HMX Twilight vs. Wuque Studio WS Red

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the HMX Twilight and the Wuque Studio WS Red provides distinct options for different typing preferences. The HMX Twilight is celebrated for its extended 3.85mm travel distance, which not only results in a quieter sound profile but also preserves the signature clacky characteristics for which HMX switches are known. This switch is ideal for users who appreciate a smooth, linear typing experience with less noise, making it perfect for both gaming and office environments. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Red features a unique 22mm double-stage spring, giving it a bouncy and responsive feel that many typists might find appealing. With a heavier actuation force, the WS Red adds a gratifying weight to each keystroke, catering to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer their own blend of tactile satisfaction, catering to different needs and environments. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Twilight Linear

Wuque Studio WS Red Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$3.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Twilight and the Wuque Studio WS Red both utilize nylon for their switch housings, which significantly contributes to their acoustic profiles. Nylon is known for its softer texture compared to harder plastics, which results in a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This characteristic is consistent across both models, as their top and bottom housings are constructed from the same material. Consequently, users can expect a sound signature marked by a rounder and duller tone, providing a satisfying tactile experience that many typists seek.

Both the Twilight and the WS Red exhibit similar performance characteristics due to their identical housing materials. Since the top and bottom housings are both made of nylon, they essentially harmonize to create a unified auditory experience. The softer plastic of the nylon absorbs sound effectively, enhancing the typing noise profile and mitigating any harshness potentially produced by harder materials. This alignment in housing material means that users can anticipate a consistent sound as they type on both switches, making them suitable for users who appreciate a quieter, more muted typing environment.

However, even with the same nylon composition, the placement of the material—whether in the top or bottom housing—affects the typing experience. The bottom housing has a more notable impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing contributes to the sound when releasing a key. Thus, while the sound profiles of the HMX Twilight and the Wuque Studio WS Red are similar due to the shared nylon construction, the resultant experience can slightly differ based on these nuanced impacts from the location of the material. Users can enjoy a cohesive and satisfying typing experience with both models, but with subtle variations in how the nylon enhances each user's interaction with the switches.

Weight

The HMX Twilight linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch differ significantly in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, affecting their overall typing experience. The Twilight features a light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it well-suited for users who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for longer typing or gaming sessions with less fatigue. In contrast, the WS Red lacks a specified actuation force but has a notably higher bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This results in a more substantial typing experience preferred by those who like a stronger push feel. Consequently, if users seek a lighter option, the Twilight is the clear choice, while those favoring a heavier switch may lean towards the WS Red for its firmer resistance.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Twilight linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, we see that the Twilight has a travel distance of 3.85 mm, while the WS Red measures slightly shorter at 3.8 mm. This makes the WS Red the shorter option, which may be advantageous for gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Twilight, with its longer travel distance, could cater to users who prefer a more pronounced keystroke feel, often described as providing a heartier depth to their typing experience. Although the difference between the two switches is minimal, it may influence a user’s decision based on their tactile preferences in switch responsiveness and feedback.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The HMX Twilight linear switch produces a slightly quieter sound profile due to its extended 3.85mm travel distance, which allows for a smoother bottoming out. While it maintains some of the clacky characteristics typical of HMX switches, users will likely notice a more subdued auditory experience compared to other options. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, with its classic material blend, delivers a familiar sound signature that complements its design. The sound produced by the WS Red is characterized as responsive and lively, thanks to the unique properties of its double-stage spring, but it may not be as pronounced as the Twilight when considering the overall noise level.

When examining the feel of each switch, the HMX Twilight offers a unique typing experience with a focus on smoothness throughout the keypress due to its extended travel distance. This allows users to enjoy a light and consistent touch that can be quite pleasurable during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the WS Red linear switch provides a bouncy and responsive tactile feedback with a heavier actuation force. This added weight delivers a sense of substance to each keystroke, making it feel more deliberate and satisfying, especially for those who prefer a firmer typing experience.

In summary, while both the HMX Twilight and Wuque Studio WS Red linear switches offer their own distinct characteristics, they cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Twilight delivers a quieter yet clacky sound with a smooth feel, while the WS Red emphasizes a heavier actuation force with a lively auditory response. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a lighter touch or a more substantial feel in your typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the HMX Twilight linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch largely depends on what you prioritize in your typing experience. If you prefer a lighter keystroke with a longer travel distance, the HMX Twilight is an excellent choice. Its 50-gram actuation force makes typing feel effortless, particularly beneficial for extended sessions where comfort is key. The slightly quieter keystroke is an added bonus, making it ideal for shared spaces or environments where noise might be distracting. On the other hand, if you value a stronger tactile feedback from your switches, the WS Red, with its 67-gram actuation force, will provide a more substantial and satisfying typing experience. The bouncy feel and classic material blend contribute to an overall responsive performance that many find rewarding, especially during gaming or programming sessions where precision matters. Ultimately, you should consider your typing habits and preferences when selecting a switch—whether that’s the lightweight, quiet nature of the Twilight or the heavier, more pronounced responsiveness of the WS Red.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Twilight Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Wuque Studio WS Red Linear

$3.50 per 10

Learn more