Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Wuque Studio WS Red
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a unique tactile experience, the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Wuque Studio WS Red are two switches worth considering. The Box Mute Jade is a clicky switch that combines a satisfying crunchy feel with a more subdued sound profile. With each keystroke, you'll feel a slight bump and hear a quieter, yet unmistakably clicky, sound. On the other hand, the WS Red is a linear switch that offers a bouncy and responsive typing experience. With its 22mm double-stage spring, you can expect a heavier actuation force and a touch of weight to each keystroke, delivering a satisfying and substantial typing feel. Both switches have their own unique qualities that 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
75g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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 double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Wuque Studio WS Red differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Box Mute Jade utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the WS Red features a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound, producing a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches use nylon, which is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound compared to harder materials, resulting in a dull and round sound profile. Therefore, the bottom housings of the Box Mute Jade and WS Red would provide similar sound characteristics.
When it comes to the overall feel and sound of these switches, the top and bottom housings play different roles. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, which is the experience when fully pressing down on a key. In contrast, the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. Therefore, while the qualities of the housing materials may differ, users can expect unique sound experiences depending on whether they are pressing down or releasing a key.
Overall, the choice between the Kailh Box Mute Jade and Wuque Studio WS Red housing materials depends on personal preferences. The polycarbonate top housing of the Box Mute Jade provides a sharper and crisper sound, making it ideal for those who prefer a more distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the WS Red produces a deeper and fuller sound, appealing to individuals who enjoy a rounder typing sound. However, both switches share the use of nylon in the bottom housing, resulting in a similar deep and full sound profile when fully pressing a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, there are notable differences. The Box Mute Jade has a relatively heavy actuation force of 75 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams. On the other hand, the WS Red's actuation force is unavailable, making it difficult to compare directly. However, its bottom out force is slightly lighter at 67 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy range.
Considerations for weight are subjective and depend on personal preference. Some individuals may prefer lighter switches like the WS Red for extended typing or gaming sessions as they allow for less strain over time. This makes them suitable for keyboards used in work environments or during lengthy gaming sessions. On the other hand, those seeking a more substantial typing experience might opt for the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Box Mute Jade switch. This provides a solid and satisfying push feel, enhancing the overall typing experience.
While direct comparison between the actuation forces is not possible due to the unavailability of data for the WS Red, it can be assumed that the Box Mute Jade requires a heavier force to trigger a keystroke. However, both switches have relatively heavy bottom out forces, with the Box Mute Jade being slightly heavier at 82 grams compared to the WS Red's 67 grams. Therefore, if a typist or gamer desires a similar typing experience in terms of force required, both switches would provide comparable results due to their heavier nature.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch have different travel distances. The Box Mute Jade has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Red has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In terms of comparison, the WS Red has a slightly longer travel distance than the Box Mute Jade. However, both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular. Gamers, in particular, prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Box Mute Jade with its shorter travel distance could be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper key press sensation, the WS Red with its slightly longer travel distance may provide the desired hearty depth. Ultimately, the decision should be based on personal preference and the specific requirements of the user.
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 Red 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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Mute Jade switches provide a unique experience. These switches offer a satisfying clicky sound, similar to the sound of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. However, the sound is more subdued compared to traditional clicky switches, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Red switches have an unknown sound profile. The sound of a switch can also vary depending on other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Mute Jade switches offer a combination of qualities. They provide a slight bump during actuation, giving a tactile feel without being overwhelming. The switches are also described as stiff, meaning they require a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom out compared to other switches. This adds a level of solidity to each keystroke. Additionally, the Box Mute Jade switches are polished, resulting in a smooth and refined finish. This reduces friction and provides a sleek typing experience.
On the other hand, the feel of the Wuque Studio WS Red switches is unknown. Without further information, it is difficult to provide a detailed comparison of their tactile qualities and key travel experience.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Mute Jade switches offer a unique combination of qualities for those who enjoy a crunchy feel and a quieter clicky sound. They provide a tactile bump, stiffness, and a polished finish for smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Red switches have unknown qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you are looking for similar results to the Kailh Box Mute Jade switches, it is recommended to focus on switches that are described as clicky for the sound and accented, stiff, and polished for the feel. Remember to consider other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen, as they can also significantly impact the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a satisfying and unmistakably clicky sound profile but prefer a more subdued sound, the Box Mute Jade is the switch for you. It offers a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 82 grams, providing a satisfying typing feel. The Box Mute Jade is also described as accented, stiff, and polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy and responsive typing experience with a familiar sound signature, the WS Red is the switch to consider. With a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 67 grams, it adds a touch of weight to each keystroke, delivering a satisfying and substantial typing feel. While there is not specific information available about the feel of the WS Red switch, the use of a 22mm double-stage spring suggests a bouncy and responsive typing experience.
In conclusion, if you prioritize a clicky sound with a quieter profile and a heavier typing feel, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch is the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy and responsive typing experience with a familiar sound signature, the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch may be the more suitable choice. Ultimately, it all comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. Choose the switch that aligns best with your needs and enjoy an enhanced typing experience.
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