Kailh Box White V2 vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, both the Kailh Box White V2 and Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile present unique benefits tailored to different user preferences. The Kailh Box White V2 is best recognized for its clicky nature, delivering an unmistakable auditory feedback with each keystroke, which can enhance typing enjoyment and provide clear sensory signals for touch typists. This switch is often favored by gamers and writers who appreciate the snappy, invigorating feel that encourages an engaging and dynamic typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switch caters to those in quieter environments—be it offices or shared spaces—offering a medium level of tactility while significantly minimizing noise. With its innovative design eschewing traditional silicone dampeners, this switch strikes a balance between silent operation and responsive feedback, making it an enticing option for users who need to maintain a serene workspace without sacrificing tactile satisfaction. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box White V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile differ significantly in their top housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Box White V2 utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound owing to its stiffer plastic composition. This quality enhances the clarity and resonance of the feedback when a key is pressed or released, making typing feel more dynamic and precise. Furthermore, the polycarbonate's translucency offers aesthetic benefits, especially in setups with RGB lighting, by allowing light to shine through and create visually appealing effects. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile features a nylon top housing that produces a deeper, fuller sound. The softness of nylon contributes to a sound profile that is more rounded and muted, which can create a more subdued typing experience compared to the crispness associated with the Box White V2.
When examining the bottom housing of these switches, however, we find common ground. Both the Box White V2 and the WS Silent Tactile incorporate nylon for their bottom housings, which leads to similar acoustic characteristics. The use of nylon contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as this softer plastic is effective at sound absorption. Thus, regardless of the differences in their top housings, both switches share a mutual foundation that results in a resonant yet rounded auditory feedback when the switches are bottomed out. This suggests that while the top housing significantly influences the sound during the release phase, the bottom housing plays a larger role in shaping the overall typing sound and feel.
Ultimately, the differences in the top housing materials can lead users to prefer one switch over the other based on their typing experience and sound preference. While the Kailh Box White V2 offers a sharper and more vibrant acoustic profile due to its polycarbonate top housing, the WS Silent Tactile presents a softer and more muted experience through its nylon top. However, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches deliver a satisfying bottom-out feel, promoting a consistent tactile feedback regardless of the top housing's characteristics. Users will find that while the two switches may produce varied sound profiles in their respective top housing presentations, their bottom housing similarities create an underlying connection in performance that can enhance their typing experience.
Weight
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch present notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Box White V2 features a light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming, where ease of actuation can reduce fatigue. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile switch has an unspecified actuation force but a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, suggesting a firmer typing experience. This makes the WS Silent Tactile more suitable for users who prefer a stronger push, providing a more substantial feel when typing. Overall, the Kailh Box White V2 is the lighter option between the two, making it preferable for those seeking comfort during long use, while the WS Silent Tactile caters to those who appreciate a more resistant keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch, we see a slight difference: the Box White V2 has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Silent Tactile measures 3.5 mm. This makes the WS Silent Tactile the shorter option, offering a slightly quicker actuation that may appeal to gamers looking for rapid response times. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced depth in your keystrokes, the Kailh Box White V2 could be more satisfying, providing that extra 0.1 mm for a fuller typing experience. While both switches are relatively close in travel distance, the Box White V2 may feel more substantial, whereas the WS Silent Tactile delivers a minimally more responsive touch.
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 Silent Tactile comes in at $4.20 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 discussing the sound profiles of the Kailh Box White V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches, a stark contrast emerges. The Box White V2 is characterized by its prominent audible click, creating a satisfying and crisp sound with each keystroke that many users find enjoyable, especially in a gaming or typing setting where feedback is appreciated. Conversely, the WS Silent Tactile is engineered for noise reduction, offering a muted sound profile that allows for a quieter typing experience. This switch minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards while still providing a neutral sound that accommodates both beginners and advanced users alike. Despite the differences in volume, both switches showcase an engaging auditory experience, contingent on the keyboard build and keycap choices.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box White V2 delivers a highly tactile response with its pronounced click and familiar feedback, creating an engaging typing sensation favored by many enthusiasts. However, it may also lend itself to a more vigorous typing experience that some might find overwhelmingly tactile. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile offers a medium tactile sensation that strikes a balance between pronounced feedback and gentleness, making it appealing for those who desire a strong but not overpowering tactile experience. This switch is invigorating due to its snappiness while simultaneously remaining mild enough for extended use, making it suitable for environments where noise and distraction are to be minimized.
Overall, the Kailh Box White V2 and Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches cater to different user preferences in terms of sound and feel. If you enjoy pronounced auditory and tactile feedback, the Box White V2 is an excellent choice. In contrast, if you prioritize a quieter operation with solid tactile feedback for a more subdued environment, the WS Silent Tactile is compelling. Both switches can provide satisfying typing experiences but will resonate differently based on individual needs and settings, ensuring that users can find a switch that aligns with their preferences whether they are at home or in a more formal workspace.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch ultimately hinges on your specific needs and typing environment. If you favor a light switch that provides a tactile and audible feedback, ideal for both gaming and typing experiences where you enjoy the satisfying click sound, then the Box White V2 is an excellent match for you. Its 50-gram actuation force combines with its distinct clicky sound, making it perfect for an expressive typing experience. However, if you are often in shared workspaces or prefer a more discreet setup, the WS Silent Tactile would be more appropriate, thanks to its medium-heavy actuation of 63.5 grams, which offers pronounced tactile feedback without the distracting noise that typically accompanies clicky switches. Moreover, its innovative design ensures a muted yet satisfying typing experience, effectively blending tranquility and response. Ultimately, the selection between these switches comes down to whether you value a lively audible response or a serene tactile feel—choose based on the atmosphere you intend to create while typing!
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