Wuque Studio WS Pearl vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Wuque Studio WS Pearl and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl and the HMX Xinhai each offer unique attributes that cater to different typing preferences. The WS Pearl stands out for its innovative use of ball-bearings, which significantly reduce friction during keystrokes, resulting in a remarkably smooth typing experience. Users appreciate its medium-high pitched sound signature, making it an appealing choice for those who enjoy a quieter, yet satisfying feedback while typing. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai brings a distinctive flair with its PA12 top housing, designed to create a softer acoustics profile. Coupled with its POM stem, it delivers a higher-pitched resonance that can engage typists looking for a more dynamic auditory experience. While both switches are linear, the WS Pearl leans towards a silky smoothness, while the Xinhai offers a bouncier, clackier feel, providing a different tactile experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
16mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Wuque Studio WS Pearl and the HMX Xinhai both feature nylon as the primary material for their switch housings, encompassing both the top and bottom components. This uniformity in material choice suggests a shared characteristic that enhances the typing experience. Nylon, being a softer plastic, significantly contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile during keystrokes. The acoustic properties of nylon allow it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a more rounded and subdued auditory output. Consequently, users of both switch models can expect a similar auditory experience characterized by a warm sound signature, fostering a pleasant typing environment.
Diving deeper into the impact of both top and bottom housings, it's essential to highlight how they function collaboratively. With the WS Pearl and Xinhai employing nylon for both housing components, the qualities of the switch are harmonized throughout the keystroke, creating a cohesive feel and sound. While the bottom housing predominantly influences the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback when a key is fully pressed, the top housing plays a crucial role in shaping the auditory profile as the key is released. Since both models utilize the same material, variations in the keystroke experience can arise mainly from other design aspects, rather than differences in material properties.
Ultimately, the similarity in housing materials across the WS Pearl and HMX Xinhai ensures users can enjoy a consistent performance in terms of sound and tactile feedback. This advantages typists looking for a reliable and harmonious experience, as both models curtail harsh noises and accentuate a satisfying typing rhythm. While there may be some differences in other aspects like switch design or internal mechanics, the shared nylon housing assures that the core attributes—dullness, roundness of sound, and a full typing experience—remain resonate, enabling users to achieve similar satisfying results no matter which switch they choose.
Weight
When comparing the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, distinct differences in their actuation and bottom-out forces emerge, making them suitable for different preferences in typing experience. The WS Pearl features an actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom-out force of 58 grams, which is considered medium, providing a balance between light and heavy feedback. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai boasts a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a considerably lighter bottom-out force of 45 grams, making it more accessible for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Notably, while the actuation force of the WS Pearl is lower, its bottom-out force is significantly higher than the Xinhai's, resulting in a more pronounced tactile feedback when keys are fully pressed. Thus, the WS Pearl appears to offer a stronger push feel ideal for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience, whereas the Xinhai is optimized for users who prefer a lighter touch for easier extended use. Overall, the WS Pearl is the heavier of the two in terms of overall force, while the Xinhai provides a more lightweight alternative.
Travel distance
The Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch offers a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This indicates that the WS Pearl switch provides a deeper keystroke compared to the Xinhai. Gamers who favor quicker response times may find the shorter travel distance of the Xinhai beneficial, as it allows for faster actuation. However, those who appreciate a more substantial feel when typing might prefer the WS Pearl with its longer travel distance, which can contribute to a more comfortable and deliberate keystroke experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference for either a snappier response or a deeper, more satisfying keystroke.
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 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 WS Pearl linear switch stands out with a medium-high pitched sound signature, offering a unique auditory experience thanks to its ball-bearing design that minimizes friction. This contributes to a clean and distinct acoustic output without excessive noise. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai switch is characterized by a clacky sound, producing a sharp and snappy response with a bright and percussive profile. This dichotomy creates a contrasting auditory landscape; while the WS Pearl leans toward a more subtle and refined sound, the Xinhai injects a lively character into its acoustics. Ultimately, the sound experience of both switches will be influenced by additional factors such as the keyboard construction and selected keycap materials.
In terms of feel, the WS Pearl offers an exceptionally smooth keystroke owing to its innovative use of ball-bearings, which effectively reduces friction and creates a surreal typing experience. This smoothness allows for comfortable long-term use without any noticeable drag, making for a pleasant feel overall. In contrast, the Xinhai excels with a bouncy and creamy feedback, delivering a lively, spring-like sensation with each keystroke. The combination of a POM stem and the unique PA12 top housing contributes to this elastically responsive and buttery typing experience. The creamy texture invites an effortless flow as fingers glide over the keys, providing both satisfaction and ease of use.
In conclusion, while the WS Pearl and HMX Xinhai linear switches each present distinct auditory and tactile characteristics, a user can expect a unique experience from each. The WS Pearl prioritizes a smooth feel and a more subtle sound profile, making it great for those who value a refined typing experience. Meanwhile, the Xinhai offers a more vibrant auditory feedback with its clacky sound and lively feel, perfect for those who enjoy a dynamic switch. Depending on what aspects of sound and feel are prioritized, both switches can lead to satisfying results, ensuring that newcomers in the mechanical keyboard space can find a fit that resonates with their individual typing preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, your choice should hinge on your typing preferences and the experience you seek. If you prefer a key feel that is incredibly smooth and offers a medium bottom-out force of 58 grams, the WS Pearl is a stellar option. The inclusion of ball-bearings effectively reduces friction, yielding a typing experience that feels almost surreal. Coupled with its medium-high pitched sound signature, this switch creates an experience that is not only pleasant to type on but also distinct in auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you're leaning towards a lighter typing feel, the Xinhai's 45 grams of bottom-out force might be more to your liking. Its design features a PA12 top housing that contributes to softer acoustics, while the POM stem ensures a crisp, clacky sound that many typists enjoy. The Xinhai also delivers a delightful bouncy sensation, offering an elastic feedback that feels lively and engaging during use. Thus, if you seek a quick, responsive typing experience with a playful character, the HMX Xinhai would be your switch of choice. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you want smooth sophistication or lively responsiveness in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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