Kailh Box Jade vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch and can't decide between a clicky or linear switch, look no further than the Kailh Box Jade and Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches. The Box Jade switches are perfect for those who crave a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and satisfying tactility. With their high-pitched and invigorating clicks, as well as crispy tactile bumps, typing on these switches feels incredibly satisfying. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear switches by Wuque Studio offer a completely different experience. Designed to elevate your office and work experience, these linear switches excel at reducing switch noise while maintaining unmatched responsiveness. Unlike traditional silent switches, the WS Silent Linear switches forgo silicone dampeners, providing a typing experience that is devoid of the usual cushioned sensation. This blend of tranquility and precision creates a unique and serene 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
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Jade and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear have different housing materials for both the top and bottom housings. The Box Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, while the WS Silent Linear uses a nylon top housing. The polycarbonate in the Box Jade creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, which is ideal for those who want a clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the nylon top housing in the WS Silent Linear elicits a deeper and fuller sound, as it absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound profile. Therefore, if you prefer a sharper and clearer sound, the Box Jade would be a better choice, while the WS Silent Linear would be suitable for those who prefer a deeper and fuller sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches use nylon material. The nylon bottom housing in both the Box Jade and the WS Silent Linear creates a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is because nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. So, regardless of the switch you choose, the bottom housing material will contribute to a similar sound experience, providing a satisfying typing sound for users.
When pressing down on the switches, the bottom housing material will have a more noticeable impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. The qualities of the bottom housing, whether it is polycarbonate in the Box Jade or nylon in the WS Silent Linear, will affect the overall typing experience, providing a tactile and satisfying feel. On the other hand, the top housing material will have a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. Whether you are using the polycarbonate top housing of the Box Jade or the nylon top housing of the WS Silent Linear, the choice of material will contribute to the sound profile when lifting a finger off the key. Therefore, the differences in the top and bottom housing materials of these switches will ultimately affect the overall sound and feel, providing users with unique experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch, there are a few notable differences. First, in terms of weight, the Box Jade is lighter with an actuation force of 50 grams, while the WS Silent Linear's actuation force is unknown, making it difficult to directly compare. However, both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Box Jade at 60 grams and the WS Silent Linear slightly heavier at 63.5 grams.
The lighter actuation force of the Box Jade makes it suitable for individuals who prefer a lighter touch while typing or gaming. This can be advantageous for those who require longer typing or gaming sessions, as it allows for reduced muscle fatigue. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear's actuation force is unknown, so it is difficult to determine its specific suitability for individuals who prefer a lighter touch.
In terms of bottom out force, both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range. The Box Jade's bottom out force of 60 grams provides a substantial typing experience, appealing to those who enjoy a stronger push feel while typing. The WS Silent Linear, with its slightly heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, may provide an even more robust typing experience.
Overall, while the exact actuation force of the WS Silent Linear is not provided, it can be assumed that both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation due to being in the medium range. However, the differences in bottom out force make the Box Jade the lighter option and the WS Silent Linear the heavier option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing experience and desired weight.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, slightly longer than the 3.5 mm travel distance of the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch. Both switches offer shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, making them popular choices for those seeking faster response times. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances to optimize their performance. However, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to feel too abrupt and prefer a switch with a longer travel distance for a more satisfying keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches boils down to the individual's preference for either a shorter, more responsive experience or a longer, more substantial keypress.
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 Silent Linear 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
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch is best known for its medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and tactile feedback. It produces a high-pitched and crisp sound when pressed, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. The tactile bumps give an accented and invigorating feel, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. If you're looking for a switch that offers a satisfying typing experience with a distinctive clicky sound, the Box Jades would be a great choice.
On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch offers a different experience. These linear switches are designed to reduce switch noise while maintaining responsiveness and a satisfying bottom-out. They feature ingeniously designed stem railings with discreet cutouts, eliminating the need for silicone dampeners. This results in a muted and subdued sound profile compared to regular switches. The WS Silent Linear switches provide a mild and gentle typing experience, making them approachable to most users. While they may lack the crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps of the Box Jade, their focus lies in creating a tranquil and precise typing experience.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch offer contrasting subjective qualities. The Box Jade is known for its clicky sound and crunchy tactile feedback, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear switch offers a quieter and more gentle typing experience, with a muted sound profile and mild feel. Both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you enjoy a more pronounced and invigorating typing experience with audible clicks, the Box Jade is a great choice. Alternatively, if you prefer a quieter and smoother typing experience without sacrificing responsiveness, the WS Silent Linear would be a suitable option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Jade switches would be perfect for you. These switches provide crisp clicks and feature crunchy tactile bumps, making every keystroke satisfying and enjoyable. On the other hand, if you prioritize noise reduction and a seamless typing experience, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches are the way to go. These linear switches utilize ingeniously designed stem railings with discreet cutouts to reduce switch noise, resulting in a tranquil and precise typing experience without the usual cushioned sensation found in traditional silent switches. With their neutral sound profile and muted, subdued sound, the WS Silent Linear switches ensure a quieter and more subtle typing experience. Additionally, if you prefer a gentle and approachable typing feel, the mild WS Silent Linear switches offer just that. Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Jade clicky switches and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switches will depend on your preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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