Gateron Jupiter Red vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Red and Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear stand out as two appealing linear options, each catering to different preferences and environments. The Gateron Jupiter Red is renowned for its smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes, bolstered by a medium-heavy actuation and precision-engineered designs that enhance backlighting effects. For those seeking a seamless and consistent typing experience, the Jupiter Red is a top contender, embodying a polished, creamy, and silky feel. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear by Wuque Studio excels in providing a quieter typing experience, perfect for office settings or shared spaces. With ingeniously designed stem railings and discreet cutouts, these switches minimize noise without sacrificing key responsiveness, creating an environment of tranquility and precision—free from the cushioned sensation commonly found in other silent options, and categorized as neutral and subdued. While both switches have their unique attributes and advantages, they ultimately cater to distinct needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your typing style and environment.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
Spring steel
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Jupiter Red and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear represent two distinct approaches to housing materials in mechanical keyboard switches, specifically in their top housings. The Jupiter Red utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which contributes to a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, allowing for greater resonance and clarity in sound when the switch is actuated. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances its aesthetic appeal, particularly for users who wish to showcase RGB lighting through their keyboard. In stark contrast, the WS Silent Linear employs nylon for its top housing, promoting a deeper, fuller sound profile characterized by a softer touch. The nylon's inherent ability to absorb sound results in a more muted and rounded auditory experience, creating a stark divergence in the overall auditory characteristics of the two switches.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, they find themselves on common ground. Both the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear opt for nylon as their bottom housing material. This choice contributes to a fuller sound profile, as nylon’s softer construction dampens noise when the switch is bottomed out, creating a sound that is both deeper and more rounded. Users can expect a consistent auditory experience when typing on these switches, as the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel. Thus, regardless of the differing top housings, the nylon bottoms maintain a level of cohesion between the two switches, allowing both to deliver a satisfying auditory feedback.
Ultimately, the variation in top housing materials leads to contrasting sound profiles between the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear. The polycarbonate top of the Jupiter Red is designed to project a higher-pitched sound, ideal for clarity and resonance, while the nylon top of the WS Silent Linear embraces a fuller, softer sound that reduces harsher auditory manifesting. However, the shared nylon bottom housing creates a bridge between the two, ensuring that both switches can deliver satisfying and consistent typing experiences. Users who prioritize modern acoustics may lean towards the Jupiter Red, whereas those seeking a muted experience might ultimately gravitate towards the WS Silent Linear. Regardless of the choice, the multifaceted sound profiles underscore the impact of housing materials in determining the aural characteristics of mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch, distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Jupiter Red features an actuation force of 45 grams, while the WS Silent Linear does not have a specified actuation force. This indicates that the actuation feel may vary depending on individual preference, as the lack of specification could imply either a very light touch or an adaptable force based on the switch’s design. In terms of bottom out force, the Jupiter Red bottoms out at 60 grams, compared to the WS Silent Linear's slightly higher 63.5 grams. This means that the WS Silent Linear is inherently heavier overall, which may appeal to users looking for a more substantial typing experience. Those preferring lighter switches may gravitate towards the Gateron Jupiter Red, which could facilitate longer typing sessions with less fatigue. Regardless of their differences, both switches provide a medium to medium-heavy feel, catering to diverse typing preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch, the Gateron Jupiter Red features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Silent Linear has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Jupiter Red provides a deeper and more traditional feel, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial keypress. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear, with its shorter travel distance, caters to gamers and users who favor quicker response times and a more abrupt feel. Ultimately, if you're looking for a switch that offers a more pronounced depth, the Gateron Jupiter Red would be the better choice, while the WS Silent Linear is ideal for those who prioritize speed and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Jupiter Red comes in at $2.80, whereas the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear comes in at $4.20.
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 Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch presents a neutral profile, characterized by a moderate actuation force and sound level that makes them versatile enough for various environments, from casual home use to professional settings. This quality allows them to maintain a balanced auditory presence without being overly intrusive. In comparison, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch also exhibits a neutral sound signature but enhances this trait with muted and subdued characteristics. This means they produce less noise overall compared to standard switches, making them particularly suitable for quiet office environments where the clack of keys can be distracting. The subtlety of sound in the WS Silent Linear, combined with its neutral foundation, creates an inviting typing atmosphere.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Jupiter Red switches shine with descriptors such as polished, creamy, and silky, indicating a refined and smooth typing experience. Users can expect reduced friction and effortless key travel, resulting in a sensation that is both luxurious and engaging. This smoothness may come from either high-quality manufacturing standards or factory lubrication, contributing to an enjoyable typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear switch is described as mild, offering a gentle typing feel that is less aggressive compared to more pronounced switches. While it doesn’t boast the exquisite smoothness described in Jupiter Reds, its mildness can appeal to those looking for a more restrained and approachable switch.
In summary, while the Gateron Jupiter Red provides a decadent typing experience with its smooth and polished feel, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear focuses more on creating a tranquil typing atmosphere with its muted sound profile and mild feel. Both switches are capable of offering satisfying results in their unique ways, with the Jupiter Red providing a luxurious touch and the WS Silent Linear delivering a quieter and gentler typing experience. If you're looking for a highly refined touch, the Jupiter Reds may be the better choice; however, if sound dampening is the priority, the WS Silent Linear could be more appealing. Ultimately, the best choice will depend on personal preferences for typing sensation and sound environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches ultimately depends on your specific needs and environment. If you prefer a smooth and refined typing experience, the Jupiter Reds are an excellent option, boasting a medium force of 60 grams and offering a polished, creamy, and silky feel that enhances every keystroke. These switches are particularly advantageous for both home and work settings thanks to their neutral sound profile, making them suitable for beginners and experienced typists alike. On the other hand, if you are in a noise-sensitive environment such as an office, the WS Silent Linear switches present a compelling choice. With a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, they prioritize quiet operation without sacrificing responsiveness, effectively minimizing the sound typically associated with mechanical keyboards. The mild feel offered by these switches provides a comfortable typing experience, particularly for those who need a more subdued sound signature while typing. In summary, choose the Jupiter Red for a buttery and smooth typing sensation and a balanced experience, while the WS Silent Linear’s innovative design and focus on quiet typing make it ideal for those in shared or noise-sensitive workspaces.