Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute 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, two popular options that offer distinct experiences are the Kailh Box Mute Jade, a clicky switch, and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile, a tactile switch. The Box Mute Jade is perfect for those who enjoy the satisfying crunch of a clicky switch but prefer a more subdued sound profile. With a slight bump and a quieter yet unmistakably clicky sound signature, these switches provide a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switches from Wuque Studio offer a profound and pronounced tactile bump. With a tactile force of 70g, each keystroke provides satisfying resistance, making typing an engaging and immersive journey. These switches also have a captivating sound profile, thanks to the nylon housings that contribute to a "thocky" resonance. Both switches offer their own accented features, but 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
75g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
82g
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
Yes
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile have different housing materials, which results in distinct sound profiles. The Box Mute Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This material is relatively stiffer, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile utilizes a nylon top housing, producing a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While both switches offer a tactile experience, the difference in their top housing materials will affect the overall sound produced when the keys are released.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both switches employ nylon as the material. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softness and sound absorption capabilities of this plastic. The nylon bottom housing in both the Box Mute Jade and WS Heavy Tactile contribute to a similar sound characteristic, creating a sound that is more dull and round. However, since the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, the two switches may still differ slightly in their tactile feedback during typing.
In summary, the housing materials of the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile have both similarities and differences. While the Box Mute Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, providing a sharper and crisper sound, the WS Heavy Tactile utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound. On the other hand, both switches share nylon as the material for their bottom housing, leading to a similar dull and round sound profile. Despite these differences, both switches offer a tactile typing experience, with the top housing more significantly influencing the sound when releasing a key, while the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, there are notable differences. The Box Mute Jade has an actuation force of 75 grams, which means it requires a relatively heavy amount of pressure to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the WS Heavy Tactile is unavailable, suggesting that it may be lighter than the Box Mute Jade.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Box Mute Jade again proves to be on the heavier side with a force of 82 grams. This indicates that the switch requires a significant amount of pressure to fully press the key. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile has a bottom out force of 45 grams, which is considerably lighter than the Box Mute Jade.
Considering the weight aspect, some users may prefer a lighter switch as it allows for prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. This is especially beneficial for those who use their keyboard extensively at work or for long gaming sessions. On the flip side, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for switches with heavier forces, providing them with a stronger and more satisfying push feel.
In summary, the actuation and bottom out forces of the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches differ significantly. The Box Mute Jade is characterized by heavier forces of 75 grams and 82 grams for actuation and bottom out respectively. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile's actuation force is unknown, while its bottom out force measures a lighter 45 grams. Therefore, individuals seeking a lighter switch should consider the WS Heavy Tactile, while those desiring a heavier feel may find satisfaction with the Box Mute Jade.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, it is clear that they have distinct differences. The Box Mute Jade has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Heavy Tactile has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. This means that the Box Mute Jade offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the WS Heavy Tactile switch.
In terms of usability, the shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm in the WS Heavy Tactile switch may appeal to gamers or individuals who prioritize faster response times. The shorter distance allows for quicker keystrokes and potentially improved performance in gaming scenarios. On the other hand, the Box Mute Jade's longer travel distance of 3.6 mm may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press and a deeper typing experience. The additional travel distance provides a sense of depth and may offer a more satisfying tactile feedback for some users.
Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and individual typing or gaming style. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages. If you prioritize a shorter travel distance for faster response times, the WS Heavy Tactile switch would be an ideal choice. However, if you prefer a switch with a longer travel distance and enjoy a deeper keystroke, the Box Mute Jade switch would be a better fit. Whichever option you choose, both switches provide their unique characteristics to enhance your typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box Mute Jade comes in at $6.50, 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
When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Mute Jade offers a quieter yet unmistakably clicky sound profile. It provides a subtle and more subdued sound compared to other clicky switches. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch offers a captivating and familiar sound profile. It has a "thocky" resonance due to the nylon housings, resulting in a satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke. While the Box Mute Jade has a crunchy sound reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves, the WS Heavy Tactile switch has a clacky and high-pitched sound with a clean and sharp profile. Overall, both switches offer unique sound experiences, with the Box Mute Jade being quieter and the WS Heavy Tactile being more pronounced.
In terms of feel, both the Box Mute Jade and the WS Heavy Tactile switches are described as accented, providing a notable amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. This means that you will have a prominent tactile feedback when typing with either switch. The Box Mute Jade is also described as being stiff, requiring more force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches. This provides a more resistant and deliberate typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch offers a bouncy and invigorating feel. It provides a spring-like feedback sensation and a snappy, reactive feel with each keypress. Additionally, both switches offer a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Mute Jade and Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Mute Jade provides a crunchy and subdued clicky sound, while the WS Heavy Tactile offers a clacky and resonant sound with a "thocky" resonance. In terms of feel, both switches offer an accented and tactile experience, with the Box Mute Jade being stiffer and the WS Heavy Tactile being bouncy and invigorating. While they may differ in certain aspects, both switches provide satisfying and engaging typing experiences. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, if you prefer a heavier switch with a distinct tactile bump and a quieter clicky sound, the Kailh Box Mute Jade would be a great choice for you. These switches provide an engaging typing experience with their accented feel and polished finish, offering reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, if you want a lighter switch with a profound and pronounced tactile bump, along with a clacky and resonant sound profile, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches would be a perfect fit. These switches offer a bouncy and invigorating feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. Ultimately, the decision between the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches depends on your personal preferences for key weight, tactile feedback, and sound signature.
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