HMX Vintage Citrus vs. Wuque Studio WS Jade
An in-depth look at the HMX Vintage Citrus and the Wuque Studio WS Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, gamers and typists alike often face the crucial decision of selecting the perfect switch to enhance their experience. The HMX Vintage Citrus and the Wuque Studio WS Jade are two notable linear switches, each offering a unique set of characteristics tailored to different preferences. The Vintage Citrus is designed with gamers in mind, featuring an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm that promotes rapid-fire inputs, combined with a bright, clacky sound that delivers an invigorating typing experience. In contrast, the WS Jade takes a more refined approach, incorporating a metallic insert for a resonant sound profile and a smooth, creamy feel that’s complemented by an appealing RGB display through its light diffuser. While both switches excel in providing a clacky auditory feedback, the Vintage Citrus emphasizes speed and responsiveness, while the WS Jade focuses on a more luxurious typing sensation and aesthetics. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Vintage Citrus and the Wuque Studio WS Jade, it’s evident that there are distinct differences that contribute uniquely to their respective sound profiles. The Vintage Citrus utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings. Nylon's soft nature leads to a deeper, fuller sound, as it effectively absorbs sound waves, resulting in a rounder auditory experience. This approach ensures that typing on the Vintage Citrus yields a cohesive sound signature, characterized by warmth and a subdued quality. The consistent use of nylon throughout the switch design maximizes this tonal characteristic and enhances the overall typing experience.
In contrast, the WS Jade employs POM (polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings, which introduces its own signature qualities. POM is known for producing a unique and pleasing sound profile, leaning towards a deeper and more muted sound compared to harder plastics. As both housings are made of POM, the WS Jade delivers a more distinct auditory feedback that remains rich but varies slightly in texture when typing. While it may not provide the same warmth associated with nylon, the POM housings create an enjoyable tactile experience that can still be considered appealing for users desiring a varied sound profile.
Despite the differences in materials used in each switch, the overall effects on sound and feel can lead to surprisingly similar results. For both the Vintage Citrus and WS Jade, the top housing influences the release sound when keys are lifted, while the bottom housing predominantly affects the bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, while the material properties may differ, users can still find a satisfying acoustic experience in both switches, albeit with different tonal characteristics. This combination ensures that regardless of the material used, aficionados of mechanical keyboards will appreciate the nuanced sound profiles that each switch offers.
Weight
The HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch offer distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences among typists and gamers. The Vintage Citrus has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a more comfortable option for extended typing periods or long gaming sessions. In contrast, the WS Jade features a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial feel for users who prefer a stronger push. While both switches have their unique strengths, the WS Jade is ultimately heavier, appealing to those who favor a firmer response. Thus, users seeking longer typing comfort might gravitate towards the HMX Vintage Citrus, while those desiring a robust typing experience may opt for the WS Jade.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, it is clear that the Vintage Citrus offers a shorter travel distance of 3 mm, while the WS Jade features a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference reflects broader preferences among users; those who favor the Vintage Citrus may appreciate its quicker responsiveness, making it an appealing option for gamers seeking swift key presses. Conversely, the WS Jade, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel while typing, as it minimizes abruptness and provides a deeper keypress experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus tactile depth.
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 Jade comes in at $4.30 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 sound, both the HMX Vintage Citrus and Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switches produce a clacky quality that appeals to many enthusiasts. The Vintage Citrus switch's bright, clacky sound profile delivers crisp, sharp, and percussive audio feedback with each key press, enhancing the gaming experience. Similarly, the WS Jade switch features a clacky sound that is crisp and bright, but also incorporates a resonant element due to its metallic insert, resulting in a clean and immersive auditory experience. While both switches share a clacky nature, the WS Jade’s addition of resonance adds a unique depth to its sound profile, making it potentially more engaging for those who appreciate heightened auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the Vintage Citrus offers a snappy and invigorating typing experience. Its responsiveness is notable, often attributed to its lower actuation force and design, allowing for quick inputs and a lively typing sensation. Users will find it invigorating, as it provides pronounced feedback that encourages faster typing speeds. On the other hand, the WS Jade is characterized by a silky and creamy feel. This switch aims to deliver smooth and buttery keystrokes, which can create a relaxing typing experience. The feeling of gliding fingers that the WS Jade offers contrasts with the snappy and reactive nature of the Vintage Citrus, appealing to different preferences among users.
In conclusion, while both the HMX Vintage Citrus and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switches deliver satisfying and clacky sound profiles, they diverge significantly in their tactile feel. The Vintage Citrus serves gamers looking for responsiveness and a lively feedback sensation, whereas the WS Jade caters to users desiring a smooth, creamy typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a responsive and snappy feel or a silky and smooth typing experience, as both will provide engaging auditory feedback.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, you should consider your primary use case and personal preferences. If you are a gamer who thrives on speed and rapid key presses, the Vintage Citrus is your best bet due to its low actuation force and snappy feel, allowing for quick, responsive gameplay. Its clacky sound and invigorating feedback make each keypress feel satisfying, enhancing your overall gaming experience. Conversely, if you are someone who prioritizes a smooth, creamy typing experience or seeks the perfect balance between typing and gaming, the WS Jade switch would be more suitable. Its slightly higher bottom-out force provides a more substantial feel, while the metallic insert and the light diffuser contribute to a unique auditory experience and vibrant RGB effects. Ultimately, choose the Vintage Citrus for speed and responsiveness in gaming, and consider the WS Jade for a refined, silky feel that enhances both typing and casual gaming.
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