Kailh Box White vs. Wuque Studio WS Red
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the Kailh Box White and the Wuque Studio WS Red. The Box White is a clicky switch, providing maximum audio feedback. Typing on these switches feels like stepping on autumn leaves and offers a distinctive crunch and tactility. On the other hand, the WS Red is a linear switch, offering a bouncy and responsive typing experience. It retains a familiar sound signature thanks to its classic material blend. These switches have a heavier actuation force, which adds a touch of weight to each keystroke and delivers a satisfying typing feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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 double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box White and the Wuque Studio WS Red have contrasting housing materials. The Box White features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. The polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the WS Red utilizes a nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound profile. Therefore, if sound quality is a significant factor for you, the choice between the Box White and the WS Red will depend on whether you prefer a sharper and crisper sound or a deeper and fuller sound.
Similarly, the bottom housings of the two switches differ. The Box White uses a nylon bottom housing, providing that deeper and fuller sound profile due to the sound-absorbing nature of nylon. Conversely, the WS Red also employs a nylon bottom housing, making both switches similar in terms of sound characteristics. Both switches offer a deeper and fuller sound when typing, thanks to the sound-absorbent properties of nylon. So, if you prioritize the sound experience when pressing down on the keys, you can expect similar results from both the Box White and the WS Red.
It is important to note that while the top and bottom housings contribute to the overall sound profile of a switch, they also have their unique impact on the overall typing experience. The bottom housing has a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, whereas the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, if you are seeking a switch with a specific bottom-out sound and feel, considering the properties of the bottom housing becomes crucial. Similarly, if the sound when releasing keys is important to you, understanding the characteristics of the top housing is vital.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, it becomes evident that they have distinct differences. The Box White has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke with a lighter touch. On the other hand, the WS Red's actuation force is unknown, providing uncertainty regarding the force required to activate the switch.
When considering the bottom out force, the Box White requires 60 grams of force to fully press the key. This medium force allows for a satisfactory typing experience without feeling too heavy. However, the WS Red, with its bottom out force of 67 grams, leans towards the medium-heavy end of the spectrum. This heavier bottom out force provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel.
In terms of weight preference, individuals who value lighter switches may find the Kailh Box White more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. The lighter actuation force allows for effortless keystrokes, reducing the strain on fingers and enabling longer periods of comfortable usage. However, for those seeking a more robust typing experience, the heavier bottom out force of the WS Red might be a better choice. It provides a satisfying resistance and feedback, resulting in a more substantial typing feel.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box White clicky switch has a lighter actuation force, making it more ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch, while the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch has a heavier bottom out force, catering to users who desire a substantial keystroke experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch have different travel distances. The Box White has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Red has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, both switches fall within the range, with the Box White being slightly shallower and the WS Red being slightly deeper. If you are a gamer looking for faster response times, the Box White with its shorter travel distance may be the better option for you. However, if you prefer a more substantial key press and a sense of depth when typing, the WS Red with its slightly longer travel distance may be more appealing. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for travel distance and the typing experience you desire.
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 Red 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
The sound profile of the Kailh Box White clicky switch is best described as resonant, high-pitched, and crunchy. When typing on these switches, you can expect a higher-pitched sound profile that is clean and sharp. The clicks produced by the Box White switches resemble stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, we have no specific information about the sound profile of the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch. However, it is important to note that the sound produced by a switch is influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box White switch is described as polished. This means that the switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. The polish of the switch is achieved through the use of high-quality materials and/or factory lubing. As a result, these switches offer reduced friction and smooth key travel. Unfortunately, we do not have any specific information about the feel of the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch.
Overall, based on the available information, the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch offer different subjective qualities. The Box White switch provides a resonant, high-pitched, and crunchy sound profile, accompanied by a polished feel for a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, we lack specific information about the sound and feel of the WS Red switch. If one desires the rich auditory experience and accented tactility, the Box White switch would be a suitable choice. However, if one prefers a bouncy and responsive typing experience with a heavier actuation force, the WS Red switch might be a viable option. It is important to consider personal preferences and additional factors such as keyboard board and keycaps when making a decision.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when choosing between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what you prioritize in your typing experience.
If you value maximum audio feedback and enjoy the satisfying sound of each keystroke, the Box White would be the switch for you. With its resonant, high-pitched, and crunchy sound profile, typing on the Box White switch will give you an immersive auditory experience reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. Additionally, if you prefer a polished switch that offers a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel, the Box White is a great choice.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a bouncy and responsive typing experience with a touch of weight to each keystroke, the WS Red switch would be more suitable. The WS Red offers a heavier actuation force and a familiar sound signature, giving you a substantial typing feel. While there is limited information available on the sound profile of the WS Red, its classic material blend should deliver a satisfying typing experience.
Ultimately, whether you choose the Kailh Box White clicky switch or the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch depends on your personal preferences for sound and feel. Consider the sound profile you prefer, whether it is sharper and crisper or more resonant, as well as the type of typing experience you desire, whether it is polished and smooth or bouncy and substantial. With these considerations in mind, you can make an informed decision on which switch will best suit your needs and elevate your mechanical keyboard typing experience.
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