Kailh Box White vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box White and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile are two popular options with distinct characteristics. The Box White is widely recognized for its clicky nature, offering maximum audio feedback that resembles the sound of stepping on autumn leaves. With a resonant and high-pitched profile, the Box White switch provides a crunchy typing experience accompanied by an accented tactility. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch from Wuque Studio offers a different experience altogether. Boasting a profound and pronounced tactile bump, each keystroke with these switches provides a satisfying resistance. At 70g of tactile force, typing becomes an engaging and immersive journey. Additionally, the WS Heavy Tactile switch offers a captivating sound profile, thanks to Wuque Studios' innovative nylon housing that contributes to a "thocky" resonance with each keystroke. Both switches have their unique appeal, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your specific preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
Comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box White and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile, we find that both switches have a nylon bottom housing. This means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. Nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel when it comes to the bottom-out of the keys.
However, the top housings of these switches differ. The Box White utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows the lighting to shine through. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile uses a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. Aesthetically, neither switch is transparent like polycarbonate, so they may not be as suitable for showcasing lighting effects.
In summary, while both switches share a nylon bottom housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, the difference lies in their respective top housings. The Kailh Box White's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and more resonant sound, while the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile's nylon top housing produces a deeper and duller sound. The choice between these switches will depend on the desired sound profile and aesthetic preferences, particularly regarding RGB lighting.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, we can observe some similarities and differences. Firstly, the actuation force of the Kailh Box White switch is 50 grams, while the WS Heavy Tactile's actuation force is unavailable. Therefore, it is difficult to compare them in this aspect. However, both switches have a medium actuation force, indicating a reasonable amount of force is required to trigger a keystroke.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Kailh Box White switch has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 60 grams compared to the WS Heavy Tactile's 45 grams, which is more on the lighter side. This implies that the Kailh Box White switch requires a bit more force to fully press the key down compared to the WS Heavy Tactile switch.
Considering the weight factor, individuals who prefer lighter switches may find the WS Heavy Tactile more suitable for their needs. The light bottom out force allows for prolonged typing sessions, making it ideal for those who use their keyboard extensively, whether for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience and appreciate a stronger push feel may opt for the Kailh Box White switch, with its slightly heavier bottom out force.
In summary, the actuation force of the Kailh Box White and WS Heavy Tactile switches varies, with the Kailh Box White having a specified force of 50 grams, while the WS Heavy Tactile's force remains unknown. However, both switches fall within the medium actuation force category. As for the bottom out force, the Kailh Box White is slightly heavier at 60 grams, while the WS Heavy Tactile is lighter at 45 grams. The choice between these switches ultimately depends on personal preferences, with lighter switches being favored for longer typing sessions and heavier switches providing a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch have different travel distances. The Box White has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Heavy Tactile has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. In terms of response time, the Box White with its shorter travel distance may be preferred by gamers who value faster response times. The shorter travel distance allows for quicker key presses, which can be advantageous in gaming situations. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile with its longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. The longer travel distance provides a sense of depth and may be perceived as more satisfying to some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the specific requirements of the user. Both switches offer a different tactile experience, with the Box White being shorter and the WS Heavy Tactile being longer.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box White comes in at $2.76, 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
When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box White switch offers a resonant and high-pitched profile, providing a clean and sharp auditory experience. The switch produces a satisfying and immersive sound, reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound. Similar to the Box White, it provides a crisp and sharp sound when pressed, contributing to a satisfying auditory feedback. Both switches offer a familiar and captivating sound profile, although the exact resonance and thockiness may vary depending on other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
Moving on to feel, the Kailh Box White switch is polished, ensuring a smooth and refined finish for a sleek typing experience. The reduced friction and smooth key travel of these switches result in a polished tactile experience. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch offers an accented feel. This means it provides a medium amount of tactility, offering a prominent tactile bump without being overwhelming or too subtle. Additionally, the WS Heavy Tactile switch is described as invigorating, offering pronounced feedback and a snappy and reactive feel. Its sharp and snappy tactile bump can be distinctly felt with each keypress. The switch also provides a bouncy sensation, giving a spring-like feedback and some rebound when pressed, further enhancing the typing experience.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box White and Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches each have their own unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box White switch delivers a resonant and high-pitched sound with a polished feel, providing maximum audio feedback and a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound with an accented and invigorating feel, providing a remarkable tactile experience and medium tactility. While their sound and feel may differ slightly, both switches aim to provide an engaging and immersive typing journey. Depending on the desired sound profile and typing experience, either switch can offer similar results in terms of satisfaction and enjoyment.
Conclusion
In closing, if you prioritize maximum audio feedback and enjoy the sensation of typing on a switch that offers a distinctive tactile bump, then the Kailh Box White clicky switch would be an excellent choice for you. With a bottom out force of 60 grams, it provides a medium level of resistance while typing. The Box White switch creates a resonant and high-pitched sound profile, reminiscent of stepping on crunchy autumn leaves. Additionally, it offers a polished feel, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience.
On the other hand, if you seek a remarkable tactile experience that immerses you in each keystroke, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch would be a suitable option. With a bottom out force of 45 grams, it provides a light level of resistance. The Wuque Heavy Tactile switch features a profound and pronounced tactile bump, giving each keystroke a satisfying resistance. It produces a clacky and high-pitched sound when pressed, contributing to an engaging auditory feedback. Furthermore, it offers a variety of descriptors, such as accented, bouncy, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, ensuring an immersive and responsive typing experience.
Ultimately, the decision between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch depends on your preferences for audio feedback and tactile sensation. Both switches provide unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. By considering the information provided and understanding your own preferences, you can make an informed choice and find the perfect switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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