Kailh Box Jade vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Jade and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile offer distinct typing experiences to cater to different preferences. The Box Jade is favored for its medium-heavy typing experience, clicky sound profile, and crunchy tactile bumps, perfect for those who enjoy a high-pitched and invigorating typing feel. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile switches provide a smooth and snappy tactile bump with a neutral sound signature, making them ideal for users who prefer a more easy-to-press switch with a stepped tactile profile. Both switches have their unique strengths and appeal, offering a variety of options for keyboard enthusiasts. 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
Both the Kailh Box Jade and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal material for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. However, while both switches utilize the same material for their top housing, the way in which they are designed and manufactured may result in slight differences in sound and feel.
On the other hand, the nylon bottom housings of the Box Jade and WS Light Tactile switches offer a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer plastic composition. Nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use this material for the bottom housing. Despite the differences in the top housing material, the use of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches may lead to a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings in the Kailh Box Jade and Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches offers a unique typing experience. While the polycarbonate top housings provide a sharp and crisp sound profile, the nylon bottom housings contribute to a deeper and fuller sound when typing. The split between the top and bottom housing materials allows for a balance between impact and sound, resulting in a satisfying typing experience for users of either switch.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch differ in weight. The Box Jade has a medium actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the WS Light Tactile has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. The Box Jade provides a slightly heavier typing experience compared to the WS Light Tactile, which offers a lighter feel. Some users may prefer the lighter force of the WS Light Tactile for longer typing sessions, while others may enjoy the heavier push of the Box Jade for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it shorter than the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Box Jade may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the WS Light Tactile may provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer deeper key presses. Both switches offer unique benefits, so the choice ultimately depends on personal preference. In this case, the Box Jade offers a shorter travel distance compared to the WS Light Tactile.
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 Light Tactile 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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch offers a high-pitched and crunchy sound profile, providing a sharp and crisp auditory experience with each keypress. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch delivers a neutral sound signature, offering a more moderate and versatile auditory feedback that can cater to a wider range of preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience depending on personal preferences and the accompanying keyboard setup.
Moving on to the feel, the Kailh Box Jade switch provides an accented and invigorating tactile feedback that offers a balanced amount of tactility without being overwhelming. This creates an engaging and responsive typing sensation that can be satisfying for users who enjoy a medium tactile experience. Contrasting this, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch offers a more stepped and easy-to-press tactile feel, providing a smoother and gentler typing experience that requires minimal force to activate. Both switches offer different tactile profiles that can cater to varying preferences for typing comfort and responsiveness.
Considering all the available information, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch excels in delivering a distinctive high-pitched and crunchy sound profile, coupled with an accented and invigorating tactile feel for those seeking a medium-heavy typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch offers a neutral sound signature and a stepped, easy-to-press tactile feel, providing a smoother and low-impact typing experience. While each switch offers unique characteristics, users can expect similar results in terms of quality and performance when considering their individual preferences in sound and feel. Ultimately, both switches have their strengths and can enhance the typing experience depending on the user's specific preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a medium-heavy typing experience with crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps, the Box Jades are perfect for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and snappy typing experience with a light tactile bump and neutral sound profile, the WS Light Tactile switches would be a better fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel and sound, as both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. Happy typing!
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