Wuque Studio WS Yellow vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Wuque Studio WS Yellow and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Wuque Studio WS Yellow and the HMX Xinhai both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The WS Yellow is praised for its classic blend of materials and cutting-edge engineering, providing a delightful typing experience with a 22mm double-stage spring at its core. Known for its satisfying bounce and familiar sound signature, this linear switch is categorized as creamy, mild, polished. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai stands out with its unique PA12 top housing for a softer acoustics profile and a POM stem for a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance. Categorized as bouncy, clacky, creamy, the Xinhai offers a perfect blend of subtle sophistication and precise performance. Choosing between these switches may depend on your preference for a smooth and fluid typing experience with the WS Yellow or a more tactile and crisp feel with the Xinhai. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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 double-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the WS Yellow and Xinhai switches offer different characteristics when it comes to sound profiles. The WS Yellow, with its nylon top housing, provides a deeper and fuller sound due to the softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Xinhai's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffer plastic composition. While the WS Yellow's nylon bottom housing also contributes to a deeper sound profile, the Xinhai's nylon bottom housing provides similar qualities, leading to a consistent typing experience.
Despite their differences, both the WS Yellow and Xinhai switches share the use of nylon for their bottom housing material. This results in a similar sound profile that is deep and full, creating a duller and rounder sound due to the inherent sound-absorbing properties of nylon. However, the top housing materials of the two switches diverge in their effects on sound. The WS Yellow's nylon top housing produces a softer sound upon key release, while the Xinhai's polycarbonate top housing yields a clearer and more resonant sound, especially beneficial for RGB lighting effects.
Overall, the choice between the WS Yellow and Xinhai switches will depend on the user's preference for sound quality. The WS Yellow's nylon housing materials deliver a deep and full sound that may appeal to those seeking a quieter typing experience. In contrast, the Xinhai's polycarbonate housing materials offer a sharper and crisper sound, ideal for users who prefer a more distinct and resonant typing sound. Regardless of the choice, both switches provide a unique typing experience based on the properties of their housing materials.
Weight
The Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch have notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The WS Yellow has a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it slightly heavier compared to the Xinhai with a bottom out force of 45 grams, which is lighter. Both switches have a light actuation force, with the Xinhai requiring 37 grams and the WS Yellow unspecified. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Xinhai would be the better option, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the WS Yellow provides a slightly heavier typing feel, which some may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The WS Yellow linear switch from Wuque Studio has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Xinhai has a shorter travel distance compared to the WS Yellow. The difference in travel distance may result in a slightly faster response time for the Xinhai switch, which could be preferred by gamers looking for quick reactions. On the other hand, the WS Yellow switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more substantial and satisfying keystroke for those who prefer a deeper press. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and the desired typing experience.
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 Yellow 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
In terms of sound, the WS Yellow switch offers a familiar and satisfying sound signature that many enthusiasts have come to love, while the Xinhai switch is known for its clacky and sharp sound profile that provides a crisp and percussive typing experience. The choice between the two will ultimately depend on personal preference, as the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the WS Yellow switch is described as creamy, mild, and polished, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with reduced friction and a sleek finish. On the other hand, the Xinhai switch is characterized as bouncy and creamy, providing a lively and elastic feedback sensation along with a silky typing experience. For those looking for a more gentle typing experience in the middle-ground zone, the WS Yellow may be the preferred choice, whereas those seeking a spring-like rebound and a distinctively crisp sensation may lean towards the Xinhai.
Considering the subjective qualities of the sound and feel, both the WS Yellow and the Xinhai switches offer unique and appealing characteristics that cater to different preferences. While the WS Yellow provides a familiar and effortless typing experience with a satisfying bounce, the Xinhai stands out with its sharp and bouncy feedback for a more precise and lively typing sensation. Ultimately, selecting between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, consider your preferences in terms of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 53 grams and a smooth, polished typing experience with a familiar sound signature, the WS Yellow may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams and a more bouncy, lively typing experience with a unique clacky sound profile, the Xinhai may be more suited to your tastes. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique characteristics and it ultimately comes down to personal preference. So take into account what features are most important to you in a keyboard switch and choose accordingly.
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