HMX Vintage Citrus vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash
An in-depth look at the HMX Vintage Citrus and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Vintage Citrus and Wuque Studio WS Dash stand out for their unique characteristics catering to different user preferences. The Vintage Citrus, designed specifically for gamers, features an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, making rapid-fire keyboard inputs a breeze. This linear switch not only boasts a bright, clacky sound profile but also offers a remarkably smooth feel, appealing to those who prioritize speed and efficiency in their gameplay. On the other hand, the WS Dash combines the innovative technology of Hall Effect switches with an aesthetic flair, offering users a refined experience reminiscent of the popular Magnetic Jade. Like the Vintage Citrus, the WS Dash delivers a bright and clacky sound signature, but also elevates the typing experience through its silky smooth keystroke, appealing to both gamers and typists alike. Each switch has its merits: the Vintage Citrus excels in gaming dynamics, while the WS Dash offers a balance of performance and refinement. 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
48g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
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
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Vintage Citrus and the Wuque Studio WS Dash employ different materials in their top housings, resulting in distinct sound profiles that cater to varying preferences among users. The Vintage Citrus features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound. This is attributed to nylon's relatively softer, sound-absorbing qualities, which create a rounder and less resonant audio experience. In contrast, the WS Dash utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper and crisper sound profile thanks to its stiffer nature. Because polycarbonate is more rigid, it enhances clarity and resonance, resulting in a brighter typing experience. Therefore, individuals seeking a warm, muted sound may lean towards the Vintage Citrus, whereas those who prefer a more crisp and dominant audio output might gravitate toward the WS Dash.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, it becomes evident that they share a commonality: both the Vintage Citrus and WS Dash utilize nylon for their bottom housing material. This consistency in housing material results in a deeper and more full-bodied sound profile for both switches, even though their top housings diverge in composition. Given that the bottom housing has a significant influence on the sound produced when bottoming out, users of both switches can expect a similar auditory experience during key presses. This shared use of nylon helps create a cohesive sound, even when the top materials differ, thereby allowing users of either switch to enjoy the more rounded sound quality that nylon imparts.
Ultimately, the combination of different materials in the top and bottom housings of the HMX Vintage Citrus and Wuque Studio WS Dash switches demonstrates how varying plastic properties can affect sound profiles. While the Vintage Citrus provides a fuller sound due to its nylon top housing, the WS Dash excels with its more crystalline output from polycarbonate. However, the nylon bottom housings in both switches ensure that a rich, resonant quality is maintained in the sound output. As a result, even if users may experience distinctive sound characteristics between the two switches, the nylon bottom housing guarantees a baseline of auditory warmth that can make both options appealing for different typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces, though both exhibit similar qualities in bottom out force. The Vintage Citrus switch requires an actuation force of 48 grams, which is heavier than the WS Dash’s actuation force of 30 grams. This difference means that typists who prefer a lighter touch will find the WS Dash to be more suitable for extended typing sessions, while those who appreciate a stronger push feel may lean towards the Vintage Citrus. Interestingly, both switches have comparable bottom out forces, with the Vintage Citrus at 53 grams and the WS Dash slightly higher at 55 grams. Therefore, while the actuation force varies, the experience of bottoming out is relatively consistent across both switches, offering a medium-light feel overall. This makes the Vintage Citrus a heavier option compared to the lighter WS Dash, catering to different preferences among users.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Vintage Citrus features a travel distance of 3 mm, while the WS Dash offers a longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. As a result, the Vintage Citrus provides a shallower feel, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times. In contrast, the WS Dash, with its longer 3.5 mm travel, may be favored by those who appreciate a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes. Therefore, for users prioritizing fast and responsive inputs, the Vintage Citrus would be the better choice, while the WS Dash caters to those who prefer a bit more heft in their keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
The Wuque Studio WS Dash has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Dash for $7.49.
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 HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch features a bright, clacky sound profile that enhances the auditory feedback during gaming sessions, making each keystroke feel impactful. Similarly, the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch also boasts a bright and clacky sound signature. This similarity in sound creates an exciting auditory environment for both switches, ensuring that users who choose either option will enjoy an engaging auditory experience. However, it's important to note that the overall sound can vary based on the specific keyboard and keycap materials used.
When it comes to feel, the Vintage Citrus switch is characterized by its remarkably smooth push, which allows for effortless keystrokes. This smoothness is particularly advantageous for gamers who rely on rapid inputs. The WS Dash switch, on the other hand, also offers a silky smooth keystroke, allowing for a pleasant and fluid typing experience. Both switches share a preference for a smooth actuation, contributing to a joyful typing encounter for users.
In conclusion, both the HMX Vintage Citrus and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches provide a bright and clacky sound profile, making them compelling choices for gamers and typists looking for a lively typing experience. In terms of feel, each switch offers a smooth actuation, further enhancing the user experience whether you lean towards the Vintage Citrus or the WS Dash. Ultimately, personal preference will guide your choice, but either switch promises a satisfying connection with your keyboard.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, consider your specific typing preferences and intended use. If you’re primarily a gamer who values speed and rapid key presses, the Vintage Citrus would be your best bet, thanks to its exceptionally low actuation force and quick response time. The bright, clacky sound adds an exciting auditory feedback that enhances the gaming experience, making you feel connected to your actions on-screen. On the other hand, if you seek a refined typing experience with a balance of gaming and productivity, the WS Dash switch may be more suitable. Its slightly higher bottom-out force still provides a smooth keystroke experience while adding the unique hall effect technology, which contributes to a consistent feel and sound signature. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize the fast-paced responsiveness of the Vintage Citrus or the smooth sophistication of the WS Dash for a more versatile keyboard setup.
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