HMX Swift vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the HMX Swift and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the HMX Swift linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch for your mechanical keyboard, there are distinct differences in their characteristics. The Swift switch is known for its deep sound profile and silky smooth feel, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience with a delicate 42g actuation force. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile switch stands out for its smoothness combined with a snappy tactile bump, providing a satisfying typing experience with a neutral sound profile. While both switches have their own unique qualities, it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and actuation force. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended spring
Spring
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The HMX Swift features a nylon top housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic properties. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile has a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both materials have their own unique sound characteristics, the nylon top housing of the Swift absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the more resonant and clear sound of the polycarbonate top housing of the WS Light Tactile.
On the other hand, both the HMX Swift and the WS Light Tactile have nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer qualities of nylon allow for sound absorption, creating a duller and rounder sound experience for both switches. Despite having different top housing materials, the bottom housing's impact on the bottom-out sound and feel remains consistent between the two switches. This similarity in bottom housing material highlights the importance of the overall switch housing composition in determining the sound characteristics of mechanical keyboards.
In conclusion, while the HMX Swift and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile have different top housing materials that result in distinct sound profiles, their shared use of nylon bottom housings maintains a consistent deep and full sound experience during typing. The nylon bottom housing's characteristics of sound absorption and softer plastic properties contribute to a duller and rounder sound for both switches. However, the top housing materials, nylon for the Swift and polycarbonate for the WS Light Tactile, create contrasting sound profiles with the former producing a deeper sound and the latter a sharper sound. Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials plays a crucial role in shaping the overall sound experience of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The HMX Swift linear switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the WS Light Tactile switch with 45 grams. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that while the Swift may feel slightly lighter to the touch when initially pressing the key, both switches will require the same amount of force to fully press the key down. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Swift may be the better option, while those who prefer a bit more resistance may lean towards the WS Light Tactile. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and the desired weight of the keystrokes.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Swift linear switch is 3.9 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Swift for quicker response times, while those who prefer a more substantial feel may opt for the slightly longer travel distance of the WS Light Tactile. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of responsiveness and feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Swift linear switch offers a deeper and smoother sound profile compared to the WS Light Tactile switch, which has a neutral sound signature. The Swift switch provides a clacky and sharp sound when pressed, thanks to its full nylon housings. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile switch delivers a more moderate sound profile that is suitable for various environments and preferences. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can be influenced by other factors like the keyboard case and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Swift switch is characterized by its easy-to-press and feathery qualities, making typing effortless and comfortable with minimal force required for activation. Additionally, the Swift switch offers a bouncy and creamy typing experience due to its light actuation force and smooth keypress sensation. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile switch provides a stepped feel, giving a mild tactile feedback with distinct pre-travel and post-travel stages. It also shares the easy-to-press feature with the Swift switch, offering a responsive and low-impact typing feel for extended use.
Overall, the HMX Swift linear switch excels in providing a deeper sound profile and a smooth, easy-to-press typing experience with bouncy and creamy sensations. On the contrary, the WS Light Tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile and a stepped feel, along with the same easy-to-press characteristic. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference in sound, tactile feedback, and typing comfort, ensuring that users can find the right switch for their mechanical keyboard needs.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the HMX Swift linear switch or the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, you should take into account your preferences for sound and feel. If you prefer a deeper sound profile with a silky smoothness and a delicate actuation force, the HMX Swift linear switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a snappy and perceptible tactile bump, along with a neutral sound signature, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch would be an excellent choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on which characteristics align best with your typing preferences and needs.
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