Kailh Box White V2 vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the pros and cons of various options to determine the ideal fit for their typing style and preferences. The Kailh Box White V2, a clicky switch, offers a distinct auditory and tactile experience, making it a favorite for those who thrive on the crisp feedback and satisfying click that accompanies each keystroke. This switch is tailored for users seeking a more traditional typing experience, where each press provides immediate confirmation through sound and sensation. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch presents a different appeal with its heavy tactile bump and captivating "thocky" sound produced by its nylon housing. This switch is designed for typists who appreciate a pronounced tactile feel and immersive resistance, perfect for longer writing sessions that require comfort and engagement. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preferences for auditory and tactile feedback; 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Yes
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box White V2 and Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile differ significantly in their top housing materials, which directly influences the sound profile each switch produces upon actuation. The Box White V2 features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Its translucency also enhances RGB lighting effects, making it a popular choice for gamers and enthusiasts who prioritize aesthetics alongside acoustics. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile utilizes a nylon top housing, a material recognized for its softer properties, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This difference means that the Kailh Box White V2 provides a brighter sonic experience, while the WS Heavy Tactile offers a more subdued auditory signature.
When examining the bottom housing of both switches, it's noteworthy that both the Box White V2 and WS Heavy Tactile use nylon, resulting in similar acoustic characteristics for this specific component. The nylon bottom housing absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, contributing to a duller and rounder sound profile. In this regard, both switches exhibit a consistent outcome in terms of sound dampening at the moment of bottoming out during key presses. This shared material enhances the tactile feedback as well, giving users a rich experience while typing, regardless of the overall tone produced by the top housing material.
Ultimately, the combination of these housing materials results in distinct yet complementary sound experiences from the Kailh Box White V2 and Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile. While the top housing largely dictates the tonal range — with polycarbonate providing a bright and clear sound versus nylon's deeper resonance — the nylon bottoms unify the tactile experience by ensuring a more consistent acoustic dampening effect. Therefore, although the two switches differ in their upper housing compositions, they can yield similar results in tactile satisfaction due to the shared properties of the nylon bottom housing. This balance of auditory and tactile elements showcases how various materials can alter the performance and experience of mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch, there are some notable differences in their bottom-out forces, while their actuation forces are equal. Both switches feature an actuation force of 45 grams, making them relatively light, which can be beneficial for those who prefer less strain during lengthy typing sessions or gaming marathons. However, the bottom-out force of the Kailh Box White V2 is 50 grams, while the WS Heavy Tactile has a significantly heavier bottom-out force of 70 grams. This disparity means that while both switches offer a similar feel during the initial actuation, the Wuque Studio switch provides a more substantial push when fully depressed. Thus, the Kailh Box White V2 can be considered the lighter option overall, appealing to typists who favor a more effortless keystroke experience, whereas the WS Heavy Tactile caters to those preferring a firmer bottom-out feel that may enhance typing feedback.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch showcase a difference in travel distances, with the Box White V2 measuring 3.6 mm and the WS Heavy Tactile at 3.2 mm. This makes the Box White V2 the longer option, offering a more pronounced depth during key presses, which may appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial tactile feedback. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile's shorter travel distance could cater well to gamers or those seeking quicker response times, making it a more responsive choice. While both switches may suit different preferences, the differences in travel distances indicate that the Kailh Box White V2 is preferable for those who appreciate a deeper actuation, whereas the WS Heavy Tactile is ideal for users who lean towards quicker, more abrupt keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh Box White V2 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Box White V2 for $3.00.
The Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile comes in at $3.50 per 10 switches.
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 comparing the sound profile of the Kailh Box White V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches, distinct characteristics set them apart. The Box White V2 is recognized for its crisp, audible click, which provides an engaging auditory feedback that typists often enjoy. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile presents a clacky sound that is sharp and percussive, combined with a higher-pitched resonance that many find immersive and clean. While both switches are designed to deliver satisfying audio cues, the Box White V2 is more focused on the click sound, whereas the WS Heavy Tactile offers a broader auditory theme with its thocky undertones. Ultimately, both promise a satisfying sound experience, though the specific qualities will vary based on your keyboard setup and choice of keycaps.
In terms of feel, the tactile response of the Box White V2 is invigorating, known for its pronounced and sharp feedback. It delivers a distinctly noticeable tactile bump that enhances typing enjoyment while ensuring solid actuation. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile offers a bouncy and snappy experience, characterized by a medium tactile sensation with a more moderate resistance due to its 70g bump. This creates a lively and dynamic typing environment, allowing for a responsive feel that is engaging without being overwhelming. While both switches provide enhanced tactile feedback, the Box White V2 may feel more direct and sharp, whereas the WS Heavy Tactile leans towards a more elastic and lively sensation.
In conclusion, both the Kailh Box White V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches cater to distinct typing preferences, particularly in sound and feel. The Box White V2 excels with its crisp clicky sound and sharp tactile feedback, making it ideal for users who enjoy a pronounced audible experience. Meanwhile, the WS Heavy Tactile provides a more immersive auditory and tactile experience with its clacky sound and bouncy feel. Choosing between the two will ultimately depend on individual preferences for tactile response and sound profile, but both switches promise an engaging mechanical typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a lighter keystroke with a sharp and audible click, the Box White V2 is an excellent choice. Its 50-gram bottom out force makes it accessible for extended typing sessions, providing a satisfying and engaging auditory experience that can keep you motivated during long periods of use. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial and immersive feel, the WS Heavy Tactile switch, with its 70-gram actuation force, delivers that "thocky" sound and a pronounced tactile bump that many users find enjoyable. The invigorating feedback combined with its bouncy nature can make typing feel more dynamic and responsive, making it a great option for those who appreciate a heavier switch. In essence, select the Box White V2 for a bright and lively typing experience, whereas the WS Heavy Tactile will suit you well if you're after a deeper, more resonant tactile engagement in your mechanical keyboard.
Mentioned in this article
