Kailh Box Jade vs. Wuque Studio WS Red

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Box Jade, a clicky switch, and the Wuque Studio WS Red, a linear switch. The Box Jades are ideal if you prefer a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and satisfying tactility. Their crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps offer a delightful typing sensation. On the other hand, the WS Red switches feature a 22mm double-stage spring, providing a bouncy and responsive feel. These switches also retain a familiar sound signature, thanks to their classic material blend. With a heavier actuation force, each keystroke delivers a satisfying and substantial typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Kailh Box Jade Clicky

Wuque Studio WS Red Linear

$5.50 per 10

$3.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Kailh Box Jade and Wuque Studio WS Red differ in their housing materials, with the former featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the latter utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housings. The use of polycarbonate in the Box Jade's top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, perfect for those who prefer a more clear and resonant typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the WS Red's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile.

While the Box Jade and WS Red differ in their top housing materials, they both share a nylon bottom housing. This brings similarities in terms of the typing experience, as nylon is known to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its ability to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics. Both switches will provide a satisfying bottom-out sound and feel, as the qualities of the bottom housing have a significant impact in this aspect. However, the difference in the top housing materials will affect the sound when releasing a key, with the polycarbonate in the Box Jade creating a distinct sound compared to the duller sound produced by the nylon top housing in the WS Red.

In summary, the Kailh Box Jade and the Wuque Studio WS Red showcase different housing materials that contribute to their unique sound profiles. The polycarbonate top housing in the Box Jade creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon top housing in the WS Red produces a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a comparable bottom-out sound and feel. Understanding the impact of these housing materials allows users to choose the switch that aligns with their preferred typing experience and desired sound profile.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, some distinct differences can be observed. The Kailh Box Jade has an actuation force of 50 grams which indicates a medium level of force required to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the WS Red is unknown, making it difficult to directly compare. However, the bottom out force of the Box Jade is 60 grams, while the WS Red has a slightly higher bottom out force of 67 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy.

Considering weight as an important factor, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Kailh Box Jade. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of this switch enable longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. This makes it an ideal choice for those needing a keyboard for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals desiring a more substantial typing experience may find the heavier forces of the WS Red preferable. With its slightly higher bottom out force, the WS Red offers a stronger push and a more satisfying typing feel.

Although the actuation force of the WS Red is not provided, it is safe to assume that both switches provide a similar actuation experience as both fall within the medium force range. However, the WS Red provides a heavier bottom out force, delivering a more robust typing sensation compared to the Box Jade. Ultimately, personal preference and typing style will determine which switch is the better fit, with the Box Jade being lighter and the WS Red leaning towards a heavier typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, it is evident that the WS Red has a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Box Jade has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. Although both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with 4.0 mm being the norm and 3.0 mm being the shallowest, the small difference between the Box Jade and WS Red can still yield noticeable distinctions in user experience.

For gamers or individuals seeking a quicker response time, the shorter travel distance of the Box Jade may be preferred. With its 3.6 mm travel distance, this switch allows for a more immediate and responsive keystroke, particularly beneficial in fast-paced gaming scenarios. On the other hand, some users may find the shorter travel distance of the Box Jade to feel too abrupt or lacking in depth.

Conversely, the WS Red's longer travel distance of 3.8 mm offers a more profound keystroke experience. The added distance allows for a greater sense of key depression, providing a sense of satisfaction and a perception of a solid key press. This can be appealing to individuals who prefer a greater physical depth when typing or gaming.

It is important to note that personal preference plays a significant role in choosing between these two switches. If quick response times and a more immediate feedback are crucial, the Kailh Box Jade with its slightly shorter travel distance would be the suitable choice. However, if a deeper and more engaging typing or gaming experience is desired, the WS Red's longer travel distance would provide the desired outcome.

In conclusion, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch have distinct travel distances, with the Box Jade being the shorter option at 3.6 mm and the WS Red offering a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. The decision between the two switches ultimately depends on individual preferences and the desired typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch is best known for its high-pitched and crunchy sound profile. When pressed, these switches produce a sharp and crisp sound, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. This sound profile is ideal for those who prefer a more distinct and pronounced auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch is not specified in the provided information. Therefore, it is unclear how the WS Red sounds in comparison to the Box Jade. However, it is important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch is described as having an accented and invigorating tactile experience. These switches offer a medium amount of tactility, providing a prominent amount of feedback without being overwhelming or subtle. This, coupled with a moderate to firm actuation force, creates a snappy and reactive feel that immerses the user in a satisfying typing sensation. Unfortunately, there is no information available on the specific feel of the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch. Therefore, it is unclear how the WS Red compares to the Box Jade in terms of tactile feel.

To summarize, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch is known for its medium-heavy typing experience, crisp clicks, crunchy tactile bumps, high-pitched sound profile, and invigorating tactile feel. On the other hand, the specific qualities of the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch are not provided, making it difficult to directly compare them with the Box Jade. However, if you are looking for a similar auditory and tactile experience to the Box Jade, it is recommended to look for switches that are clicky and offer a bouncy and responsive typing experience. As with any mechanical keyboard switch, it is important to consider personal preferences and factors such as keyboard board and keycap choices to achieve the desired typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, if you're looking for a medium-heavy typing experience with a satisfying clicky sound profile and noticeable tactility, the Kailh Box Jade switches would be the perfect choice for you. These switches provide crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps that add an enjoyable element to your typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy and responsive typing experience with a familiar sound signature, the Wuque Studio WS Red switches would suit you best. With their heavier actuation force and substantial typing feel, these switches deliver a satisfying and weighty keystroke. As for sound, the Box Jade switches produce a high-pitched and crunchy sound, while no specific information is available for the WS Red switches in this aspect. In terms of feel, the Box Jade switches offer an accented and invigorating typing sensation, while no descriptors are provided for the WS Red switches. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preferences for typing experience, sound, and feel.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box Jade Clicky

$5.50 per 10

Learn more

Wuque Studio WS Red Linear

$3.50 per 10

Learn more