Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing experience, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) offer distinct characteristics tailored to different preferences. The WS Light Tactile stands out with its snappy tactile bump, smooth keystrokes, and neutral sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a feedback-rich experience without loud auditory distractions. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) is designed with a heavier touch, utilizing a unique PA12 top housing that softens acoustics while delivering a crisp, higher-pitched resonance through its POM stem. This switch is perfect for users who appreciate a more solid feel and a subtle sophistication in their typing. Both switches cater to different demands—whether you prefer the clear tactile feedback of the WS Light Tactile or the refined smoothness of the Xinhai (Heavy). 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
50g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
15.4mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches highlight both differences and similarities that reflect on their sound profiles and performance characteristics. The WS Light Tactile features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This rigidity allows for more clarity and resonance, making it particularly effective for RGB lighting situations where aesthetics and sound quality merge. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) relies on nylon for its top housing, a material recognized for creating a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound, resulting in a rounder audio profile. This juxtaposition in materials suggests that while both switches deliver engaging auditory experiences, their sound signatures will vary substantially due to the characteristics of their top housings.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the WS Light Tactile and the Xinhai (Heavy) utilize nylon material, creating a noteworthy point of convergence. Since nylon is a classic switch housing material, its usage in both models ensures that they share a deeper and fuller sound profile at the bottom of each key press. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, which contributes to a similar auditory experience when typing. This double-use of nylon in the lower housings unifies the two switches in their ability to deliver a satisfying tactile experience, making it possible for users to expect similar results in sound texture from the bottom housing despite the differences in their respective top housings.
Ultimately, the key distinction between the WS Light Tactile and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) lies in the impact of their top housings on sound quality and aesthetics. While the WS Light Tactile's polycarbonate top ensures a crisp auditory feedback ideal for RGB integrations, the Xinhai (Heavy) offers a richer, more enveloped sound due to its nylon top. However, both switches converge in sound quality at the bottom, with the nylon materials creating a consistent depth and resonance. Therefore, users who appreciate a fuller sound profile will find common ground in both models, while those seeking clarity and brightness in sound may prefer the WS Light Tactile. The choice ultimately depends on individual preferences regarding the auditory experience aspired to in a keyboard.
Weight
When comparing the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces are quite pronounced. The WS Light Tactile features a relatively light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch requires a stronger push, with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel. Consequently, the WS Light Tactile is the lighter option overall, while the Xinhai (Heavy) provides a heavier experience, appealing to users seeking increased tactile feedback and resistance during use. While both switches offer distinct experiences, the choice between them ultimately depends on personal preference for weight and actuation feedback.
Travel distance
The Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference highlights a key contrast in user experience: the WS Light Tactile, with its longer travel distance, offers a more substantial tactile feedback, making it preferable for those who enjoy a deeper, more traditional feel when typing. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) switch’s shorter 3.4 mm travel distance caters to users who favor quicker response times, particularly advantageous for gaming scenarios where rapid key presses are essential. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on personal preference—those seeking a heartier depth should opt for the WS Light Tactile, whereas those desiring a snappier response will likely prefer the HMX Xinhai.
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 $2.99.
The Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile comes in at $4.20 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 comparing the sound profiles of the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switches, the WS Light Tactile features a neutral sound signature that strikes a balance, making it suitable for various environments, whether you are at home or in a professional setting. This neutrality provides a moderate sound level that can cater to both beginners and advanced users alike. On the other hand, while the specific sound characteristics of the Xinhai (Heavy) aren't detailed, it is suggested that this switch possesses a softer acoustics profile thanks to its PA12 top housing, combined with a distinct higher-pitched resonance from the POM stem. Thus, if seeking a more sophisticated sound experience, the Xinhai may offer a unique auditory quality, albeit without specific descriptors to guide its exact tonal characteristics.
In terms of tactile feel, the WS Light Tactile switch provides a stepped tactile experience that features a noticeable bump without overwhelming resistance, allowing for a comfortable typing experience. The gentle actuation force required to engage these switches minimizes finger fatigue, making them particularly well-suited for prolonged typing sessions. In contrast, there is insufficient information available on the feel of the Xinhai (Heavy) switch, leaving potential users without clear expectations for its tactile feedback characteristics. This lack of detail makes it challenging to assess how it compares to the more defined experience provided by the WS Light Tactile switches.
Ultimately, the WS Light Tactile switch exemplifies a well-rounded tactile experience with a neutral sound profile and a comfortable feel that appeals to a wide range of users. Meanwhile, although the Xinhai (Heavy) promises a softer acoustic quality, its tactile qualities remain ambiguous, making it hard for newcomers to gauge its suitability compared to the more established tactile feedback offered by the WS Light Tactile. For those starting their journey in mechanical keyboards, the WS Light Tactile might be the go-to choice, while the Xinhai (Heavy) could be an intriguing option if one seeks a unique auditory experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, choosing between the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize a light touch with a tactile feedback that enhances your typing experience without requiring much effort, the WS Light Tactile is your go-to option. Its 50-gram actuation force coupled with a neutral sound profile makes it an ideal choice for both casual and professional environments, allowing for comfortable, extended typing sessions with minimal finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you fancy a more robust typing feel and don’t mind exerting a bit more force for a satisfying keystroke, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) may be the better fit. With a stronger 62.5-gram bottom-out force and a focus on delivering subtle acoustics and crisp feedback, this switch can provide a more engaging typing experience, suitable for users who enjoy typing with deliberate precision. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you seek the ease and snappiness of the WS Light Tactile or the more assertive, refined feel of the Xinhai (Heavy).
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