Outemu Lime (V3) vs. Wuque Studio WS Yellow
An in-depth look at the Outemu Lime (V3) and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, it's important to understand the differences between them to find the one that best suits your needs. Two popular options in the market are the Outemu Lime, a tactile switch, and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow, a linear switch. The Lime switches are known for their lightweight design, approachable tactility, and silencing feature, making them perfect for fans of tactile switches who crave a feather-light typing experience with a touch of tactility. On the other hand, the WS Yellow switches boast a timeless fusion of classic materials and cutting-edge engineering. With a 22mm double-stage spring, they offer a delightful typing experience, delivering a satisfying bounce. Additionally, their material blend produces a familiar sound signature that enthusiasts adore. Crafted to be lightweight, these switches provide effortless keystrokes, ensuring a smooth and fluid typing experience. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision and choose the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
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
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Lime and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow both feature nylon as their housing material, making them quite similar in terms of sound profile. Nylon is known to be a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, both switches elicit a deeper and fuller sound when typing, creating a duller and rounder sound overall. The nylon top housing of both switches plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key, providing a satisfying and pronounced sound upon key release.
While both switches share these similarities due to their nylon top housing, it is worth noting that the Lime and the WS Yellow may differ in terms of their bottom housing. If the top and bottom housings of a switch are different, the characteristics of the housing material will be split between the two, impacting different aspects of the switch's sound and feel. In this case, the bottom housing takes center stage when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel. Thus, the Lime and WS Yellow may exhibit slight variations in the tactile feedback and sound produced upon pressing the keys, depending on their respective bottom housings.
In summary, the Outemu Lime and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow share similar sound profiles due to their nylon housing materials. Both switches offer a deeper and fuller sound when typing, thanks to the nylon's sound-absorbing properties. However, any differences in the top and bottom housing materials of these switches may result in slight variations in the overall tactile feedback and sound produced. Overall, users can expect comparable results in terms of sound profile but may notice subtle differences depending on the specific characteristics of the housing materials used.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Lime has a light actuation force of 35 grams, requiring a relatively gentle touch to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the WS Yellow is unavailable, so it remains unknown if it is lighter or heavier than the Lime. However, the Lime has a bottom out force of 45 grams, indicating that it requires a slightly firmer press to fully depress the key. On the other hand, the WS Yellow has a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it slightly heavier in comparison.
Considerations for weight play a significant role in selecting a switch. Those who prefer a lighter switch value the ease of typing for extended periods, making it ideal for work or marathon gaming sessions. However, individuals who seek a more substantial typing experience may opt for switches with heavier forces, as it provides a stronger push feel. If both the actuation and bottom out forces were similar between the two switches, it would ensure comparable results in terms of typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch have different travel distances. The Lime has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the WS Yellow has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it slightly longer. The Lime's travel distance is on the shorter side, which is preferred by gamers who prioritize faster response times. On the other hand, the WS Yellow offers a slightly deeper travel distance, which some people may find more comfortable and less abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference. If you prefer a shorter travel distance for quicker responses, go with the Lime, but if you prefer a bit more depth and a smoother feel, the WS Yellow would be the better option. In both cases, you can expect a tactile typing experience, albeit with slightly different travel distances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Lime (V3) comes in at $3.40, whereas the Wuque Studio WS Yellow 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Lime tactile switch has a neutral and muted sound profile. This means that it produces a moderate sound that is softer and quieter compared to regular or clacky switches. The WS Yellow linear switch, on the other hand, does not have a specific description of its sound qualities. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. If you are looking for a similar sound experience to the Lime, you can achieve it by pairing the WS Yellow switch with a muted keycap set and a well-dampened keyboard board.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Lime tactile switch offers a mild, feathery, subtle, and polished typing experience. These switches have a gentle resistance, making them comfortable for most users. They are exceptionally light to press, reducing finger fatigue and strain during extended typing sessions. The sound produced by the Lime switch is also not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces. The WS Yellow linear switch, on the other hand, is described as creamy, mild, and polished. It offers a smooth and buttery typing experience, similar to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. The switch has a refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. If you prefer a typing experience similar to the Lime, the WS Yellow switch can provide a mild and polished feel, but it may not offer the exact same feathery and subtly tactile experience.
Considering all the available information, the Outemu Lime tactile switch is lightweight, tactility, and silenced, making it an ideal choice for tactile enthusiasts who prefer a feathery light typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch combines classic materials with cutting-edge engineering, offering a delightful typing experience with a satisfying bounce. While the Lime switch is described as having a neutral and muted sound, the sound qualities of the WS Yellow switch are not specified. In terms of feel, the Lime switch provides a mild, feathery, subtle, and polished typing experience, while the WS Yellow switch offers a creamy, mild, and polished feel. If you are looking for similar sound and feel to the Lime switch with the WS Yellow, using muted keycaps and a dampened keyboard board can help achieve comparable results. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference regarding tactility, sound, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are a tactile fan who prefers a feathery light typing experience with a touch of tactility, the Outemu Lime switches are the way to go. With their lightweight bottom out force of 45 grams, these switches provide effortless keystrokes and reduce finger fatigue, making them suitable for extended typing sessions like gaming, school, or work. Additionally, the Lime switches are silenced, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, if you're looking for a smooth and buttery typing experience, the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switches are the perfect choice. With a bottom out force of 53 grams, these switches offer a delightful bounce and a creamy sensation when typing. The WS Yellow switches are also polished, resulting in a sleek and refined finish for smooth key travel. Ultimately, the decision between the Lime and WS Yellow switches boils down to your preference for tactility and sound.
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