HMX Vintage Citrus vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the HMX Vintage Citrus and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your typing and gaming needs, the HMX Vintage Citrus and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl present two compelling options, each with distinct characteristics. The Vintage Citrus is designed specifically for gamers, offering an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, making it ideal for rapid-fire inputs. With its bright and clacky sound profile, this switch delivers an invigorating typing experience that can enhance gaming performance. In contrast, the WS Pearl shines with its unique ball-bearing design, which reduces friction during keystrokes, resulting in an incredibly smooth feel that is both silky and creamy. Its medium-high pitched sound adds a delightful auditory element to the typing experience. While both switches fall into the linear category and cater to users looking for a smooth keystroke, their unique sound profiles and actuation forces cater to different user preferences and needs. 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
48g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
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
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The HMX Vintage Citrus and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl both utilize nylon for their top and bottom switch housings, which positions them within the same realm regarding material characteristics. In both switches, the use of nylon contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile that typists often seek. Nylon’s softer plastic composition allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory experience. This similarity in material not only enhances the overall typing experience but also ensures that users can achieve comparable results in sound quality and tactile feedback when using either keyboard.
While both the HMX Vintage Citrus and the WS Pearl feature the same nylon composition for their top and bottom housings, the implications of this consistency are notable. Since the nylon serves to dampen sound and create a harmonious typing feel, users can expect similar acoustic outcomes regardless of the switch they choose. The overall typing experience will be informed equally by the characteristics of both the top and bottom housings due to their shared material, leading to a cohesive interaction with the keyboard. Typists will appreciate the unified response and sound profile whether they are using one switch over the other, as the nylon retains its properties consistently across both products.
However, even with the same nylon housing in both switches, subtle differences may arise based on individual manufacturing tolerances or design nuances. Given that both housings contribute distinctly to the bottom-out sound and feel, users might still perceive slight contrasts in response. The bottom housing exerts more influence on the tactile feedback when keys are pressed down, while the top housing affects how the sound resonates when keys are released. Nonetheless, the core material shared between the HMX Vintage Citrus and the WS Pearl ensures that users will largely enjoy a similar soundscape and tactile experience, with any variations adding depth to their unique ergonomic preferences.
Weight
The HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, providing distinct typing experiences. The Vintage Citrus features an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light option that is generally suitable for extended typing sessions without much fatigue. In contrast, the WS Pearl has a lower actuation force of 30 grams, enabling a lighter touch for keystrokes, whereas its bottom out force is slightly heavier at 58 grams, which adds a bit of resistance at the end of the keypress. This means that while the WS Pearl allows for a gentler initial push, it ultimately requires more pressure when fully bottoming out. Therefore, the WS Pearl is the lighter switch for actuation, but the heavier option in terms of bottoming out. Users who prefer a lighter switch for sustained comfort would likely favor the WS Pearl for its lower actuation force, while those seeking a more substantial feel might opt for the Vintage Citrus, especially given its closer actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, the differences are quite notable. The Vintage Citrus has a travel distance of 3 mm, which is on the shallower end of the spectrum and may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times. In contrast, the WS Pearl features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, offering a slightly deeper feel that might be more satisfying for those who prefer a less abrupt keystroke. Consequently, the Vintage Citrus is the shorter switch while the WS Pearl is the longer one. For users who value responsiveness in their typing experience, opting for the Vintage Citrus would provide a more immediate reaction, whereas those who appreciate a bit more depth might find the WS Pearl more to their liking.
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 Pearl comes in at $6.00 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, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch produces a bright and clacky profile, characterized by its crisp and percussive feedback that resonates well during gaming sessions. This sharp and snappy sound can energize the experience, especially for users who enjoy auditory feedback from their keystrokes. Conversely, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switch offers a medium-high pitched sound signature that maintains a clacky quality but is enriched with a marbly undertone. This unique combination creates a clean and resonant sound akin to tapping on a solid piece of marble, providing a delightful auditory experience without veering into overly bassy territory. Both switches deliver a satisfying sound for those who appreciate tactile acoustics in their typing experience.
In terms of feel, the HMX Vintage Citrus provides a snappy and invigorating typing experience, thanks to its responsive actuation and feedback. The longer or dual-staged springs contribute to a lively sensation that keeps users engaged, making it ideal for quick inputs, especially in gaming contexts. On the other hand, the WS Pearl switch stands out for its silky and creamy feel, attributed to ball-bearings designed to reduce friction. This results in a buttery smooth typing experience, making the keystrokes feel effortless and fluid. While the Vintage Citrus emphasizes a more responsive interaction, the WS Pearl focuses on a surreal smoothness, providing different yet appealing sensations depending on user preference.
In summary, both the HMX Vintage Citrus and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches cater to distinct preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Vintage Citrus excels in producing a lively, clacky sound and a responsive, invigorating feel that appeals to gamers. In contrast, the WS Pearl offers a unique silky smoothness complemented by a high-pitched, marbly sound profile. While each switch brings its own strengths to the table, users can expect a rewarding experience from either option, depending on their individual typing style and auditory preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch ultimately hinges on your specific preferences and use cases. If you're primarily a gamer looking for rapid response times and a lively tactile experience, the Vintage Citrus switch is an excellent fit due to its low actuation force and snappy feedback, which can enhance your performance in fast-paced gameplay. Its unique clacky sound will also add an engaging auditory dimension to your gaming setup. Conversely, if you seek a smoother, more refined typing experience for tasks like coding or writing, the WS Pearl is likely the better option. Its ball-bearing mechanism minimizes friction, resulting in an exceptionally silky and creamy feel that makes typing a dream. The medium-bottom-out force and the high-pitched, marbly sound profile of these switches cater to those who prefer a quieter but still engaging keyboard experience. Ultimately, by considering your activities—quick gaming versus prolonged typing—you can choose the switch that best complements your style.
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