Cherry MX Black vs. Wuque Studio WS POM+
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Black and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the merits of various options, each catering to different preferences and typing experiences. The Cherry MX Black switch, renowned for its robust design, offers a familiar deep sound profile accompanied by a textured smoothness thanks to Cherry's advanced Hyperglide tooling. Its stiff resistance makes it a solid pick for typists who prefer deliberate keystrokes and a more controlled typing environment. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switch stands out for its all-POM composition, which provides an exceptionally buttery-smooth keystroke and a satisfying "thock" sound signature that many find gratifying. While both switches are linear and designed for smooth actuation without tactile feedback, the MX Black leans towards a more traditional, stiff feel, while the WS POM+ boasts a softer touch that many users appreciate for long typing sessions. Both switches have unique attributes that cater to different user preferences; 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
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Black switches and the Wuque Studio WS POM+, notable differences and similarities arise, particularly in the materials used for both the top and bottom housings. The Cherry MX Black features a nylon top housing, a material recognized for its classic status in switch construction. This nylon not only contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile but also effectively absorbs impact, leading to a sound that is described as duller and rounder. In contrast, the WS POM+ utilizes POM (Polyoxymethylene) for its top housing, which produces an equally deep sound profile. However, POM is known for its unique aural qualities that deliver a pleasing mutedness, albeit with subtle differences in texture and resonance compared to nylon.
Examining the bottom housings, both switches maintain a distinct yet parallel relationship with sound production. Similar to its top housing, the Cherry MX Black features a nylon bottom housing which enhances the overall sound profile by contributing to the deeper and fuller auditory experience. Conversely, the WS POM+ employs POM for its bottom housing as well. POM's acoustics ensure that the generated sound remains muted and enjoyable, paralleling the MX Black's sonic output. Although both switches utilize different materials, the end result is a compellingly deep sound that is well-matched in quality.
The interaction between pressing and releasing each switch highlights how the materials affect user experience, even if they are different. The Cherry MX Black's nylon construction offers a consistent auditory experience, complemented by the sound-absorbing qualities of the nylon. Meanwhile, the WS POM+ switches combine their materials in such a way that even when they diverge, they still achieve a comparable level of auditory satisfaction. While the properties of each material influence the typing experience—where the bottom housing contributes to the bottom-out sound and the top housing affects the release sound—the similarities in sound quality across both switches indicate that despite different constituent materials, they can elicit similar, pleasing results for users.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Black linear switch to the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Cherry MX Black has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the WS POM+ features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, catering to those who appreciate a lighter touch that can facilitate longer typing sessions or extended gaming without fatigue. As a result, while both switches serve their purpose effectively, the MX Black is on the heavier end, while the WS POM+ offers a more medium-light feel, allowing users to choose based on their tactile preferences and ergonomic needs.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch exhibit differing travel distances, with the MX Black measuring 4 mm and the WS POM+ at 3.6 mm. This means that the Cherry MX Black offers the longer travel distance, providing a more pronounced tactile experience that some users might find preferable for its depth. On the other hand, the WS POM+ features a shorter travel distance, which can lead to quicker response times and is often favored by gamers seeking speedy key presses. While both switches cater to different preferences—those favoring a more substantial press vs. those looking for rapid actuation—the difference in travel distances suggests that the Cherry MX Black may deliver a more traditional and hearty feel, while the WS POM+ may suit those who appreciate a more responsive touch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00, whereas the Wuque Studio WS POM+ comes in at $3.90.
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 Cherry MX Black switches deliver a low-pitched profile that provides a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. This characteristic creates a satisfying acoustics experience during typing that can be quite enjoyable in a work or gaming environment. In contrast, while the WS POM+ switches are reported to produce a deep "thock" sound signature, the specific sound profile has not been detailed beyond its depth. It's worth noting that sound can also be influenced by the keyboard design and keycap selection, which means users can achieve similar acoustic results with either switch depending on their setup.
In terms of feel, the MX Black switches are characterized by a textured and stiff typing experience. The textured nature provides noticeable friction during keystrokes, which some typists may enjoy for the tactile feedback it provides, while the stiffness requires a greater force to actuate compared to lighter switches. As for the WS POM+ switches, there are no descriptors provided about their tactile feel, which means we lack specific insights into how they compare in terms of texture or actuation force.
Overall, the Cherry MX Black switches are a reliable choice for users seeking a low-pitched sound and a tactile feel that is both textured and stiff, likely appealing to those who appreciate heavier switches. The WS POM+ offers an enticing alternative with its deep acoustics and a promise of smooth keystrokes, although further details on its tactile characteristics remain unknown. While they may cater to different preferences, both switches have the potential to create a satisfying typing experience based on their respective qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Cherry MX Black and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switches, your preferences and typing habits will play a significant role. If you prefer a heavier switch that offers more resistance and a textured feel, the MX Black might be your go-to choice. The 80 grams of bottom-out force combined with its low-pitched sound and the traditional styling of a textured switch can provide a satisfying, tactile typing experience, especially if you like a bit of feedback and don’t mind exerting extra effort on each keystroke. This switch is well-suited for those who type with force or engage in gaming where precise actuation is crucial.
On the other hand, if you're looking for a more relaxed typing experience with a delightful auditory feedback, the WS POM+ should be high on your list. With its medium-light 55 grams of force and a buttery-smooth keystroke, this switch is designed for comfort and ease of typing with less fatigue over extended use. The deep "thock" sound adds a satisfying acoustic element that many typists find appealing, making it a great option for daily writing or casual gaming sessions. Ultimately, choose the MX Black for a firmer, more traditional experience, or opt for the WS POM+ if you value smoothness and a more effortless typing motion.
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