Keygeek Keylin vs. Wuque Studio WS Red
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keylin and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Keygeek Keylin and the Wuque Studio WS Red each offer unique attributes that cater to different preferences among typists and gamers alike. The Keylin switch stands out for its innovative molds from Keygeek, delivering a premium typing experience characterized by rich acoustics and exceptional smoothness—perfect for those who prioritize quiet, effortless keystrokes. Conversely, the WS Red switch features a 22mm double-stage spring that enhances its bouncy and responsive typing feel, along with a heavier actuation force that provides a satisfying weight to each keystroke, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial touch and classic sound signature. While both switches are linear in nature, they cater to different typing experiences, with the Keylin emphasizing smoothness and acoustics and the WS Red focusing on responsiveness and tactile feedback. 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
38g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Keygeek Keylin and Wuque Studio WS Red effectively showcase the similarities in their construction, specifically in utilizing nylon for both the top and bottom housings. This material choice plays a crucial role in the overall acoustic profile of the switches. Both switches elicit a deeper and fuller sound due to the properties of nylon, which is recognized for being a softer plastic. This softness allows for greater sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. As a result, users can expect a similar typing sound and feel when using either switch, making them appealing options for those who prioritize acoustics in their keyboard experience.
While both the Keylin and WS Red share the same housing material in their design, it is important to highlight how the physical characteristics of the switch impact the typing experience. The bottom housing, made of nylon in both switches, influences the bottom-out sound and feel more significantly than the top housing, which primarily affects the sound produced upon key release. Therefore, even though the materials are identical, the switches could deliver distinct tactile experiences depending on how users engage with the keyboard. This means that while the overall sound quality may remain consistent across both models, individual preferences for the bottoming out sensation versus the release sound may vary.
Ultimately, the use of nylon in both the Keylin and WS Red makes them comparable in terms of sound profile and tactile feedback. Users looking for a deeper and fuller typing experience can confidently choose either switch, knowing that the nylon construction will consistently deliver a similar acoustic signature. Whether selecting the Keygeek Keylin or the Wuque Studio WS Red, the user will benefit from the harmonious marriage of materials, thus ensuring satisfactory performance regardless of their final choice between these two models.
Weight
The Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch present a distinct contrast in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Keylin switch features a light actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the WS Red switch has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is classified as medium-heavy, although its actuation force is unknown. This heavier bottom out force indicates a more substantial typing experience, favored by those who enjoy a firmer push feel. Consequently, the Keylin switch is the lighter option, while the WS Red is on the heavier side. Users looking for a switch that allows for longer use without fatigue may lean towards the Keylin, while those who seek a more pronounced tactile feedback might prefer the WS Red.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Keylin linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the WS Red switch offers a more substantial keypress experience, which may appeal to users who appreciate a deeper, more tactile feel when typing or gaming. In contrast, the Keylin's shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm caters to those who favor quicker response times, making it a potentially better choice for gamers who prioritize speed. Therefore, if you prefer responsiveness and fast key actuation, the Keylin switch would be more suitable, while the WS Red would be better for those who desire the comfort of a longer key travel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin for $3.29.
The Wuque Studio WS Red 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 Keylin linear switch boasts rich acoustics that contribute to a premium typing experience. The tone produced is likely crisp and satisfying, enhancing the overall enjoyment of each keystroke. Meanwhile, the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch delivers a familiar sound signature associated with its classic material blend, ensuring a consistent auditory feedback. While both switches may offer distinct auditory qualities, it’s important to remember that sound can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard build and the choice of keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Keylin linear switch is renowned for its exceptional smoothness, which makes each keypress feel effortless and fluid. This smooth action can significantly enhance typing speed and reduce finger fatigue. In contrast, the WS Red boasts a bouncy and responsive typing experience that is characterized by a heavier actuation force. This added resistance provides a sense of weight to each keystroke, resulting in a more substantial feel that some typists may find satisfying as it encourages decisive presses.
Overall, both the Keygeek Keylin and Wuque Studio WS Red linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Keylin's rich acoustics and smoothness present a luxurious typing experience, while the WS Red's heavier actuation and bouncy feel provide a more dynamic interaction. While the sound profile and tactile sensations vary, both switches can achieve satisfying results within their respective characteristics, making either a solid choice for those seeking an enhanced keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, consider your personal preferences for actuation force and typing experience. If you prefer a lighter keystroke with a bottom-out force of 48 grams, the Keylin is an excellent choice. It offers a smooth, premium typing experience characterized by rich acoustics, making it ideal for those who value a quieter operation and a feather-light feel during long typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile and substantial typing experience with a heavier actuation force of 67 grams, the WS Red might be more suited to you. Its unique double-stage spring design gives it a bouncy responsiveness that enhances typing feedback while maintaining a familiar sound profile. Ultimately, your choice should reflect what you find most comfortable and satisfying in your daily use, whether that's the effortless lightness of the Keylin or the satisfying weightiness of the WS Red.