Keygeek Keygeek Raw vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Keygeek Raw and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile stand out for their unique qualities. The Keygeek Raw switch offers a creamy yet lightweight typing experience with a slightly textured feel right out of the box, making it an ideal choice for enthusiasts who prefer to hand-lube their switches. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch provides a profound tactile experience with a 70g bump, immersive resistance, and a satisfying "thocky" sound, making typing engaging and enjoyable. Each switch has its own distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches both utilize nylon in their construction. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. However, the Keygeek Raw also incorporates UPE in its top housing blend, offering a unique combination exclusive to their switches. This blend may provide a slightly different typing experience compared to the WS Heavy Tactile, which solely relies on nylon for both top and bottom housings.
While both switches share the use of nylon in their housing materials, the Keygeek Raw's UMPE & Si blend bottom housing sets it apart from the WS Heavy Tactile. The inclusion of additional materials in the Keygeek Raw may result in a different sound and feel when typing on the switch compared to the WS Heavy Tactile's nylon bottom housing. However, since nylon is known for creating a duller and rounder sound due to its absorbing properties, both switches may offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile.
In terms of feel and sound production, the bottom housing of a switch typically has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. With the Keygeek Raw's unique blend of UMPE & Si in the bottom housing and UPE in the top housing, the typing experience may vary compared to the WS Heavy Tactile's nylon construction. The Keygeek Raw may potentially offer a more distinct and customized typing experience due to the different materials used in its housing composition.
Weight
The Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Keygeek Raw has a medium actuation force of None grams and a bottom out force of 57.5 grams, while the WS Heavy Tactile has a medium-heavy actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams. The Keygeek Raw is lighter in terms of actuation force, making it easier to trigger keystrokes, but has a slightly heavier bottom out force compared to the WS Heavy Tactile. The WS Heavy Tactile, on the other hand, provides a stronger push feel both for actuation and bottom out. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing experience and desired force feedback.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Raw linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, slightly longer than the 3.2 mm travel distance of the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. The Keygeek Raw may provide a slightly deeper press compared to the WS Heavy Tactile, which could appeal to users who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the feel of the switch when typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
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
In terms of sound, the Keygeek Raw switch offers a neutral profile that is suitable for a wide range of users and environments, providing a moderate actuation force requirement and sound. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch is known for its clacky, high-pitched, and resonant sound profile, offering a sharp and crisp sound with a strong tactile experience. The choice between these two switches in terms of sound would depend on personal preference and the desired auditory experience during typing.
When it comes to feel, the Keygeek Raw switch provides a slightly textured and mild typing experience, offering a gentle resistance that is approachable to most users. In comparison, the WS Heavy Tactile switch delivers an invigorating and sharp tactile feedback, with a bouncy and snappy feel that creates an immersive typing sensation. Users looking for a switch with a more pronounced tactile response and lively feel would likely prefer the WS Heavy Tactile, while those seeking a smoother typing experience might favor the Keygeek Raw.
Overall, the Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Keygeek Raw provides a more neutral sound and a mild, textured feel, making it a versatile option for various users. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile switch delivers a clacky, high-pitched sound and an invigorating, sharp tactile feel, catering to those who prefer a more intense typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, either of these switches can provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, consider your preference for bottom out force, material blend, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a slightly lighter actuation force and a creamy yet lightweight switch material, the Keygeek Raw may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a heavier actuation force, a profound tactile experience, and a "thocky" sound profile with immersive resistance, the WS Heavy Tactile switch could be more suitable. Remember to also take into account whether you prefer a neutral sound profile with a textured feel (Keygeek Raw) or a clacky, high-pitched, and resonant sound with an accented, bouncy, invigorating, sharp, and snappy feel (WS Heavy Tactile). Ultimately, your individual typing preferences and priorities will determine which switch is the best fit for you.
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