HMX Twilight vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash
An in-depth look at the HMX Twilight and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, many enthusiasts find themselves weighing the benefits of different types to match their preferences and needs. The HMX Twilight, a linear switch, is celebrated for its extended 3.85mm travel distance, delivering a slightly quieter typing experience while still retaining the signature clacky sound typical of HMX switches. This makes it an excellent choice for those who value a smooth keystroke and prefer a more muted sound profile without sacrificing performance. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Dash, a hall effect switch, shines with its refined take on the beloved Magnetic Jade, offering a bright and crisp audio feedback alongside a silky smooth typing sensation. This switch is particularly appealing to users who enjoy an engaging and tactile experience, enriched by the unique characteristics of hall effect technology. Both switches offer distinct advantages: the Twilight for its quieter operation and smoothness, while the WS Dash captivates with its auditory feedback and refined feel. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.85 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Twilight and the Wuque Studio WS Dash, a clear distinction can be drawn between their top housings. The Twilight employs a nylon top housing, characteristic of its deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to nylon's nature as a softer plastic that absorbs sound, resulting in a rounder auditory experience. Conversely, the WS Dash features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer sound that resonates with a higher pitch. While the two materials differ fundamentally in their acoustic properties, both switches can achieve desirable results depending on the desired sound aesthetics; however, the Twilight is more suited for those seeking depth, while the Dash caters to enthusiasts of brightness and clarity.
On the other hand, both the HMX Twilight and the Wuque Studio WS Dash utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This commonality creates continuity in the overall sound experience, as both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Since the bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, users can expect a cohesive tactile experience regardless of the differences in the top housing materials. This similarity means that, despite the varying auditory characteristics from their top housings, both products will still feel satisfyingly consistent and robust due to the nylon bottom housing, ensuring a fulfilling typing experience.
Ultimately, the combination of different materials for the top and bottom housing in both switches indicates that while the HMX Twilight creates a symphony of sound that leans towards a rounded richness, the WS Dash provides a dynamic and engaging sound that is bright and clear. Although they utilize the same material (nylon) for the bottom housing, the impact of the top housing material creates distinct typological experiences. Each product's design illustrates how the composite nature of materials can shape the user's experience, allowing for preferences on either side of the tonal spectrum, catering to varying tastes in auditory stimulation.
Weight
The HMX Twilight linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, which can significantly influence user experience. The Twilight switch features a relatively light actuation force of 42 grams, allowing for quick keystrokes, while its bottom out force is 50 grams, providing a gentle yet firm feel upon bottoming out. In contrast, the WS Dash switch has a lighter actuation force of just 30 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes, but its bottom out force of 55 grams is heavier than that of the Twilight switch. This means that although the WS Dash is easier to press initially, users may experience a more pronounced resistance when fully engaging the key. Therefore, for those who prefer a lighter touch with sustained comfort during long typing or gaming sessions, the WS Dash may be optimal. However, for users who enjoy a more substantial typing feel without excessive effort, the heavier bottom out force of the Twilight switch might be more satisfying. Overall, while both offer unique advantages, the WS Dash is lighter in actuation force, and the Twilight has a lower bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Twilight linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, the Twilight features a travel distance of 3.85 mm, while the WS Dash offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Twilight switch provides a more pronounced depth when pressed, making it preferable for users who appreciate a more substantial feel during key presses. In contrast, the WS Dash’s shorter travel distance caters to gamers and those who prioritize rapid response times, potentially offering a snappier experience. Although both switches can cater to different preferences, the Twilight switch is the longer option, appealing to those who enjoy a more traditional typing feel, whereas the WS Dash is designed for those who seek a quicker action.
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 Dash comes in at $7.49 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 Twilight linear switch is characterized by its slightly quieter auditory profile, thanks to its extended 3.85mm travel distance, while still maintaining the signature clacky qualities typical of HMX switches. This makes it enjoyable for users who appreciate a less disruptive typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch offers a bright and clacky sound signature that captivates users, with its combination of a smooth keystroke and an engaging auditory feedback. Both switches excel in delivering a clacky sound, though the Twilight leans towards a more muted experience, influenced by travel distance.
When discussing feel, the HMX Twilight linear switch is known for providing a smooth and consistent keystroke throughout its entire actuation. This allows for a satisfying typing experience, particularly favored by those who enjoy linear switches. In contrast, the WS Dash switch boasts a silky smooth feel, characteristic of Hall Effect technology, which further enhances the tactile experience. Both switches prioritize a smooth keystroke, making them suitable for users craving a fluid typing sensation; however, the distinct technologies behind them may yield subtle differences in the overall tactile feedback.
In conclusion, while both the HMX Twilight linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch offer unique sound and feel qualities, they cater to different preferences. The Twilight’s more subdued sound and smooth actuation might appeal to those looking for quieter performance, while the WS Dash provides a vibrant acoustic experience with silky keystrokes. Ultimately, each switch offers its own charm, and users looking for a clacky sound and smooth feel will find satisfaction in either choice, depending on their specific needs and aesthetics in a mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Twilight linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences regarding actuation force, travel distance, sound profile, and overall tactile experience. If you prefer a lighter switch with a longer travel distance, the Twilight might be your best option, especially if you're looking for a quieter typing experience that still retains some of the clackiness typical of HMX switches. This makes it an excellent choice for extended typing sessions or if you’re sensitive to sound but still want a satisfying linear feel. On the other hand, if you favor a slightly heavier actuation force and enjoy a bright, clacky sound with an incredibly smooth keystroke, you’ll likely appreciate the WS Dash. These switches also bring a unique aesthetic and a refined typing experience, especially suited for gaming and rapid typing scenarios where performance is key. Ultimately, select the switch that aligns best with your typing style and sound preference, as both offer distinct characteristics that can enhance your overall keyboard experience.
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