Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile and the HMX Xinhai mechanical keyboard switches, it is evident that they each offer unique features catered to different preferences. The WS Silent Tactile switch stands out for its superior noise reduction and medium tactility, making it an ideal choice for office environments where a quiet yet responsive typing experience is desired. On the other hand, the Xinhai switch boasts a unique PA12 top housing and POM stem combination that delivers a softer acoustics profile and distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance. While the WS Silent Tactile falls under categories like 'Accented', 'Neutral', and 'Muted', the Xinhai is characterized as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', and 'Creamy'. 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
N/A
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
15mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The primary difference between the housing materials of the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile and the HMX Xinhai lies in the top housing material used. The WS Silent Tactile utilizes nylon for its top housing, which absorbs more sound due to its softer nature, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Xinhai employs polycarbonate for its top housing, which is a stiffer plastic leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The choice of housing material in the top significantly affects the overall sound produced by these switches.
On the other hand, both the WS Silent Tactile and the HMX Xinhai feature nylon bottom housing, characterized by its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. This similarity in the bottom housing material suggests that the bottom-out sound and feel of these switches would be more comparable compared to the differences in their top housing materials. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of these switches ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile and tactile feedback.
Overall, the housing materials of the WS Silent Tactile and the HMX Xinhai play a crucial role in determining the sound profile and tactile feedback of these switches. While the WS Silent Tactile utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile, the HMX Xinhai features a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper and crisper sound experience. The difference in top housing material allows for a distinct typing experience between these two switches, showcasing how housing materials can impact the overall performance and feel of mechanical switches.
Weight
The Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch offer different experiences in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The WS Silent Tactile has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy option, while the Xinhai has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams. The actuation force of the Xinhai is 37 grams, which is significantly lighter than the WS Silent Tactile's unspecified actuation force. The lighter actuation force of the Xinhai may be preferred by those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, while the WS Silent Tactile's heavier bottom out force may provide a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The WS Silent Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. The difference of 0.1 mm between the two may not be significant to most users, but some may find that the WS Silent Tactile offers a slightly deeper key press compared to the Xinhai. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key feel.
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 Silent 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 of the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch to the HMX Xinhai switch, the WS Silent Tactile is known for its muted sound profile, offering a softer and quieter typing experience ideal for office settings. In contrast, the Xinhai switch is described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. The choice between these switches will ultimately depend on personal preference, with the WS Silent Tactile providing a more subdued typing experience, while the Xinhai switch offers a more pronounced and percussive sound.
In terms of feel, the WS Silent Tactile switch offers an invigorating and accented typing sensation, with a medium amount of tactile feedback that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. On the other hand, the Xinhai switch is described as bouncy and creamy, providing a spring-like and buttery typing experience with a lively feel and smooth keystrokes. Depending on individual typing preferences, the WS Silent Tactile may be favored for its moderate and balanced tactile feedback, while the Xinhai switch may appeal to those seeking a more elastic and smooth typing experience.
Overall, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile and HMX Xinhai switches both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The WS Silent Tactile is best suited for those looking for a quiet yet tactile typing experience ideal for office environments, while the Xinhai switch caters to users who enjoy a sharp and bouncy typing sensation with a creamy feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference and desired typing experience, both of which will provide a satisfying and high-quality mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch or the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences and needs. If you work in an office environment or prefer a switch with medium tactility and superior noise reduction without silicone dampeners, then the WS Silent Tactile may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you appreciate a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a switch with distinctive crisp, higher-pitched resonance, the Xinhai linear switch could be the perfect fit for your typing style. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so it's essential to consider what factors are most important to you when making your decision.
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