Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute 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 Mute Jade and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile offer different experiences for users. The Box Mute Jade is a clicky switch that provides a crunchy feel with a more subdued sound profile, making it ideal for those who enjoy the tactile feedback of clicky switches but prefer a quieter noise level. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile switch offers a smooth typing experience with a snappy tactile bump and a neutral sound profile, perfect for users who want a tactile switch without the loud clicky noise. Both switches have their own distinct characteristics and advantages, so choosing between them ultimately depends on individual 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
75g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
82g
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
Yes
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile both feature polycarbonate top housings, which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which provides a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Box Mute Jade and the WS Light Tactile differ in their bottom housings, with the former using a nylon bottom housing and the latter also employing a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound than harder plastics, and creating a duller and rounder sound.
While both the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile share the same polycarbonate top housing material, they differ in their bottom housing components. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing sound to create a rounder tone. The split between the top and bottom housing materials allows for a unique typing experience, where the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This split design ensures a balanced and enjoyable typing experience for users of both switches.
In terms of construction, the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile exhibit similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing, which results in a sharper and crisper sound profile. The nylon bottom housing in both switches helps to create a deeper and fuller sound, enhancing the overall typing experience. While the housing materials may differ between the two switches, both are designed to provide a satisfying and unique sound and feel for users. Whether you prefer the distinct sound of the Box Mute Jade's nylon bottom housing or the rounder tone of the WS Light Tactile's nylon bottom housing, each switch offers a different typing experience that caters to individual preferences.
Weight
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch has a heavier actuation force of 75 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams, while the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch boasts a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. The Box Mute Jade provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier forces, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the WS Light Tactile offers a lighter touch, perfect for longer typing sessions or extended gaming use. Both switches provide a different typing experience based on their actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose the option that best suits their preferences.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option compared to the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Box Mute Jade offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, which may be preferred by gamers looking for faster input. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile provides a deeper press with its longer travel distance, offering a more satisfying tactile feel for those who prefer a bit more depth when typing. Both switches offer unique experiences based on their travel distances, providing users with options to choose the one that best suits their preferences.
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 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
When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch provides a crunchy sound akin to stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves, offering a more subdued click compared to traditional clicky switches. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile that is moderate and suitable for various settings, making it a versatile option for different users. Ultimately, the sound of a switch can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Box Mute Jade clicky switch offers an accented tactile experience with a medium-level tactility that is not overwhelming, along with a stiffer keypress that requires more force to actuate. Additionally, the switch is polished for a smooth and refined typing experience. Conversely, the WS Light Tactile tactile switch provides a stepped tactile sensation with mild pre-travel and post-travel stages, making it easy to press with minimal force required for activation. This enhances typing comfort and reduces finger fatigue during extended use.
Overall, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Box Mute Jade provides a crunchy feel and accented tactile experience with a more subdued sound, the WS Light Tactile offers a neutral sound profile and an easy-to-press sensation with stepped tactility. Both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, so choosing between them depends on personal preference and the typing experience desired by the user.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a heavier clicky switch with a more pronounced tactile bump and a quieter sound profile, then the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter tactile switch with a smoother keypress and a more moderate sound profile, then the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch would be a better fit. Consider your personal typing preferences, whether you prioritize feel over sound, and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that best suits your typing style and needs.
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