Kailh Box Royal vs. Wuque Studio WS Yellow
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Kailh Box Royal and Wuque Studio WS Yellow are two mechanical keyboard switches with distinct characteristics. The Box Royal is a tactile switch known for its aggressive tactility, making it a great choice for those who prefer a sharp and binary feel while typing. It also produces a relatively higher pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the WS Yellow is a linear switch that offers a timeless fusion of classic materials and cutting-edge engineering. With its 22mm double-stage spring, this switch provides a delightful typing experience with a satisfying bounce. Its material blend gives it a familiar sound signature that enthusiasts adore. Additionally, the WS Yellow is crafted to be lightweight, ensuring effortless and smooth keystrokes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
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
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 double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches are both made of nylon, making them similar in terms of material. Both switches elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softness of nylon, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This creates a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches made with nylon housing.
However, despite the similarities in material and sound profile, there may be potential differences in the specifics of the nylon used in each switch. While the descriptions provided for both switches are identical, it is possible that there are subtle variations in the composition or quality of the nylon used by the two manufacturers. These differences could potentially result in variations in the overall feel and sound produced when typing on the switches.
Moreover, the use of different nylon materials for the top and bottom housings in each switch can further contribute to differences in the typing experience. The bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, even if the nylon materials themselves are similar, the distinction between the top and bottom housing materials may lead to variations in the overall sound and tactile feedback between the Kailh Box Royal and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, we can observe some key differences. The Box Royal has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the WS Yellow does not provide information on its actuation force. However, it is important to note that both switches are in the medium range in terms of heaviness.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Kailh Box Royal is heavier, requiring 70 grams of force to fully press down. On the other hand, the WS Yellow has a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it slightly lighter than the Box Royal. This indicates that the WS Yellow switch provides a lighter typing experience compared to the Box Royal.
Considering weight is crucial for individuals who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience might find the WS Yellow more suitable for their needs, allowing them to continue typing comfortably for extended periods. In contrast, those who desire a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Box Royal with its heavier bottom out force.
It is worth noting that despite lacking information on the actuation force of the WS Yellow, users can expect that it will provide similar results to the Box Royal in terms of triggering keystrokes. Both switches fall into the medium range of heaviness, ensuring a reasonable amount of force is required to activate the keys. This can be advantageous for individuals seeking a balance between a responsive typing experience and a satisfying keystroke feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, it is evident that the WS Yellow has a longer distance to travel, measuring at 3.8 mm. On the other hand, the Box Royal has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. Although both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, it is important to note that even small variances can have noticeable effects on user experience. For those seeking a more responsive typing or gaming experience, the shorter travel distance of the Box Royal may be preferable, allowing for faster response times. However, individuals who prefer a more substantial key press and a greater sense of depth may lean towards the WS Yellow with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend 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 Royal comes in at $6.25, 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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Royal switch produces a relatively higher pitched sound when pressed. This means that it has a sharp and crisp sound profile. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switch is unknown. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Royal switch offers a sharp tactile experience. It has a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with each keypress. On the contrary, the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switch has a creamy, mild, and polished feel. The creamy feel indicates a smooth and buttery typing experience, often attributed to lubrication applied at the factory or specific materials used. The mild feel implies a more gentle typing experience, suitable for most users, while the polished feel suggests reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Royal switch provides a highly tactile experience with a sharp sound profile. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switch offers a creamy, mild, and polished feel, with an unknown sound profile. While they differ in their tactile feedback and sound, both switches aim to provide an enjoyable typing experience. Therefore, if you prefer an aggressive and sharp tactile feedback along with a higher-pitched sound, the Kailh Box Royal switch would be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a smooth and gentle typing experience with an unknown sound profile, the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switch would be a good option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a keyboard switch with an aggressive tactility and a higher pitched sound profile, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is the perfect choice for you. These switches offer a sharp, binary tactility that provides a distinct feedback with each keypress. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and buttery typing experience with a mild and polished feel, the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch is the best option. With its lightweight design and delightful bounce, these switches ensure effortless keystrokes and a fluid typing experience. Additionally, the WS Yellow offers a familiar sound signature that keyboard enthusiasts adore. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preference for tactility, sound, and overall typing experience.
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