Wuque Studio Arowana Switches: The Complete Guide
Wuque Studio and HMX have collaborated to create the Arowana switch collection, a series of four distinct switches. Each variant offers unique characteristics catering to different typing preferences, from ultralight to heavy, and from crisp to deep sound profiles.
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Yellow Arowana: The Featherweight Champion
The WS Yellow Arowana stands out as the collection's lightest offering, featuring a remarkably light 37g bottom-out force that makes it lighter than 100% of switches in the market. Its full polycarbonate housing in both top and bottom delivers a bright, crisp, and high-pitched sound signature. The switch employs a classic POM stem with a 2mm pre-travel and 3.6mm total travel distance. With its 32g actuation force, the Yellow Arowana is perfect for users seeking the most effortless typing experience possible while enjoying a high-pitched, bright sound profile.
Red Arowana: The Balanced Lightweight
The WS Red Arowana presents itself as a slightly more subdued version of its Yellow sibling, featuring a 45g bottom-out force (lighter than 96% of switches) and a 40g actuation force. It utilizes a full nylon housing for both top and bottom, contributing to a fuller sound signature. The special Ly stem, combined with a shorter 3.5mm total travel distance and 2mm pre-travel, provides an exceptionally smooth typing experience. This switch strikes an excellent balance between lightweight operation and satisfying feedback.
Gold Arowana: The Middle Ground
Moving towards a deeper sound profile, the WS Gold Arowana offers a medium-weight experience with a 53g bottom-out force and 45g actuation force. The switch features a full nylon housing construction and incorporates a unique T5 stem material. With a slightly longer 3.7mm travel distance and standard 2mm pre-travel, it delivers a deeper sound signature thanks to its housing choice. The combination of HMX's premium factory lubrication and the T5 stem results in silky smooth keystrokes that will satisfy those seeking a middle-ground option.
Black Arowana: The Vintage Modern
The WS Black Arowana represents a fascinating synthesis of traditional and modern switch design. It features the heaviest spring in the collection with a 65g bottom-out force and 57g actuation force, making it heavier than 79% of switches. The switch employs a hybrid housing design with a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom, creating the deepest sound profile in the lineup. Its special POK stem material offers a lower friction coefficient than traditional options, and the traditional 4mm travel distance (the longest in the collection) with 2mm pre-travel provides a typing experience reminiscent of vintage switches but with modern refinements.
Technical Details and Construction
All four variants in the Arowana collection share some common features that showcase their premium construction. Each switch comes equipped with stainless steel springs and receives careful factory lubrication before shipping. They all utilize a 5-pin PCB mount design for maximum stability and compatibility with a wide range of keyboard PCBs. This attention to detail in construction ensures consistent performance and reliability across the entire lineup.
Availability
These switches can be found on Milktooth, where orders over $49 qualify for free shipping, offering excellent value for keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
The Arowana switch collection successfully covers a wide spectrum of preferences, from ultralight to heavy switches, and from crisp to deep sound profiles. The thoughtful selection of materials, varying stem types, and different housing combinations demonstrates Wuque Studio and HMX's commitment to creating a diverse and high-quality switch lineup. Whether you're looking for an ultralight typing experience with the Yellow variant, a balanced feel with the Red, a middle-ground option with the Gold, or a modern take on vintage switches with the Black variant, the Arowana collection offers something for everyone while maintaining exceptional build quality across the entire range.