Wuque Studio WS Jade vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Wuque Studio WS Jade and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Wuque Studio WS Jade and the HMX Xinhai both offer unique features and benefits. The WS Jade is celebrated for its use of a metallic insert in the stem base, creating a bright and resonant sound profile, along with a light diffuser for an enchanting RGB display. Typing on the WS Jade is described as creamy and smooth, with a rock-solid bottom-out feeling. On the other hand, the Xinhai switch stands out for its PA12 top housing and POM stem, which provide a softer acoustics profile and a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance. The Xinhai offers a blend of sophistication and performance. While both switches have their own strengths, choosing between them will ultimately depend on personal preference and typing style. 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
50g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Wuque Studio WS Jade and the HMX Xinhai both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The WS Jade utilizes POM for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a deep and relatively muted sound. In contrast, the Xinhai incorporates polycarbonate for the top housing, creating a sharper and higher-pitched sound. The polycarbonate material is known for its stiffness, which contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile. On the other hand, the Xinhai's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer composition that absorbs more sound.
Despite their differences, both the WS Jade and the HMX Xinhai offer unique sound experiences based on their housing materials. The POM top and bottom housing of the WS Jade create a consistent deep and muted sound profile, while the Xinhai's combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials split the qualities between sharper, higher-pitched sounds and deeper, fuller tones. The translucency of polycarbonate in the Xinhai's top housing also allows for RGB lighting effects, adding a visual element to the overall experience. Ultimately, both switches offer users the opportunity to customize their sound and aesthetic preferences based on the unique properties of their housing materials.
In terms of functionality, the housing materials of the WS Jade and the HMX Xinhai play a crucial role in determining the overall typing experience. The split between the top and bottom housing in the Xinhai ensures that users feel the impact of each material when pressing down and releasing a key. The nature of POM and polycarbonate in the WS Jade and the Xinhai respectively influences the sound produced both during keypress and key release. Whether preferring a deeper, muted sound with POM or a sharper, crisper sound with polycarbonate, users can choose a switch that aligns with their specific typing preferences based on the housing materials utilized in each model.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch have some significant differences. The WS Jade has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Xinhai has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it easier to type for longer periods without fatigue. The difference in weight between the two switches makes the WS Jade suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Xinhai is ideal for users who prefer a lighter typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them popular choices for those seeking faster response times, especially in gaming. The WS Jade has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Xinhai, which may provide a slightly deeper feel when typing. However, the difference of 0.2 mm between the two switches may not be very noticeable to most users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference regarding the level of depth and responsiveness desired in a keyboard.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Xinhai 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 for $3.19.
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 WS Jade and Xinhai switches are described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. However, the WS Jade is also noted for its marbly and resonant qualities, giving it a unique bright metallic and resonant sound profile. On the other hand, the Xinhai switch offers a softer acoustics profile with a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance. Ultimately, the sound produced by each switch will also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the WS Jade is characterized as silky and creamy, providing an exceptionally smooth and buttery typing experience. The creamy feel of the WS Jade is described as gliding your fingers across the keys with ease, offering a rock-solid bottom-out. On the other hand, the Xinhai switch is described as bouncy and creamy, offering a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation with a smooth and buttery typing experience. The WS Jade and Xinhai switches both provide a uniquely comfortable and satisfying typing experience, with the WS Jade offering a silky sensation and the Xinhai providing a lively feel with rebound when pressed.
In conclusion, while both the WS Jade and Xinhai switches offer a clacky sound profile, the WS Jade is distinguished by its marbly and resonant qualities, while the Xinhai provides a softer acoustics profile with a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance. In terms of feel, the WS Jade offers a silky and creamy typing experience with a rock-solid bottom-out, while the Xinhai provides a bouncy and creamy feel with spring-like feedback. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts to enjoy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, along with a clacky, marbly, and resonant sound profile and a silky or creamy typing feel, the WS Jade may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, along with a clacky sound profile and a bouncy or creamy typing feel, the Xinhai could be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile.
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