HMX Swift vs. Wuque Studio WS Red
An in-depth look at the HMX Swift and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Swift and the Wuque Studio WS Red mechanical keyboard switches, both switches are linear switches known for their unique qualities. The HMX Swift stands out for its deeper sound profile and silky smoothness, thanks to its full nylon housings and delicate 42g actuation force. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Red offers a bouncy and responsive typing experience with a 22mm double-stage spring and a heavier actuation force that provides a satisfying and substantial typing feel. While the Swift is categorized as clacky, easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, creamy, the WS Red lacks specific categories. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 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
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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the HMX Swift and the Wuque Studio WS Red utilize nylon as the material for their top and bottom switch housings. This choice of material results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on these switches due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. As a result, both keyboards create a duller and rounder sound compared to switches made with harder plastics. Therefore, when using either of these keyboards, you can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound production.
While both the HMX Swift and the Wuque Studio WS Red share the same nylon material for their top and bottom switch housings, the impact of the housing material on the overall typing experience can vary. The bottom housing of a switch typically has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressed, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. This means that even though both keyboards use nylon for their housing materials, the typing experience may differ slightly depending on the design and construction of the switches in each keyboard.
In conclusion, the use of nylon as the housing material for both the HMX Swift and the Wuque Studio WS Red contributes to a similar typing sound profile characterized by a deeper and fuller sound. However, the specific design of the switches in each keyboard can result in slight variations in the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing playing a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. Ultimately, while both keyboards offer a comparable sound profile, the nuances in design can lead to a slightly different typing feel between the two.
Weight
The HMX Swift linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Swift has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the WS Red has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, with the actuation force being unknown. For those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions, the Swift would be the better option. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the WS Red would be the ideal choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Swift linear switch is 3.9 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are preferred by many gamers for faster response times. However, the Swift has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the WS Red. If you prefer a switch with a bit more depth to the keypress, you may lean towards the HMX Swift. Conversely, if you prefer a faster and more responsive feel, the WS Red may be the better choice for you. Ultimately, both switches offer similar performance with minor differences in travel distance.
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 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
When it comes to the sound of the HMX Swift linear switch, users can expect a clacky and crisp sound that is characteristic of this switch's design. The full nylon housings contribute to a deeper sound profile that sets it apart from other linear switches. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch offers a more traditional sound signature with a touch of bounce and responsiveness. While the sound of a switch can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, these descriptions provide a general idea of what to expect in terms of acoustics.
In relation to the feel of the switches, the HMX Swift linear switch is lauded for its easy-to-press nature, feathery touch, bounciness, and creamy sensation. These qualities result in a typing experience that is effortless, comfortable, and smooth. Conversely, the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch provides a bouncy and substantial typing feel, thanks to its 22mm double-stage spring that adds weight to each keystroke. While specific details on the feel of the WS Red switch are not provided, the heavier actuation force hints at a more solid and satisfying typing experience compared to the lighter Swift switch.
In conclusion, the HMX Swift linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch each offer their own unique sound and feel characteristics. While the Swift switch leans towards a smoother and lighter typing experience with a distinct clacky sound, the WS Red switch provides a more substantial and responsive feel with a traditional sound profile. Depending on personal preference and typing style, users can choose between these switches to tailor their mechanical keyboard experience to their liking. Ultimately, both switches promise a high-quality typing experience with their own particular nuances.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HMX Swift linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and a deeper sound profile with a silky smooth typing experience, the HMX Swift may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a bouncier and more substantial typing feel with a heavier actuation force, the Wuque Studio WS Red could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound signature.
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