Kailh Box Navy vs. Wuque Studio WS Jade
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Wuque Studio WS Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Navy and the Wuque Studio WS Jade offer unique and distinct experiences for users. The Box Navy is perfect for those who enjoy a heavy typing experience and the audible clicky sound that harkens back to the vintage buckling keyboards of the 80s. On the other hand, the WS Jade stands out with its metallic insert creating a bright and resonant sound, along with a smooth and creamy typing experience. Both switches have their own characteristics that cater to different preferences and needs. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and the Wuque Studio WS Jade, it is clear that they both prioritize sound quality in their design. The Box Navy utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile thanks to its stiffness, while the WS Jade opts for a POM top housing that creates a deeper and more muted sound. However, both switches aim to provide a unique and pleasing auditory experience for users, albeit through different means. The translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting effects, catering to users who enjoy customizable aesthetics, whereas the POM housing of the WS Jade focuses on a more robust and fuller sound profile.
When it comes to the bottom housings, the Kailh Box Navy features a nylon material that enhances the depth and fullness of the sound produced by the switch. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller but rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Jade also utilizes POM for its bottom housing, contributing to the deeper and more muted sound profile that is consistent with its top housing material. Both switches prioritize delivering a specific type of sound experience to users, with the housing materials playing a crucial role in achieving these desired results.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both the Kailh Box Navy and the Wuque Studio WS Jade focus on providing a unique and enjoyable typing experience for users. While the Box Navy combines polycarbonate and nylon to create a clear and resonant sound, the WS Jade uses POM for both top and bottom housings to produce a deep and muted sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile, aesthetics, and typing feel. Both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring that there is a suitable option for every keyboard enthusiast.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch differ significantly. The Box Navy has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 90 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the WS Jade has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. The lighter actuation force of the WS Jade allows for quicker keystrokes, while the heavier forces of the Box Navy give a more tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch both have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when typing on either of these switches, you will experience a consistent key press feel in terms of travel distance. Both switches offer a moderate travel distance, allowing for a tactile typing experience without being too shallow or too deep. This similarity in travel distance indicates that regardless of which switch you choose, you can expect similar results in terms of key press dynamics.
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 Jade comes in at $4.30.
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 switch is best described as resonant and crunchy, providing a clean and sharp auditory experience reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards. On the other hand, the WS Jade switch offers a clacky and marbly sound profile due to the metallic insert in its stem base, creating a bright and percussive sound. While both switches have a resonant quality, the Box Navy leans towards a higher-pitched and immersive sound, whereas the WS Jade offers a unique brightness and crispness in its click sound.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Navy switch is characterized by its sharp and invigorating tactile feedback, making each keypress distinctly felt with a strong and crisp bump. Conversely, the WS Jade switch provides a silky and creamy typing experience, offering a smooth and buttery feel with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. While the Box Navy switch requires a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out, the WS Jade switch gives a uniquely creamy and smooth sensation, making typing a delightful experience.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch offer distinct qualities in both sound and feel that cater to different preferences. If you enjoy a heavier typing experience with a sharp clicky sound, the Box Navy is the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and more buttery typing experience with a bright metallic sound, the WS Jade is the perfect option. Both switches provide a unique typing experience tailored to individual preferences, ensuring a satisfying and personalized mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a heavy and tactile typing experience with a distinct clicky sound, the Kailh Box Navy switches are the way to go. They offer a vintage feel with their heftiness and sound signature reminiscent of buckling keyboards from the 80s. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and creamy typing feel with a bright metallic sound profile, the Wuque Studio WS Jade switches are the perfect choice for you. Their unique design with a metallic insert and light diffuser create a mesmerizing RGB display paired with a rock-solid bottom-out. Ultimately, your decision between the two switches will come down to whether you prioritize a heavy and clicky typing experience (Box Navy) or a smooth and bright typing experience (WS Jade).
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