Kailh Berry vs. Wuque Studio WS Yellow
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Berry, a linear switch, and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow, also a linear switch. The Kailh Berry switches are known for their hefty typing experience, providing users with a springy feel and a chalk-like texture when typing. Additionally, the Berry switches have a fairly deep sound profile, categorized as textured, low-pitched, and bassy. On the other hand, the WS Yellow switches from Wuque Studio offer a timeless fusion of classic materials and cutting-edge engineering. With a 22mm double-stage spring at their core, these switches deliver a delightful typing experience with a satisfying bounce. Moreover, their material blend provides a familiar sound signature that enthusiasts adore. These switches are crafted to be lightweight, ensuring effortless keystrokes and a smooth and fluid typing experience. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Berry and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches differ in their top housing materials. The Berry features a polycarbonate top housing, which gives it a sharper and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it advantageous for those planning to use RGB lighting. In contrast, the WS Yellow has a nylon top housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile.
Both switches, however, share similar qualities when it comes to their bottom housing materials. Both the Berry and the WS Yellow use nylon for their bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Whether it is the Berry or the WS Yellow, typing on switches with nylon bottom housing will provide a similar experience in terms of sound.
It is important to note that the top and bottom housing materials play different roles in the performance of a switch. The bottom housing has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when you press down on a key. On the other hand, the top housing has a greater influence on the sound when you release a key. Therefore, the choice of housing materials can have a significant impact on the overall typing experience and the sound produced by the switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, there are some notable differences. Starting with the actuation force, unfortunately, the specific grams for both switches are unknown. It is safe to say that the actuation force of both switches is unavailable. However, in terms of the bottom out force, the Kailh Berry linear switch requires a heavier force of 70 grams, which falls into the medium-heavy range. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch has a lighter bottom out force of 53 grams, classifying it as medium-light.
Considering weight as an important factor, those who prefer a lighter typing experience would benefit from the WS Yellow switch. Its lower bottom out force allows for extended typing periods, making it suitable for long work sessions or gaming sessions. On the contrary, individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel and prefer a stronger push would find the Kailh Berry switch more suitable. With its heavier bottom out force, it provides a more satisfying and tactile typing experience.
Although the actuation force remains unknown for both switches, it can be assumed that they will deliver similar results in terms of triggering a keystroke. However, the differences in their bottom out forces certainly make them distinct choices for keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience, with the Berry providing a heavier, more robust feel, and the WS Yellow offering a lighter touch.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Berry linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both of these travel distances fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become more common and preferred in recent times. Gamers, in particular, tend to favor shorter travel distances as they allow for faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, then the Kailh Berry switch with its 3.6 mm travel distance would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switch, with its longer 3.8 mm travel distance, would be a better fit. It is important to consider personal preferences when selecting a switch, as some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt. Ultimately, it is about finding the right balance between speed and comfort in typing or gaming experiences.
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 Yellow comes in at $3.50.
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 Kailh Berry linear switch is best known for its low-pitched and bassy sound profile. These switches offer a deeper and richer sound during key presses, with a lower frequency range that resembles the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch's sound profile is unknown, as no specific descriptors are provided. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also affected by other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps. Therefore, if you pair the WS Yellow switch with the same setup as the Berry switch, you may achieve similar results.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Berry linear switch is described as textured or scratchy. This means that these switches have noticeable friction when pressed, providing a typing experience that some users prefer. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch offers a creamy, mild, and polished typing experience. Creamy switches are smooth and buttery, often due to lubricant applied at the factory or specific materials used. Typing on a creamy switch feels like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease, as they effortlessly melt into each keystroke. With mild characteristics, the WS Yellow switch offers a gentle typing experience that many will find approachable, sitting in a safe middle-ground zone. Additionally, the polished finish of these switches results in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Taking all the available information into account, the Kailh Berry linear switch stands out for its springy feel and chalk-like texture, as well as its deep sound profile. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch offers a delightful typing experience with a satisfying bounce, a creamy and polished feel, and a familiar sound signature. While the sound profile of the WS Yellow switch is unknown, it is still possible to achieve similar results in terms of sound by using the same setup as the Berry switch. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference, with the Berry switch offering a unique tactile feel and deep sound, while the WS Yellow switch provides a smooth and satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, there are a few key factors to consider. If you prefer a medium-heavy typing experience with a springy feel and a chalk-like texture, then the Berry switch would be the better choice for you. Additionally, if you enjoy a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, the Berry switch would be a great fit for your preferences. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light typing experience with a delightful bounce and effortless keystrokes, the WS Yellow switch would be the ideal option. Moreover, if you prefer a creamy, mild, or polished feel to your typing experience, the WS Yellow switch would provide a smooth and fluid sensation. While the WS Yellow's sound profile is not described in the provided information, it offers a familiar sound signature that many enthusiasts adore. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal preferences in terms of typing feel and sound profile. Consider these factors and choose the switch that aligns best with your desired typing experience. Happy typing!