Kailh Berry vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, there are numerous options available for customization. Two popular linear switches that stand out are the Kailh Berry and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear. The Kailh Berry switch is widely recognized for its hefty typing experience, providing a springy feel and a chalk-like texture while typing. Additionally, it produces a fairly deep sound profile, categorized as 'Textured', 'Low-pitched', and 'Bassy'. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear switches by Wuque offer a unique office and work experience. These switches are ingeniously designed with stem railings that have discreet cutouts, resulting in a significant reduction in switch noise without compromising on responsiveness or satisfaction during bottom-outs. Unlike traditional silent switches that utilize silicone dampeners, the WS Silent Linear switches provide a distinct typing experience devoid of the usual cushioned sensation. This ensures a seamless blend of tranquility and precision. Categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Muted', and 'Subdued', these switches offer a more subdued sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities, so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Berry and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear have different top housing materials. The Berry uses a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear utilizes a nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. So, while the Berry offers a more sharp and resonant sound, the WS Silent Linear provides a deeper and fuller sound experience.
When it comes to the bottom housing materials, both the Berry and the WS Silent Linear use nylon. Nylon is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. It absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. So, in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, both the Berry and the WS Silent Linear will provide a similar experience. However, it's important to note that the bottom housing generally has more influence on the sound and feel when pressing down on the switch.
Overall, the difference in housing materials between the Kailh Berry and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear allows for distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. The polycarbonate top housing of the Berry creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon top housing of the WS Silent Linear offers a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a similar bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, if you're looking for a switch with a more resonant and clear sound, the Berry would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a deeper and rounder sound, the WS Silent Linear would be a better option.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch, the exact values for their actuation forces are unavailable. However, both switches fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of bottom out force. The Kailh Berry switch has a bottom out force of 70 grams, while the WS Silent Linear switch has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 63.5 grams.
Considering weight, some people prefer lighter switches as it allows them to type for extended periods without experiencing fatigue. This is particularly useful for keyboards used in work environments or during long gaming sessions. On the other hand, others enjoy a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. For these individuals, heavier switches are more suitable.
In terms of actuation force, which is the force required to trigger a keystroke, the specific values for both the Kailh Berry and the WS Silent Linear switches are unknown. However, since both switches are linear switches, it can be inferred that their actuation forces are likely to be similar. Although we cannot compare the exact values in this case, users can expect a similar level of actuation force from both switches.
To summarize, the Kailh Berry linear switch has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, while the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 63.5 grams. The actuation forces of both switches are unavailable, but given that they are linear switches, it is likely that they offer a similar level of actuation force. Therefore, users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of actuation force, with the choice between the two switches primarily dependent on the desired bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch, there is a slight difference in length. The Berry has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Silent Linear has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both of these switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become increasingly popular recently. Gamers, in particular, tend to favor shorter travel distances as they provide faster response times. If you are looking for a more responsive typing experience, the WS Silent Linear with its slightly shorter travel distance may be the better option for you. However, it is important to note that some individuals find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt. If you prefer a switch with a bit more depth, the Kailh Berry with its slightly longer travel distance would be a suitable choice. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Berry comes in at $6.25, whereas the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear comes in at $4.20.
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 Kailh Berry linear switch is best known for its low-pitched and bassy sound profile. These switches have a deeper and richer tone during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch is known for its neutral, muted, and subdued sound. These switches produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches, and while not completely silent, they offer a more subtle and dampened sound signature. The choice of board and keycaps can also influence the sound of the switches, so it's important to consider these factors as well.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Berry linear switch is described as having a textured or scratchy feel. These switches have noticeable friction when pressed, which some users may prefer for its tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch offers a mild typing experience. These switches provide a more gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The sound and feel of the WS Silent Linear switches are approachable to most users, as they fall in a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of their qualities.
In conclusion, the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Berry switches provide a springy typing experience with a chalk-like texture, accompanied by a low-pitched and bassy sound profile. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear switches offer reduced switch noise without the use of silicone dampeners, providing a seamless blend of tranquility and precision with a more muted and subdued sound. The Berry switches are known for their textured feel, while the WS Silent Linear switches offer a mild and approachable typing experience. Depending on individual preferences, both switches can deliver satisfying results, albeit with different subjective qualities.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a heavier typing experience with a springy feel and a chalk-like texture, the Kailh Berry linear switch would be a great choice for you. These switches have a bottom out force of 70 grams, offering a medium-heavy typing experience. They also have a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, providing a deep and rich sound during key presses. On the other hand, if you value a quieter and more precise typing experience, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch would be the way to go. With a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, these switches offer a medium-heavy typing experience. They feature ingeniously designed stem railings with discreet cutouts to reduce switch noise, eliminating the need for silicone dampeners. The WS Silent Linear switches provide a subdued and muted sound, minimizing the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards. In terms of feel, the Berry switches have a textured sensation, while the WS Silent Linear switches offer a mild and gentle typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preferences for typing feel and sound profile.
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