. Thus, if you're inclined towards a snappier action, the Sunset Gleam would be the better choice, whereas those who favor a more pronounced keypress might opt for the WS Yellow.
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 Yellow 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 sound profile of the HMX Sunset Gleam switch is characterized by a subtle top-out combined with a satisfying clack, likely due to the thoughtful material composition and HMX's renowned factory lubrication. This creates an auditory experience that appeals to users who enjoy a nuanced sound while typing. In contrast, the WS Yellow switch has a familiar sound signature that is beloved by enthusiasts, stemming from its classic material blend and engineering design. While both switches may provide pleasurable sound experiences, the Sunset Gleam leans towards a richer clack, whereas the WS Yellow is more understated and refined in tone, which can vary based on the board and keycaps used with them.
When it comes to feel, the Sunset Gleam offers a smooth typing experience, enhanced by the factory lubrication that HMX is known for, resulting in a pleasant keystroke with minimal friction. On the other hand, the WS Yellow switch is described in several terms, significantly focusing on its creamy texture, which provides a silky, butter-like sensation during typing. The mild response of the WS Yellow ensures that it caters well to a wide array of users by balancing sound and feel. Additionally, its polished nature further emphasizes a smooth key travel that minimizes any roughness, ensuring a refined typing experience that is easy on the fingers.
Overall, both the HMX Sunset Gleam and WS Yellow linear switches present unique attributes that cater to different preferences among typists. The Sunset Gleam focuses on a satisfying auditory signature complemented by smooth keystrokes, while the WS Yellow emphasizes an effortless and creamy typing feel along with a beloved sound. Choosing between them allows users to tailor their mechanical keyboard experience according to their individual tastes, yet either switch will yield a high level of satisfaction in performance and enjoyment. Thus, depending on your auditory and tactile preferences, both switches can provide delightful, distinct typing experiences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch ultimately depends on your individual preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a lighter switch that offers a subtle top-out with a satisfying clack and smooth keystrokes, then the Sunset Gleam is likely your best bet. Its factory lubrication enhances the typing experience, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more delicate touch and a tactile feedback that is both pleasing and easy to engage with during long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you lean towards a switch with a bit more resistance and appreciate a "creamy" and polished typing feel, the WS Yellow might be more suitable for you. The slightly heavier bottom-out force of 53 grams provides a medium-light experience, enriched by a delightful bounce due to its double-stage spring. This switch shines in scenarios where you might be typing for extended periods and desire a familiar sound signature that enthusiasts adore. Overall, consider what kind of feedback and resistance you want in your daily use and let that guide your choice between these two engaging linear switches.
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