Kailh Box Navy vs. Wuque Studio WS Yellow
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you are in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a heavy typing experience and a satisfying clicky sound, the Kailh Box Navy switch is the perfect fit for you. With a sound signature and tactility reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s, the Box Navy switch provides a unique and invigorating typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a more lightweight and smooth typing experience, the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch may be the better choice for you. These switches, crafted to be lightweight, offer effortless keystrokes and a satisfying bounce. Additionally, their material blend provides a familiar sound signature that many enthusiasts adore. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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 double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Navy and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow differ in their housing materials, with the Box Navy featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the WS Yellow has a nylon top and bottom housing. The use of polycarbonate in the Box Navy's top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for those who prefer a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing is transparent, making it compatible with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the WS Yellow's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer plastic, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Box Navy and the WS Yellow utilize nylon, which is known for its ability to absorb sound better than harder plastics. This feature enhances the typing experience by eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The bottom housing's impact on the bottom-out sound and feel is more pronounced, allowing users to experience the qualities of the nylon material when pressing down on the switch. This similarity suggests that both the Box Navy and the WS Yellow will provide users with a satisfying typing experience in terms of sound and feel when it comes to the bottom-out action.
When it comes to the impact on sound upon releasing a key, the top housing plays a key role. The polycarbonate top housing of the Box Navy is likely to provide a crisper and sharper sound when a key is released, thanks to its stiffer plastic construction. On the other hand, the WS Yellow's nylon top housing may produce a slightly softer sound profile due to its softer plastic material. However, the impact on sound when releasing a key may not be as prominent as the bottom-out sound. Therefore, if users prioritize the sound profile upon releasing a key, they may opt for the Box Navy's polycarbonate top housing, whereas those looking for a slightly softer sound may prefer the WS Yellow's nylon top housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, it is clear that they offer different experiences in terms of weight. The Box Navy switch has a relatively heavy actuation force of 60 grams, meaning that it requires a substantial amount of force to trigger a keystroke. Additionally, it has a heavy bottom out force of 90 grams, indicating that it takes a significant amount of pressure to fully press the key down. On the other hand, the WS Yellow switch's actuation force is unknown, but it has a lighter bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light option.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the WS Yellow switch may be more suitable as it requires less force to activate and bottom out. This can be advantageous for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming sessions where finger fatigue can be a concern. On the contrary, the Kailh Box Navy switch offers a stronger push feel with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. This can provide a more substantial and satisfying typing experience for individuals who prefer a greater amount of resistance.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch is heavier in terms of both actuation force and bottom out force, while the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch offers a lighter typing experience with medium-light forces. Individuals seeking a lighter switch for longer typing sessions may prefer the WS Yellow, while those who enjoy a more substantial and forceful keystroke experience may opt for the heavier Box Navy.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch have slightly different travel distances. The Box Navy has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Yellow has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter range of travel distances, which is preferred by gamers for faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, you may lean towards the Box Navy with its shorter travel distance. However, if you prefer a more substantial feel and a deeper keystroke, the WS Yellow with its longer travel distance could be the better choice for you. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on your individual preferences for travel distance.
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 Yellow 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 is described as having a resonant and crunchy profile. Typing on these switches provides a higher-pitched sound and an immersive auditory experience, reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Wuque Studio WS Yellow remains unknown. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Navy is known for its sharp, invigorating, and stiff characteristics. These switches offer a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with each keypress. They have a pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy reactive feel. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Yellow offers a creamy, mild, and polished typing experience. With a smooth and buttery sensation, these switches provide effortless keystrokes that effortlessly melt into each keystroke. They offer a more gentle typing experience in comparison, falling within a safe middle-ground zone.
In conclusion, if you are seeking a heavy and tactile typing experience with a distinct sound signature, the Kailh Box Navy switches would be an excellent choice. These switches offer a resonant and crunchy sound, along with a sharp and invigorating feel. However, if you prefer a smoother and more gentle typing experience, the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches are recommended. These switches provide a creamy and polished feel, offering a satisfying bounce and effortless keystrokes. While the sound profile of the WS Yellow remains unknown, the subjective qualities mentioned suggest a pleasant typing experience similar to that of a creamy switch. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and desired typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are seeking a heavy, tactile typing experience and enjoy the sound signature of a clicky switch, then the Kailh Box Navy switches are the perfect choice for you. These switches offer a weighty bottom out force of 90 grams, reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s. With a resonant and crunchy sound profile, typing on the Box Navy switches will provide you with an immersive auditory experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lightweight, smooth typing experience, then the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switches are the ideal option. With a bottom out force of 53 grams, these switches offer effortless keystrokes and a satisfying bounce. The WS Yellow switches have a creamy, mild, and polished feel, allowing for a silky and refined typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Navy clicky switches and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switches depends on your personal preferences for weight, sound, and feel. Consider whether you prefer a heavy, tactile experience with a resonant sound profile, or a lightweight, smooth experience with a creamy and polished feel. No matter which switch you choose, both options provide unique and enjoyable typing experiences.
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