Wuque Studio WS Dash vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Wuque Studio WS Dash and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Wuque Studio WS Dash and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) reflects distinct preferences in tactile feedback and acoustic signature. The WS Dash, a Hall Effect switch, is celebrated for its captivating re-color of the Magnetic Jade, offering a bright and clacky sound profile that complements its remarkably smooth keystroke, making it an excellent choice for typists and gamers who enjoy a lively auditory experience. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) caters to those seeking a linear switch with its heavier variant of the classic Xinhai design, featuring a PA12 top housing that provides softer acoustics and a POM stem for a crisp, higher-pitched resonance. This combination results in a refined typing feel, ideal for users who prefer a more subdued yet responsive keystroke. While both switches promise exceptional performance, they cater to different user experiences; the WS Dash is perfect for those who revel in sound and tactility, while the Xinhai (Heavy) appeals to fans of a smoother, quieter operation. 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
30g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Wuque Studio WS Dash and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influence their sound profiles. The WS Dash features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity, which engenders a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This clarity makes the WS Dash particularly appealing for users who appreciate an audible pop with each keystroke, thereby enhancing the typing experience—especially when paired with RGB lighting due to the translucency of the polycarbonate. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) opts for a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The inherent softness of nylon allows it to absorb more sound vibrations, resulting in a rounder acoustic signature. Thus, while both switches aim to deliver a satisfying typing experience, they do so through markedly different auditory characteristics brought forth by their respective materials.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, we observe that they share a common material: nylon. The WS Dash utilizes a nylon bottom housing, just like the Xinhai (Heavy), resulting in a similarly deep and full sound profile when typing. The softness of nylon contributes to the bottoming-out experience, where the impact of key presses is felt more profoundly. Unlike the differing top housings, the same material across the bottom sections of these switches means that users can expect similar acoustic properties during the act of typing. This consistency not only enhances the tactile feedback from key presses but also ensures that both switches maintain a comparable depth in sound, which could appeal strongly to users who prefer a rich auditory experience regardless of the top housing material.
In summary, while the WS Dash and Xinhai (Heavy) switches diverge in their top housing materials—polycarbonate promoting a sharper sound versus nylon facilitating a fuller tone—their uniformity in bottom housing material fosters commonality in the auditory experience during typing. When users press down on either switch, the nylon bottom housing ensures a duller and rounder sound profile, creating a cohesive experience that softens the impact noise. This blend of materials allows for nuanced sound profiles—allowing the WS Dash to shine in sharper, more dynamic circumstances while the Xinhai (Heavy) provides a more rounded acoustic backdrop—ultimately catering to different user preferences within the mechanical keyboard landscape.
Weight
The Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch present notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces, catering to distinct preferences in typing experience. The WS Dash features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, compared to the heftier 55 grams of the Xinhai (Heavy), making it more accessible for prolonged typing sessions or gaming marathons where finger fatigue is a concern. When it comes to bottom out force, the WS Dash also demonstrates a lighter feel at 55 grams, while the Xinhai (Heavy) registers a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, providing a firmer resistance upon full depression. As a result, users looking for a softer touch and less strain during extended use would benefit from the WS Dash, whereas those who prefer a more substantial push and tactile feedback would gravitate towards the heavier Xinhai (Heavy) switch. Overall, the WS Dash is the lighter option, making it ideal for long sessions, while the Xinhai (Heavy) appeals to those who enjoy a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, there is a slight difference that potential users may want to consider. The WS Dash has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Xinhai (Heavy) measures slightly shorter at 3.4 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more responsive keypress, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) may be the better option due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers, in particular, often prefer such minimal distances for quicker actions. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke feel, the WS Dash with its 3.5 mm travel offers a deeper engagement. In summary, while the differences in travel distance are minimal, the WS Dash provides a bit more depth, while the Xinhai (Heavy) caters to those who prefer a snappier response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The HMX Xinhai (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai (Heavy) for $3.19.
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 WS Dash switch produces a bright and clacky sound signature, which provides an engaging and interactive auditory experience while typing or gaming. This lively sound characteristic is likely to enhance the overall enjoyment of keyboard use. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) switch is constructed with a PA12 top housing that fosters a softer acoustic profile, complemented by a POM stem providing a crisp, higher-pitched resonance. This means that while both switches deliver a distinct audio experience, the WS Dash favors a more pronounced and lively sound, whereas the Xinhai (Heavy) offers a subtler, more refined acoustic quality.
When it comes to feel, the WS Dash is renowned for its silky smooth keystroke, creating a seamless typing experience with each press. This smooth action likely helps with both typing speed and accuracy, making it a preferred choice for typists and gamers alike. The Xinhai (Heavy), on the other hand, embodies a heavy tactile response that is designed for precision. Users can expect a solid bottom-out feel, enhancing feedback during keystrokes and ensuring a grounded typing experience. While the WS Dash excels in smoothness, the Xinhai (Heavy) delivers a more tactile and robust response, catering to varied preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Considering the overall qualities of both switches, the WS Dash and the Xinhai (Heavy) cater to different sensibilities. The former focuses on delivering a bright and engaging auditory experience with a very smooth feel, making it ideal for those who enjoy clear sound and fluid keystrokes. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) offers a more subdued sound profile paired with a satisfying tactile feedback, appealing to those who appreciate precision and a solid typing experience. Both switches provide unique characteristics that can lead to enjoyable typing experiences, allowing users to choose based on their preferred auditory and tactile preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences in typing feel and sound profile. If you lean towards a lighter touch and enjoy a bright, clacky sound signature, the WS Dash is an excellent choice. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams allows for swift typing, making it ideal for gaming or for those who prefer a faster, more responsive keystroke. On the other hand, if you favor a more substantial typing experience with a focus on refined acoustics, the Xinhai (Heavy) switch would better suit your needs. With a heavier bottom-out force of 62.5 grams, it offers a satisfying firmness that many users appreciate, particularly for tasks requiring deliberate keystrokes, such as programming or writing. Its unique PA12 top housing provides softer acoustics, while the POM stem lends a crisp, higher-pitched resonance that can be very pleasing to the ear. Choosing between these two switches depends on whether you prioritize a lighter, speedy response or a more robust and precise feel in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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