Kailh Box Navy vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch that provides a heavy typing experience along with a satisfying sound signature and tactility, the Kailh Box Navy switches are a perfect fit for you. These switches hark back to the vintage buckling keyboards of the 80s, offering a nostalgic experience. They are known for their heftiness and produce a crunchy and sharp sound, creating an invigorating typing sensation. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch with a profound and pronounced tactile bump, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches are a remarkable option. With a tactile force of 70g, every keystroke is met with a satisfying resistance, making typing an engaging and immersive journey. These switches also offer a unique sound profile, with Wuque Studios' nylon housing contributing to a "thocky" resonance that adds to the 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
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
90g
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
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Navy and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile both utilize different materials for their housing, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Box Navy's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This material is relatively stiffer, allowing for clear and resonant sound production. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing is translucent, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile features a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile.
In terms of their bottom housings, both switches employ nylon as the chosen material. This classic housing material contributes to the switches' deeper and fuller sound profiles. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound than harder plastics, adding to the switches' overall sound characteristics. Whether it's the Box Navy or the WS Heavy Tactile, the nylon bottom housing produces a similar result in terms of sound quality.
It is important to note that the qualities brought by the different materials in the top and bottom housings may have varying impacts on the switch's overall sound and feel. When using either switch, the bottom housing will have a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, as this is where the key press is focused. Conversely, the top housing will primarily impact the sound produced when releasing a key. Understanding these distinctions can help users choose the switch that aligns with their preference for sound and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, it becomes evident that there are notable differences between the two. The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a relatively high actuation force of 60 grams and a heavy bottom out force of 90 grams. This implies that users who prefer a more substantial typing experience or require a stronger push feel may find the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch more suitable. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch's actuation force remains unknown, but its bottom out force is lighter, measuring only 45 grams. This indicates that individuals who prioritize typing for extended periods or seek a lighter touch may find the WS Heavy Tactile switch more appealing. While the exact actuation force for the WS Heavy Tactile switch is unknown, it is clear that it will provide a lighter typing experience compared to the Kailh Box Navy. Nevertheless, both switches offer distinct advantages and individuals can make their selection based on their preferred typing preferences.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that have become popular, offering a more responsive typing experience. These shorter travel distances are often favored by gamers who value faster response times. However, it is important to note that the difference between the travel distances of these switches is relatively small. For those who enjoy a deeper keystroke and a more substantial feel, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch may be the preferred choice with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box Navy comes in at $5.50, 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 Navy clicky switch provides a resonant and crunchy typing experience. The switch produces a higher-pitched sound profile that is clean, sharp, and reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards of the 80s. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound with a "thocky" resonance. While both switches have their own distinct sound profiles, they both provide an immersive auditory experience with satisfying auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Navy switch is known for its sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile feedback. It offers a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be felt distinctly with each keypress. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch provides a medium amount of tactility that is accented and invigorating. It offers pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. Additionally, the WS Heavy Tactile switch is also described as bouncy and snappy, providing a lively and responsive typing experience.
Considering the available information, if you are seeking a heavy typing experience with a clicky sound and strong tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Navy switch would be an excellent choice. However, if you prefer a medium amount of tactile feedback with a clacky sound and a more bouncy and invigorating typing experience, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch would be a great option. Both switches offer their unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, ensuring a satisfying and immersive typing journey.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are seeking a heavy and immersive typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump and a captivating sound profile, then the Kailh Box Navy clicky switches are a perfect fit for you. With a bottom out force of 90 grams, these switches offer a sharp and crisp tactile feedback that hearkens back to the vintage buckling keyboards of the 80s. The sound profile of the Box Navy switches is resonant and crunchy, providing a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter tactile switch with a tactile force of 45 grams, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches are an excellent choice. These switches offer a profound and pronounced tactile bump, creating a satisfying resistance with each keystroke. The WS Heavy Tactile switches also provide a familiar and captivating sound profile, described as clacky, high-pitched, and resonant. Ultimately, the choice between the Box Navy and the WS Heavy Tactile switches depends on your preference for typing experience, key weight, and sound profile.
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