Kailh Box Royal vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Box Royal and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches. The Box Royal switches are widely recognized for their unparalleled tactility, offering a sharp and binary feedback that is sure to satisfy those seeking an almost aggressive tactile experience. In terms of sound, these switches produce a relatively higher pitched profile. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switches from Wuque Studio provide a truly captivating typing journey. With a profound and pronounced tactile bump and a satisfying resistance of 70g, every keystroke becomes an engaging and immersive experience. Furthermore, the nylon housings of these switches contribute to a "thocky" resonance, offering a satisfying auditory feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Royal and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile both utilize nylon as their housing material, which is considered a classic choice for switch housing. This material offers several advantages, such as creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The nylon in both switches is relatively softer compared to harder plastics, allowing it to absorb more sound and produce a duller and rounder sound. As a result, users can expect similar sound characteristics from both the Kailh Box Royal and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile.
While both switches use the same housing material, they differ in terms of their top and bottom housings. The qualities brought by each housing material will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel will be influenced more by the bottom housing. On the other hand, the sound produced when releasing a key will be more affected by the top housing. Therefore, the Kailh Box Royal and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile may offer distinct experiences when it comes to bottom-out and key release sounds.
In summary, the nylon housing material used in the Kailh Box Royal and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches provides similar benefits in terms of creating a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. However, the specific characteristics of the top and bottom housings may result in slight differences in the overall sound experience. Whether one prefers the impact of the bottom housing or the sound when releasing a key may influence their preference between the two switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, there are notable similarities and differences. The actuation force of the Box Royal is 45 grams, while the actuation force of the WS Heavy Tactile is not available. However, it is important to note that a lighter actuation force is generally preferred by those who type for extended periods or engage in prolonged gaming sessions. In terms of bottom out force, the Box Royal has a measurement of 70 grams, which is considered medium-heavy, while the WS Heavy Tactile bottoms out at 45 grams, indicating a lighter force. This suggests that the Box Royal would provide a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force, whereas the WS Heavy Tactile would offer a lighter keystroke for those who prefer a gentler touch.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch have different travel distances. The Box Royal has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Heavy Tactile has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. While both switches fall within the range of a traditional travel distance, the Box Royal is slightly longer than the WS Heavy Tactile.
Gamers, who prioritize faster response times, often prefer switches with shorter travel distances. In this case, the WS Heavy Tactile would be a suitable choice. Its 3.2 mm travel distance provides a quicker and more responsive feel when pressing down on the keys. However, it is worth noting that for some individuals, shorter travel distances can feel too abrupt or lacking in depth.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial and satisfying keypress, the Kailh Box Royal's 3.6 mm travel distance would be the better option. Its slightly longer travel distance allows for a more pronounced tactile feedback and a sense of depth.
Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference. If you prefer quicker response times and a shorter travel distance, the WS Heavy Tactile is a viable choice. However, if you enjoy a more substantial keypress and a longer travel distance, the Kailh Box Royal would be the preferable option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box Royal comes in at $6.25, 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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Royal switch produces a relatively higher-pitched sound when pressed. This results in a sharp and crisp sound profile, which may be appealing for those who prefer a more distinct and precise auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch offers a different sound experience. With its nylon housings contributing to a "thocky" resonance, these switches generate a satisfying and immersive auditory feedback with each keystroke. The sound profile of the WS Heavy Tactile can be described as clacky, high-pitched, and resonant. It is worth noting that the actual sound produced by the switches is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, both the Kailh Box Royal and the WS Heavy Tactile switches possess a sharp tactile characteristic. The Box Royal switch is renowned for its sharp and crisp tactile bump, which provides a high feedback intensity. This tactile sensation is distinct and can be felt clearly with every keypress. Similarly, the WS Heavy Tactile switch offers an invigorating and accentuated tactile experience. With a moderate to firm actuation force, these switches deliver a pronounced feedback and a snappy, reactive feel. Additionally, the WS Heavy Tactile switch has a bouncy quality, giving the keys a spring-like elasticity and contributing to a lively typing sensation. Both switches provide a tactile feedback that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, making them suitable for those who desire a tactile experience without compromising on comfort.
Based on the available information, the Kailh Box Royal and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. While the Box Royal switch provides a higher-pitched sound profile and a sharp tactile feedback, the WS Heavy Tactile switch delivers a clacky sound with a pronounced tactile bump. Both switches offer satisfying resistance and immersive typing experiences. However, it is important to consider personal preferences and other factors such as keyboard boards and keycaps, as they can also influence the overall experience. If you enjoy a sharp tactile feel and a high-pitched sound, both switches can offer similar results.
Conclusion
In summary, if you're seeking a highly tactile and aggressive switch experience with a higher-pitched sound profile, the Kailh Box Royal is the ideal choice for you. These switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams and offer a sharp, binary tactility. On the other hand, if you desire a more immersive and captivating typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump and a satisfying resistance, along with a resonant and slightly clacky sound profile, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch is the perfect fit. These switches have a bottom out force of 45 grams and provide an accented tactile feel. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for tactility, sound, and typing experience.
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