Kailh Box Jade vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a plethora of options available, each with its own unique features and characteristics. Two popular switches that offer different experiences are the Kailh Box Jade and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile. The Box Jade is perfect for those who prefer a medium-heavy typing experience with a distinctive clicky sound profile and satisfying tactility. Its crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps make typing a delight. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches are known for their profound and pronounced tactile bump. With a tactile force of 70g, every keystroke is met with a satisfying resistance, immersing you in an engaging typing journey. Additionally, these switches offer a captivating sound profile, thanks to Wuque Studios' nylon housings that produce a pleasing "thocky" resonance. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond these generalities, so you can make the best decision and find the perfect switch for your needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.20 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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile differ in terms of their composition. The Box Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, while the WS Heavy Tactile utilizes a nylon top housing. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, nylon is a relatively softer plastic, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Therefore, when it comes to their top housing, the Box Jade offers a clearer and resonant sound, ideal for RGB lighting enthusiasts, while the WS Heavy Tactile provides a more mellow and rounded sound experience.
The bottom housing of both switches also contrasts in material. The Box Jade employs a nylon bottom housing, while the WS Heavy Tactile uses the same nylon material for its bottom housing. As mentioned earlier, nylon is known for absorbing more sound due to its softer composition, leading to a duller and rounder sound profile. Thus, whether it is the Box Jade or the WS Heavy Tactile, the presence of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a deeper and fuller sound reaction while typing, enhancing the overall auditory experience.
It is important to note that the qualities brought by the housing materials are split between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the impact and characteristics of the bottom housing become more noticeable, contributing to the bottom-out sound and feel. On the contrary, the top housing's influence is predominant when letting go of a key, affecting the sound that is emitted. Both switches prioritize different aspects of the typing experience based on their housing materials, with the Box Jade emphasizing the clarity and resonance through its polycarbonate top housing and the WS Heavy Tactile focusing on the fuller and deeper sound created by its nylon top housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, some notable differences can be observed. The Box Jade has an actuation force of 50 grams, providing a medium level of resistance for triggering keystrokes. In contrast, the actuation force for the WS Heavy Tactile is currently unknown. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Box Jade requires 60 grams of force to fully press down, while the WS Heavy Tactile requires a lighter force of 45 grams.
Considering weight as a factor, those who prefer a lighter typing experience that allows for longer periods of typing endurance may lean towards the WS Heavy Tactile switch. This would be particularly suitable for situations like using a keyboard at work or engaging in extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who seek a more robust and substantial typing feel might prefer the Kailh Box Jade switch due to its heavier bottom out force.
Though the actuation force for the WS Heavy Tactile switch is not provided, it is worth noting that having the same actuation force as the Box Jade (50 grams) would yield similar results in terms of triggering keystrokes. Thus, if both switches were to share the same actuation force, one could achieve comparable outcomes in this regard. However, it is important to mention that the bottom out force for the WS Heavy Tactile switch is lighter at 45 grams, indicating a potentially different typing experience in terms of key depression depth.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch have different travel distances. The Box Jade has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Heavy Tactile has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. In terms of comparison, both switches have shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm travel distance. However, the Box Jade is slightly longer than the WS Heavy Tactile. If you are a gamer looking for faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the WS Heavy Tactile may be preferable. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with more depth and a more substantial feel, the Box Jade's longer travel distance might be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preferences and specific needs.
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 Heavy Tactile 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
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch have distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel.
When it comes to sound, the Box Jade switch can be described as having a high-pitched and crunchy sound profile. The high-pitched nature of the switch produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, while the crunchy characteristic is reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch is described as clacky, high-pitched, and resonant. It offers a sharp and snappy sound with each keypress and creates an immersive auditory experience. The sound profile of the WS Heavy Tactile is clean, sharp, and resonant. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, both switches share the quality of being accented, which means they provide a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, both switches are described as invigorating, offering pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. The WS Heavy Tactile switch also adds descriptors like bouncy and sharp. Bouncy switches provide a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving a lively feel and rebound when pressed. Sharp tactile switches, on the other hand, are known for their high feedback intensity, with a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with each keystroke. The Box Jade switch, however, is not specifically mentioned to have a bouncy or sharp feel.
Considering the available information, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch offer different sound profiles, with the Box Jade being high-pitched and crunchy, and the WS Heavy Tactile being clacky, high-pitched, and resonant. When it comes to feel, both switches are described as accented and invigorating, offering pronounced feedback and a snappy typing experience. The WS Heavy Tactile switch includes additional descriptors like bouncy and sharp, which signifies a potential difference in feel compared to the Box Jade switch.
It is important to remember that personal preferences play a significant role in determining the best switch for an individual. Based on the available information, if you enjoy a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and tactility, the Kailh Box Jade switch is a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a profound and pronounced tactile bump, a satisfying resistance, and a captivating sound profile, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch would be a great option. By considering these distinguishing qualities and understanding your own preferences, you can make an informed decision when choosing between these two switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and pronounced tactility, the Kailh Box Jade switches are the perfect choice for you. With a bottom out force of 60 grams, these switches provide a satisfying resistance and a crisp click sound. The crunchy tactile bumps add an extra level of feedback to your typing, making it a truly immersive and invigorating experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams and want to embark on an engaging and immersive journey while typing, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches are the way to go. These switches boast a profound tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with each keystroke. With a tactile force of 70g, they offer a satisfying resistance and an exceptional tactile experience. Additionally, the nylon housing contributes to a "thocky" resonance, providing a pleasing auditory feedback.
In terms of sound, the Box Jade switches have a high-pitched and crunchy profile, resembling the crisp sound of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switches produce a clacky and resonant sound, creating a clean and sharp auditory experience.
Both switches offer an accented feel, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or too subtle. They also offer an invigorating and snappy typing sensation, making your keystrokes feel alive.
Ultimately, the choice between Kailh Box Jade and Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches depends on your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. Consider whether you prefer medium-heavy or light typing experience, as well as the specific sound and feel you are looking for in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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