Keygeek Keylin vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keylin and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the differences between linear and tactile options can greatly influence your overall typing experience. The Keygeek Keylin, a linear switch, is celebrated for its premium typing feel, featuring new molds that enhance smoothness and provide rich acoustics, making it an ideal choice for gamers and typists who prefer a seamless, uninterrupted keystroke. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch caters to users in quieter environments like offices, offering a medium level of tactility paired with exceptional noise reduction. This switch utilizes precision-engineered stem railings rather than traditional silicone dampeners, allowing for a discreet yet responsive typing experience that doesn’t sacrifice feedback. While the Keylin's smooth action can appeal to those who value speed and fluidity, the WS Silent Tactile presents a sophisticated option for individuals seeking both silence and tactile pleasure during their typing sessions. 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Keygeek Keylin and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile, both keyboards utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, creating a unique auditory and tactile experience. Nylon is celebrated for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that stands in contrast to the sharper tones produced by harder plastics. Consequently, users of both the Keylin and WS Silent Tactile can expect a duller and rounder sound when typing due to the similarities in housing material. This shared characteristic is instrumental in providing a quiet and comfortable typing experience, which is especially beneficial in noise-sensitive environments.
The identical composition of the top and bottom housings influences how the switches perform during various actions. Since both keyboards utilize nylon in their construction, they equally deliver a weighted bottom-out feel, characterized by the soft plastic absorbing some impact while typing. The bottom housing’s construction plays a pivotal role in the typing experience as it impacts the sound and feel when a key is fully pressed down. Since both the Keylin and WS Silent Tactile employ the same material properties, the results in terms of feel will be quite similar. As users depress the keys, the tactile feedback felt will be uniformly muted, enhancing the overall tactile experience regardless of the specific keyboard used.
However, the impact of each housing on sound differs slightly based on what action is being performed. While both keyboards utilize nylon for their housings, the way each switch integrates with other components may lead to nuanced differences in sound production when keys return to their original position. The top housing can influence the sound profile during key releases, and even with similar materials, slight variances in housing design or internal components might result in a different sound output or feel. Ultimately, while users can expect a high degree of consistency in sound and feel between the two models due to their shared nylon characteristics, individual preferences might lead them to favor one over the other based on those subtle differences.
Weight
The Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch present a noticeable contrast in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Keylin features a light actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it an appealing choice for those who favor prolonged typing sessions or lighter gaming experiences. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile switch has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, suggesting a medium-heavy feel, though its actuation force remains unspecified. This lack of information prevents a direct comparison of their actuation forces. However, the WS switch’s higher bottom out force indicates a more substantial resistance when pressed to the limit, likely catering to users who prefer a firmer and more tactile feedback. Overall, the Keylin is the lighter option, ideal for extended use, while the WS Silent Tactile caters to those who appreciate a heavier, more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch, there is a slight difference. The Keylin boasts a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the longer of the two options, while the WS Silent Tactile offers a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that those who prefer a more pronounced keypress will find the Keylin switch provides that extra depth, which can enhance the tactile feedback during typing. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile, with its slightly shorter travel distance, caters to users looking for a quicker response, ideal for gaming scenarios where swift keystrokes are essential. Ultimately, while both switches have relatively short travel distances suited for modern preferences, the Keylin offers a marginally deeper experience compared to the more responsive WS Silent Tactile.
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 Silent Tactile comes in at $4.20 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 switches are recognized for their rich acoustics, which can provide a pleasant auditory experience during typing. This characteristic is often associated with linear switches, as they tend to be quieter overall when compared to more tactile or clicky switches. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches are engineered to deliver a practically muted sound profile. Designed for office use, these switches prioritize sound dampening without losing feedback, ensuring that they produce a softer and quieter sound while maintaining a crisp typing experience. Therefore, if you're seeking a quiet environment, the WS Silent Tactile would likely serve better, while the Keylin might offer a more engaging sound experience without being excessively loud.
Regarding feel, the Keygeek Keylin linear switches provide smooth feedback, an essential attribute for those who appreciate a seamless typing experience. Although their exact sensory quality is not specified, linear switches generally excel in softness, making them suitable for users who prefer minimal resistance. Conversely, the WS Silent Tactile switches feature a medium level of tactility that provides clear feedback without overwhelming the user. Terms like "invigorating" and "accented" suggest an exciting and responsive typing sensation, which can keep the user engaged. Although Keylin is characterized primarily by its smooth action, the tactile feedback of the WS Silent Tactile is balanced, making it a suitable choice for those who appreciate both responsiveness and subtlety in their typing feedback.
In conclusion, while the Keygeek Keylin linear switches offer a rich and smooth typing experience, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches provide a unique blend of muted sound and pronounced tactile feedback. If your priority is a quiet operation with tactile elements, the WS Silent Tactile would be the go-to option, particularly for office settings. The Keylin will appeal to users looking for a more engaging sound without the drawbacks of excessive noise. Each switch caters to different preferences, ensuring that both can provide satisfactory results based on the kind of typing experience you desire.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch largely depends on your specific preferences and the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard. If you prefer a light touch and crave an exceptionally smooth typing experience with rich acoustics, the Keylin is definitely the switch for you; it's particularly suited for typing enthusiasts who enjoy fast-paced work or gaming without the distraction of loud keystrokes. On the other hand, if you find yourself in a shared or quieter workspace and want to maintain professional decorum while still enjoying tactile feedback, the WS Silent Tactile is an ideal choice. Its medium-heavy actuation force provides a satisfying feel without being overly noisy, making it perfect for those who appreciate a balanced typing experience that enhances productivity without disturbing others. Ultimately, consider your typing style, the setting in which you’ll be using your keyboard, and the balance between sound and tactile feedback that best suits your needs as you make your decision.
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