Kailh Box Jade vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, there are many options to consider. Two popular choices are the Kailh Box Jade, a clicky switch, and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile, a tactile switch. The Box Jade is perfect for those who enjoy a medium-heavy typing experience with a satisfying clicky sound profile and pronounced tactile feedback. Its crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps make typing on it a joy. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switch by Wuque is a great choice for office and work environments. It strikes a delicate balance, offering a medium level of tactility without compromising on noise reduction. Crafted with precision, it features stem railings with small cutouts that effectively minimize switch sound while delivering a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out and responsive return. Unlike traditional silent switches, it doesn't use silicone dampeners, providing a unique typing experience that is devoid of the usual padded feel found in most silent switches. As you can see, these switches offer distinct qualities and cater to different preferences. 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 housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches differ in terms of the materials used. The Box Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, while the WS Silent Tactile utilizes a nylon top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Box Jade creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, making it perfect for users who prefer a clear and resonant typing experience. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, adding a visually pleasing element to the switch. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This results in a duller and rounder typing sound, ideal for users who enjoy a more muted typing experience without sacrificing tactile feedback.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Box Jade and the WS Silent Tactile switches utilize a nylon material. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, adding to the overall auditory experience while typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a dampened sound when pressing down on the keys. This creates a more satisfying and muffled bottom-out sound, suitable for users who prefer a quieter typing experience.
It is important to note that the qualities brought about by the different housing materials are split between the bottom and top of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing are primarily felt, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when a key is released. Therefore, although the Box Jade and the WS Silent Tactile switches have different housing materials, the overall typing experience for both switches will be similar due to the presence of nylon in the bottom housing, resulting in a deep and full sound profile upon keypress.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, it is important to consider their weight. The Box Jade has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the exact actuation force of the WS Silent Tactile is unavailable. However, the WS Silent Tactile does have a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which makes it medium-heavy.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Box Jade would be the better choice as it has a lighter actuation force. This allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who enjoy a stronger push feel would find the WS Silent Tactile more suitable. With its medium-heavy bottom out force, it provides a more substantial typing experience.
Both switches fall within the medium range in terms of bottom out force, but the WS Silent Tactile is slightly heavier in comparison. This means that users who prioritize a heavier typing feel would find the WS Silent Tactile to be a better option. However, if the actuation force is of utmost importance, it should be noted that the exact value for the WS Silent Tactile is unknown. Nevertheless, in terms of bottoming out, both switches offer similar results.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch is lighter in terms of actuation force, perfect for prolonged typing sessions. Meanwhile, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch is heavier, providing a more substantial typing experience. However, if both actuation force and bottom out force are factored in, they can potentially yield similar results. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to individual preferences and typing preferences.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch have slightly different travel distances. The Box Jade has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Silent Tactile has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Although the difference is minimal, it is worth noting that the Box Jade has a slightly longer travel distance. In general, a travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered traditional, while 3.0 mm is the most shallow. However, shorter travel distances have become more popular, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel when pressing down on a key, the slightly shorter travel distance of the WS Silent Tactile may be a better choice for you. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel abrupt, and prefer a deeper key press. For those individuals, the slightly longer travel distance of the Box Jade may be more suitable. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what feels most comfortable to the user.
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 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
When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Jade switches are known for their high-pitched and crunchy sound profile. Pressing these switches produces a sharp and crisp sound, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches are described as having a more neutral and muted sound. These switches produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical switches, as they are designed to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the type of keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both the Kailh Box Jade and the WS Silent Tactile switches are described as having an accented tactility. These switches provide a prominent amount of tactile feedback that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, resulting in a medium level of tactility. They both offer a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out and responsive return, creating an invigorating typing sensation. Additionally, the WS Silent Tactile switches are also described as having a mild feel, offering a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. This makes them approachable to most users, as their qualities fall in a safe middle-ground zone.
Taking into account the available information, the Kailh Box Jade switches are best suited for those seeking a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and crunchy tactile feedback. These switches offer a high-pitched and crunchy sound, along with an accented and invigorating feel. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches are perfect for office and work environments, providing a medium level of tactility without compromising on noise reduction. They offer a more neutral and muted sound, with an accented and invigorating feel as well as a mild typing experience.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Jade and Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Jade provides a high-pitched and crunchy sound along with an accented and invigorating feel, while the WS Silent Tactile offers a more neutral and muted sound, along with an accented and invigorating feel and a mild typing experience. Depending on your preferences and requirements, you can choose the switch that best suits your needs. However, if you prefer similar results in terms of sound and feel, you may opt for the WS Silent Tactile switches, as they provide a medium level of tactility and minimize noise, offering a blend of tranquility and tactility similar to that of the Box Jade switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound and tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Jade switches would be the perfect choice for you. These switches offer a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out and crunchy tactile bumps, creating an invigorating and immersive typing sensation. The high-pitched and crunchy sound profile of the Box Jade switches adds to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tranquil and quieter typing experience without compromising on tactility, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches would be ideal. These switches strike a delicate balance by offering a medium level of tactility while minimizing switch sound. The WS Silent Tactile switches provide a muted sound profile and a gentle typing experience, making them suitable for both home and work environments. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on your preference for sound and the level of typing experience you desire.
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