SP-Star Meteor White vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor White and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the SP-Star Meteor White and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear. The Meteor White is a linear switch that can be best described as gentle and subdued. It offers an easy push and produces a soft, pitter-patter sound. Categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished', this switch provides a comfortable and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear by Wuque Studio elevates your office and work experience with its exceptional design. These linear switches feature ingeniously designed stem railings with discreet cutouts, which effectively reduce switch noise while maintaining responsiveness. Categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Muted', and 'Subdued', the WS Silent Linear offers a distinct typing experience devoid of the usual cushioned sensation found in traditional silent switches. Both switches have their unique qualities and benefits, 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
57g
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
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The SP-Star Meteor White and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear both use nylon as their housing material, which is a classic choice for switch housing. Typing on switches that use nylon provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the nature of the material. This is because nylon is a relatively softer plastic compared to harder plastics, allowing it to absorb more sound and create a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of sound production and profile.
However, it's worth noting that if the top and bottom housings differ for a switch, the qualities of the housing material will be split between them. In the case of the Meteor White, the nylon bottom housing will have more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear's nylon bottom housing will also contribute to the same effect. So while they may have slightly different characteristics in terms of their construction, the overall outcome is similar.
In terms of typing experience, the nylon top and bottom housings of both switches play a crucial role. The softer nature of nylon enhances the typing sensation by adding a depth and fullness to the sound profile. While the sound produced when pressing down on a key is primarily influenced by the bottom housing, the release sound is mostly defined by the top housing. Therefore, regardless of whether you opt for the Meteor White or the WS Silent Linear, you can expect a satisfying and immersive typing experience characterized by a deeper and fuller sound due to their shared housing material.
In summary, the SP-Star Meteor White and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear share the same housing material, nylon, for both their top and bottom housings. This choice provides a classic switch housing option that enhances the typing experience by producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. While there might be slight differences in construction, the overall result is similar, delivering a satisfying and immersive typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch, it is important to note that the exact force values for the actuation are unavailable for both switches. However, in terms of the bottom out force, the Meteor White has a force of 57 grams, which is considered medium-light, while the WS Silent Linear has a force of 63.5 grams, which falls into the medium-heavy range.
Weight is a significant factor to consider when choosing a switch, as it can greatly impact the typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter switch, the Meteor White may be a suitable choice, as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing. This makes it ideal for individuals using their keyboard for work or engaging in long gaming sessions.
On the other hand, those desiring a more substantial and pronounced typing experience may prefer a switch with a heavier force. In this case, the WS Silent Linear switch would be a suitable option, as its bottom out force of 63.5 grams provides a stronger push feel for individuals who enjoy a more tactile typing experience.
Although the actuation force remains unknown for both switches, it can be assumed that they would provide similar results given their respective bottom out forces. While the Meteor White is considered medium-light and the WS Silent Linear is medium-heavy, the actuation force, which is the force required to trigger a keystroke, likely falls within a similar range for both switches.
In conclusion, the Meteor White linear switch is lighter with a medium-light bottom out force, while the WS Silent Linear linear switch is heavier with a medium-heavy bottom out force. The choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference, with some individuals favoring a lighter switch for longer typing sessions, while others may prefer a heavier switch for a more pronounced typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch is 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. In terms of traditional standards, the Meteor White falls on the longer side with a 4.0mm travel distance, while the WS Silent Linear is slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. However, it is worth mentioning that shorter travel distances are becoming more popular, especially among gamers who value faster response times. In this case, the WS Silent Linear would be the preferred option for those seeking a more responsive typing experience. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt and prefer a more substantial keypress. For those looking for a deeper key travel, the Meteor White with its 4 mm distance would be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on the individual's preference for either a quicker response or a more substantial keypress.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Meteor White has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor White for $5.00.
The Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear 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 SP-Star Meteor White linear switch offers a neutral sound profile that is both soft and subdued. It produces a gentle, pitter-patter sound when pressed and released, offering a peaceful and tranquil typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch also has a neutral sound profile. However, it is described as more muted and subdued compared to regular switches, minimizing the noise associated with mechanical keyboards. It offers a dampened sound when pressed, providing a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. While both switches aim to reduce noise, the WS Silent Linear switch achieves this by forego the use of silicone dampeners, resulting in a distinct typing experience that is devoid of the usual cushioned sensation. Therefore, if you prefer a soft and subtle sound profile, both switches can deliver similar results.
In terms of feel, both the Meteor White and WS Silent Linear switches offer a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users. The Meteor White switch has qualities that stand in a safe and middle-ground zone, resulting in a gentle and easy-to-push switch. It offers a smooth and refined finish, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the WS Silent Linear switch also provides a gentle typing experience with a mild feel. Although specific details about its finish or factory lubing are unknown, it can be assumed that it offers a smooth and polished performance based on the description. Therefore, both switches provide a comfortable typing experience with a gentle feel.
Considering the available information, both the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch offer subjective qualities that emphasize softness, subtlety, and a peaceful typing experience. Both switches have a neutral sound profile, with the Meteor White switch producing a pitter-patter sound, and the WS Silent Linear switch offering a more muted and subdued typing experience. Similarly, both switches provide a mild feel, ensuring a gentle and approachable typing experience. However, it is important to note that the sound and feel of a switch can also be dependent on other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps. Nonetheless, if you are seeking a keyboard with soft and subtle qualities, both the Meteor White and WS Silent Linear switches can deliver similar results.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a gentle and soft typing experience with a pitter-patter sound profile, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. With its medium-light bottom out force of 57 grams, it offers an easy push and a subdued sound that is not too loud or distracting. Additionally, the Meteor White switch is also described as having a neutral sound and a mild feel, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced keyboard users, whether you plan to use it at home or work.
On the other hand, if you want to elevate your office and work experience with a switch that offers unparalleled responsiveness and a satisfying bottom-out while minimizing noise, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch would be the perfect fit. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, it provides a more robust feel while still maintaining a mild typing experience. The WS Silent Linear switch is described as having a muted sound, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches, and it also offers a subdued sound signature, providing a more subtle typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the SP-Star Meteor White and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches depends on your personal preferences for sound and feel. If you prioritize a gentle and soft typing experience with a gentle sound profile, go for the Meteor White. If you value a responsive and satisfying typing experience with minimized noise, opt for the WS Silent Linear. Consider your usage scenario, whether it's for personal or professional use, and choose the switch that best aligns with your typing preferences.
Mentioned in this article
