Kailh Box Jade vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Kailh Box Jade and the Wuque Studio WS Brown are two popular choices for mechanical keyboard switches, offering distinct experiences for users. The Box Jade is ideal for those seeking a heavier typing feel with a satisfying clicky sound profile and tactile feedback. Its high-pitched and invigorating nature creates a delightful typing experience, making it a favorite among enthusiasts. On the other hand, the WS Brown offers a medium-light actuation force, striking a balance between responsiveness and comfort. Its familiar nylon housing and POM stem combination delivers a pleasant auditory experience that is appreciated by many. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities so that you can make the best decision for your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
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
Kailh Box spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Jade and the Wuque Studio WS Brown have different housing materials, with the Box Jade featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the WS Brown has a nylon top and bottom housing. The use of polycarbonate in the Box Jade's top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for users who desire a clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the WS Brown's nylon top housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a duller and rounder sound. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique acoustic experiences that can enhance the typing experience.
In terms of aesthetics, the Box Jade's polycarbonate top housing is translucent, making it suitable for those who plan to use RGB lighting. The transparent nature of the polycarbonate allows for the illumination of the switch, adding a visually appealing element to the keyboard setup. In contrast, the WS Brown's nylon top housing does not have this feature, making it more suitable for users who prefer a more traditional look without the light effects. Regardless, both housings provide their own distinct visual appeal.
When it comes to the impact on the typing experience, the bottom housing of each switch plays a significant role. The nylon bottom housing of both the Box Jade and the WS Brown absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This creates a satisfying typing experience for users who prefer switches with a more pronounced bottom-out sound. Conversely, the effect of the top housing is more noticeable when releasing a key, where the polycarbonate top housing of the Box Jade and the nylon top housing of the WS Brown contribute to the sound profile upon key release.
Overall, the choice between the Kailh Box Jade and the Wuque Studio WS Brown comes down to individual preference. The Box Jade's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound profile with the added benefit of customizable RGB lighting, creating a visually and audibly striking combination. On the other hand, the WS Brown's nylon housing delivers a deeper and fuller sound, providing a more classic and traditional typing experience. Both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience, making them suitable options for different user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The Box Jade switch has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, placing it in the medium range. On the other hand, the exact actuation force of the WS Brown switch is unavailable, but it has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which makes it slightly lighter than the Box Jade.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the WS Brown switch may be more suitable as it requires less force to bottom out. This can be beneficial for extended periods of typing, such as when using a keyboard at work or during long gaming sessions. Additionally, the WS Brown switch's actuation force, although unknown, is likely to be lighter than the Box Jade based on its lower bottom out force. Therefore, if one desires a lighter keystroke feel, both the actuation force and bottom out force of the WS Brown switch will provide similar results.
However, for individuals seeking a more substantial and tactile typing experience, the Box Jade switch presents a heavier actuation and bottom out force. This heavier force may offer a stronger push feel and a more satisfying keystroke sensation. It is worth noting that both switches fall within the medium force category, but the Box Jade switch is slightly heavier than the WS Brown switch in terms of bottom out force.
Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and desired typing experience. Some may opt for the lighter actuation and bottom out force of the WS Brown switch for extended typing sessions, while others may prefer the heavier actuation and bottom out force of the Box Jade switch for a more substantial feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the WS Brown has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Box Jade has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances which typically range from 3.0 mm to 4.0 mm. However, the shorter travel distance of the Box Jade may appeal to gamers who prioritize faster response times. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial and deeper key press may find the longer travel distance of the WS Brown more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences, with the shorter option offering a more responsive feel and the longer option providing a sense of depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box Jade comes in at $5.50, whereas the Wuque Studio WS Brown 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 Box Jade switch is high-pitched and produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. This makes it a great choice for those who prefer a more rich and bassy sound profile. Additionally, the Box Jade switch is described as crunchy, which is commonly associated with clicky switches and has a sound similar to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, there is no specific information available about the sound profile of the Wuque Studio WS Brown switch. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. To achieve similar results, one can select higher-pitched switches for a sharper and crisper sound.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Jade switch is described as accented, which refers to a medium tactile switch that provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. It offers a satisfying amount of feedback without being too scratchy. The Box Jade switch is also noted to be invigorating, providing a snappy and reactive feel with a moderate to firm actuation force. On the other hand, there is no specific information available about the tactile feel of the Wuque Studio WS Brown switch.
Based on the available information, the Kailh Box Jade switch offers a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and crunchy tactile bumps. It provides a high-pitched sound with crisp clicks and an invigorating feel with accented tactility. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Brown switch is described as offering a medium-light actuation force, striking a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort. It promises fatigue-free typing and a delightful auditory experience due to its familiar nylon housing and POM stem combination. Although specific details about its sound and tactile feel are unknown, it offers a blend of familiarity and innovation. It is important to consider personal preferences and the intended use of the keyboard when choosing between these switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy typing experience with a satisfying clicky sound profile and pronounced tactility, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch is the way to go. These switches offer crisp clicks and a crunchy tactile bump, providing an invigorating and immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light actuation force and a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch is the better choice. These switches combine familiarity and innovation, ensuring fatigue-free typing during extended sessions. Though there is no specific description of the sound and feel of the WS Brown, the switch's familiar nylon housing and POM stem combination are likely to offer a pleasant typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the Box Jade and WS Brown boils down to your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile.
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