Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, factors such as tactile feedback, sound profile, and overall typing experience play significant roles in personal preference. The Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch offers an engaging and immersive typing experience characterized by its pronounced 70g tactile bump and "thocky" sound, making each keystroke feel both satisfying and responsive. This switch is particularly appealing to those who enjoy a tactile feel and a lively acoustic signature, making it ideal for gamers and typists who value feedback in their interactions. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) is a linear switch that provides a smoother and quieter typing experience, with its PA12 top housing contributing to a subtler sound profile, while the POM stem delivers a crisp, higher-pitched resonance. This makes it a suitable choice for individuals who prefer silent operation without sacrificing performance, perfect for office environments or late-night work sessions. Each switch has unique attributes catering to different typing preferences, highlighting the importance of personal choice. 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
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
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-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) keyboard switches both utilize nylon for their housing materials, which offers notable similarities in performance characteristics. Both switches feature nylon top and bottom housings, which are recognized for their ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to those made from harder plastics. This consistent use of nylon across both switches creates a uniform auditory experience, characterized by a lush, rounded sound that many typists and gamers appreciate. As a result, users can expect to experience similarly satisfying acoustics when typing or gaming on either switch, as the inherent properties of nylon effectively absorb sound waves and dampen vibrations.
While the housing materials of the WS Heavy Tactile and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches are the same, they may excel in different aspects based on their structural design and intended use. The bottom housing of each switch plays a critical role in influencing the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback when pressed. Therefore, even with the same material, the feel and sound at the bottom of the keypress could differ based on the internal mechanics and switch design. However, the consistency in material does suggest that experiences like sound dampening and resonance will remain aligned across both offerings, ensuring that users can feel confident in their choice between the two.
In summary, both the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) share nylon housings, leading to comparable sound profiles and tactile experiences during use. The cohesive material choice facilitates a duller sound due to the soft nature of nylon, affecting how effectively sound is absorbed. Thus, while minor differences may arise from variations in design or internal structure, the overall acoustic and tactile qualities are likely to remain similar, allowing users to derive a satisfying experience whether they choose one switch over the other. This equivalence allows for flexibility in user preference without significant compromise in performance or auditory characteristics.
Weight
The Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch offer contrasting experiences in typing feel, primarily reflected in their actuation and bottom out forces. The WS Heavy Tactile has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Xinhai (Heavy), which requires 55 grams to actuate. This makes the WS Heavy Tactile better suited for users who prefer a lighter push; it allows for extended typing sessions or gaming without exerting as much effort. However, the bottom out forces tell a different story: the WS Heavy Tactile has a higher bottom out force of 70 grams versus the Xinhai’s 62.5 grams. This means that while the WS Heavy Tactile requires less force to actuate, it provides a firmer resistance before reaching the bottom, which can enhance tactile feedback. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) offers a more consistent pressure throughout, making it feel smoother upon bottoming out. Therefore, for those seeking a heavier typing experience, the WS Heavy Tactile provides a medium-heavy sensation, while the Xinhai (Heavy) presents a more balanced medium feel across both actuation and bottoming out stages.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, we find that they differ slightly, with the WS Heavy Tactile having a travel distance of 3.2 mm and the Xinhai (Heavy) measuring 3.4 mm. This indicates that the WS Heavy Tactile is the shorter option, favoring users who prefer a more responsive feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Xinhai (Heavy), with its longer travel distance, may appeal more to those who appreciate a deeper and more substantial feedback from their keystrokes. Therefore, if you prioritize rapid response times, the WS Heavy Tactile would be the better choice, while the Xinhai (Heavy) aligns well with a preference for a more pronounced tactile experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile comes in at $3.50 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 considering the sound produced by the WS Heavy Tactile switch, it’s characterized by a "thocky" resonance that creates an engaging auditory experience. The nylon housing contributes to a clacky and high-pitched profile, providing sharp and percussive sounds with each keystroke. Users can expect a clean and resonant sound, making the typing experience quite immersive. In contrast, information regarding the sound signature of the Xinhai (Heavy) switch is unfortunately unknown, which means that potential users may have to explore it themselves or rely on external sources to gauge its sound characteristics.
In terms of feel, the WS Heavy Tactile is designed for those who appreciate a pronounced tactile experience. Descriptors such as "accented" and "bouncy" point to a typing sensation that strikes a fine balance between feedback and comfort, making each keypress springy and responsive. The tactile bump is sharp, allowing for distinct identification of actuation without overwhelming the user. Unfortunately, the feel of the Xinhai (Heavy) switch remains unspecified, leaving a gap in the understanding of its tactile qualities.
Overall, while the WS Heavy Tactile switch provides a thrilling auditory and tactile experience suited for enthusiasts, the lack of information regarding the Xinhai (Heavy) switch creates uncertainty in its evaluation. Sound-wise, the WS Heavy Tactile is firmly defined with its characteristic "thocky" and resonant profile, in stark contrast to the unknown acoustics of the Xinhai (Heavy). On the tactile front, the WS Heavy Tactile excels in delivering a vibrant engagement with well-defined feedback, while the feel of the Xinhai switch remains to be explored. Each switch offers unique qualities, and users interested in sound and feel may lean towards the WS Heavy Tactile for a more established experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound. If you enjoy a tactile sensation with a pronounced bump, coupled with a satisfying "thocky" sound and a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 70 grams, the WS Heavy Tactile is the perfect choice. This switch shines in providing an engaging typing experience, ideal for those who appreciate both the auditory and tactile feedback that enhances the joy of typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother typing action with a softer auditory profile and a lower bottom-out force of 62.5 grams, the Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch might be more your style. This switch excels in providing a refined and sophisticated typing experience without the pronounced bumps found in tactile options, making it perfect for users who prioritize speed and subtlety over tactile feedback. Consider what aspects matter most to you—engagement and feedback with the WS Heavy Tactile or smoothness and precision with the Xinhai (Heavy)—to make the best decision for your typing needs.
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