HMX Twilight vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the HMX Twilight and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the HMX Twilight linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch can greatly influence your typing experience. The HMX Twilight offers an extended travel distance of 3.85mm, which contributes to a slightly quieter sound while still maintaining the characteristic clacky feedback that HMX switches are known for. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke without the distractions of loud clicks. On the other hand, the WS Brown switches present a delightful blend of familiarity and innovation, featuring a medium-light actuation force that promotes comfort and responsiveness. Their tactile bump provides a satisfying feedback, making them well-suited for typists who enjoy a more interactive typing experience. While the Twilight appeals to those seeking a linear and quieter solution, the Brown switches cater to those who desire a more tactile feel with audible cues. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.85 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
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Twilight and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This commonality in material choice provides both switches with a distinctive sound profile characterized by a deeper and fuller auditory experience. The nylon used in both designs is softer compared to other plastics, allowing it to absorb more sound, which contributes to a sound that is not only rounder but also more muted. Consequently, typists can expect similar acoustic properties from both the Twilight and WS Brown switches, leading to a consistent typing experience in terms of sound output.
While the use of nylon for both top and bottom housings allows for the transfer of similar acoustic characteristics in both switches, their overall performance can still vary based on design elements such as stem characteristics or spring tension. For instance, even if the housings are the same, the feel and sound during keypresses may be influenced by other internal switch components. However, the dominant effect of the nylon material ensures that users engaging with either switch will likely experience a compatible sound profile when bottoming out and releasing keys. Both switches excel in providing a well-rounded acoustic effect, which enhances the overall typing experience.
It is also essential to note how the characteristics of the bottom and top housings interact to create the final typing experience. In both the HMX Twilight and Wuque Studio WS Brown, the bottom housing plays a significant role in how the switch feels when pressed down, contributing to the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback. In contrast, the top housing predominantly influences the sound produced when the key is released. Since both switches share identical nylon material properties in their housings, the tactile feel and acoustic qualities will align closely, even while their individual components may introduce subtle variations. Ultimately, those selecting between the two can feel confident that the familiar nylon sound signature will manifest regardless of their choice.
Weight
The HMX Twilight linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Twilight switch features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, especially during long work hours or gaming sessions. In contrast, the WS Brown switch has an unspecified actuation force but registers a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. While the bottom out force of the WS Brown is notably heavier than that of the Twilight switch, the unknown actuation force complicates direct comparison regarding the initial keystroke feel. Consequently, the HMX Twilight is the lighter option overall, while the WS Brown offers a slightly heavier bottom out experience, potentially appealing to those who enjoy more tactile feedback and a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Twilight linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, we can observe that the Twilight features a travel distance of 3.85 mm, while the WS Brown offers a slightly shorter distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the WS Brown the shorter of the two switches, which might appeal to gamers seeking faster response times due to its quicker actuation. On the other hand, the Twilight's longer travel distance may provide a more pronounced feel for those who prefer deeper keystrokes, making it potentially more satisfying for typists. Overall, if you're looking for a more responsive experience, the WS Brown could be the preferable choice, whereas the Twilight is better suited for those who appreciate the tactile sensation of a longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Twilight has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Twilight for $3.29.
The Wuque Studio WS Brown 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 Twilight linear switch is defined by its extended travel distance of 3.85mm, which contributes to a slightly quieter typing experience compared to more traditional linear switches while still retaining the characteristic clacky qualities typical of HMX designs. This allows for a unique auditory signature that balances subdued noise levels with a satisfying acoustic feedback. Conversely, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch is designed to provide a more traditional typing experience with a delightful auditory component. Its medium-light actuation force ensures that even in extended sessions, the sound produced remains pleasant and is often described by enthusiasts as familiar and delightful, owing to its nylon housing and POM stem, which add to the engaging acoustic experience.
When it comes to the feel of these switches, the HMX Twilight linear switch provides a smooth linear action, which means there are no tactile bumps in the actuation, allowing for uninterrupted keystrokes. This can create a gliding sensation that many users appreciate for fast-paced gaming or typing. In contrast, the WS Brown tactile switch offers a responsive and comforting tactile bump at the actuation point, making it an excellent choice for users who enjoy feedback while typing. This tactile bump, combined with the medium-light actuation force, ensures that users experience a reassuring physical cue with each keystroke, enhancing the overall typing enjoyment especially for those who prefer a more traditional feel.
In summary, both switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The HMX Twilight excels in providing a relatively quiet yet satisfying sound alongside a smooth linear feel, making it suitable for those who prefer a softer auditory environment. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches offer a more familiar and engaging auditory feedback combined with tactile response, ideal for users who appreciate a classic typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, ensuring that both options provide enjoyable typing experiences that can be tailored with different key setups and board configurations.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Twilight linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prefer a lighter touch and appreciate a longer travel distance for a smoother keystroke experience, then the HMX Twilight would be your go-to option. It's particularly well-suited for fast-paced gaming or extensive typing sessions where every millimeter of travel can enhance your performance. On the other hand, if you value tactile feedback that provides a reassuring "bump" on actuation, combined with a slightly heavier keypress, the WS Brown switch may be the better choice. Its medium-light force not only ensures responsiveness but also promotes comfort during prolonged typing, making it ideal for both office work and casual gaming. Therefore, assess your priorities—whether it’s speed and lightness with the Twilight or tactile satisfaction with the WS Brown—and select the switch that best aligns with your typing style and needs.
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