HMX Swift vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the HMX Swift and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Swift and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl each offer unique characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The Swift is celebrated for its deeper sound profile, a notable departure from the typical brighter sounds of many linear switches, thanks to its full nylon housing. This switch not only provides a silky smooth keystroke but also features a delicate 42g actuation force, making it feel light and bouncy under the fingers—a great option for typists and gamers who enjoy a softer touch with a satisfying feedback. In contrast, the WS Pearl distinguishes itself with an innovative design incorporating ball-bearings, which significantly reduces friction and creates an exceptionally smooth typing experience. With a medium-high pitched sound signature, the Pearl caters to those who prioritize a refined feel and a unique auditory experience while typing. Both switches have their distinct advantages, making them appealing to different types of users; 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
30g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended spring
Spring
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the HMX Swift and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl, it becomes evident that both switches utilize nylon as their primary component for the top and bottom housings. This shared material establishes a baseline of tonal quality characteristics, with nylon notoriously known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. By employing nylon in both the Swift and the WS Pearl, both switches are set to deliver similar auditory experiences, characterized by a rounder and more subdued sound. This sonic profile is a direct result of nylon's inherent properties, particularly its softer nature compared to harder plastics, which allows it to absorb sound more effectively.
Despite the similarity in material choice, the arrangement and construction of the housing can also influence the overall feel and acoustics of the switches. In both cases, the bottom housing—the element that primarily affects the bottom-out feel and sound—exhibits the same sound-absorbing qualities due to its nylon composition. This results in a satisfying keypress experience regardless of whether one is using the HMX Swift or the WS Pearl. However, the top housing, while also made from nylon, will play a more significant role in the sound produced upon key release. Thus, while both switches possess identical housing materials, the distinct feel experienced during typing can vary slightly based on the switch's overall design and engineering approach.
In practice, given that both the HMX Swift and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl utilize nylon for both the top and bottom housings, users can expect a cohesive typing experience across the two models. Since the properties imparted by nylon remain consistent, the resulting sound profile and the tactile feedback could be considered analogous. Therefore, even if the switches are designed differently or targeted for different preferences, the fundamental characteristics of nylon ensure that users will receive a similar auditory and tactile experience, thus highlighting the importance of material selection in mechanical keyboard design.
Weight
The HMX Swift linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch each exhibit distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Swift switch features a light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, ideal for long typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the WS Pearl has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams but exhibits a heavier bottom out force of 58 grams. This discrepancy means that while the WS Pearl is easier to press initially, it requires more force to fully engage, creating a different typing feel compared to the Swift. Overall, the Swift is the heavier option in terms of actuation force but has a lighter bottom out experience, while the WS Pearl, although lighter at actuation, delivers a heavier end feel when bottomed out. This makes the HMX Swift a better choice for those seeking a more substantial push feel, whereas the WS Pearl appeals to those who enjoy an initial ease of keystroke with a firmer finish.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Swift linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, the Swift measures a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the WS Pearl has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Swift provides a more substantial depth when pressed, which may appeal to users who prefer a heartier feel when typing. Conversely, the WS Pearl's shorter 3.5 mm travel distance is likely to deliver a quicker response time, making it a suitable choice for gamers or those who favor faster, more responsive keystrokes. Therefore, if responsiveness is paramount, the WS Pearl would be the preferred option; however, for those who appreciate a deeper key press, the Swift would be more suitable.
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 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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Swift linear switch offers a distinctively deeper sound profile due to its full nylon housings, which contributes to a more subdued yet resonant auditory experience. This can be beneficial for users who prefer a less intrusive typing sound and appreciate the rich, full-bodied tone that accompanies their keystrokes. In contrast, the WS Pearl linear switch is characterized by a medium-high pitched sound signature, likely due to its unique construction involving ball-bearings. While both switches provide their own auditory experiences, the Swift's clacky nature may lend itself to a sharper, more percussive sound that some users might find more satisfying. Ultimately, the overall sound experience for both switches may also depend significantly on the keyboard's build quality and the choice of keycaps.
In the realm of feel, the Swift switch shines with its lighter actuation force of 42g, resulting in a typing experience that is easy to press, feathery, and bouncy. This combination allows for comfortable extended periods of typing and enhances responsiveness, making it an enjoyable choice for both gaming and productivity tasks. The design contributes to a creamy sensation with smooth, buttery key presses, which reduces finger fatigue. On the other hand, the specific tactile feel of the WS Pearl linear switch isn’t detailed in the information provided, leaving its subjective qualities open to interpretation. However, users can expect a remarkably smooth experience due to the ball-bearing mechanism that minimizes friction, likely resulting in a distinctive yet possibly different tactile feedback compared to the Swift.
In conclusion, while the HMX Swift linear switch showcases a unique deep sound profile and an incredibly light and satisfying typing feel, the WS Pearl linear switch presents an intriguing alternative with its focus on friction reduction for a smooth keystroke experience. Despite the differences in sound and potentially feel, both switches cater to users seeking a premium typing experience, allowing for personal preference to guide the choice. Whether you lean toward the deeper, richer sounds of the Swift or the smooth action of the Pearls, both options fall within a realm designed to enhance typing pleasure and comfort.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the HMX Swift linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you prioritize a lighter and more effortless typing experience, particularly for long hours of use or gaming, the Swift's 50-gram bottom-out force and silky smooth feel make it an excellent option. Its deeper sound profile coupled with a clacky character not only provides an engaging auditory experience but also enhances the tactile feedback while typing. Conversely, if you prefer a medium actuation force that includes the unique innovation of ball-bearings for reduced friction, the WS Pearl switch might be more suited to you. The slightly higher 58-gram bottom-out force offers a firmer feedback that could be beneficial for users who like a bit more resistance when typing or gaming. Additionally, the Pearl's medium-high pitch sound signature delivers an appealing auditory aesthetic, albeit it lacks the clackiness of the Swift. Ultimately, both switches have their standout features, so consider how your typing habits and sound preferences align with these characteristics while making your decision.
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