Cherry MX Black vs. Wuque Studio WS Red
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Black and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Cherry MX Black and the Wuque Studio WS Red. The MX Black is best known for its iconic feel, with Cherry further perfecting these switches by introducing their new Hyperglide tooling. This results in a smooth and textured typing experience, accompanied by a deep sound profile. Categorized as low-pitched, textured, and stiff, the MX Black offers a unique typing feel for those seeking a distinct tactile experience. On the other hand, the WS Red from Wuque Studio showcases a different approach. Featuring a 22mm double-stage spring, these switches provide a bouncy and responsive typing experience, while still retaining a familiar sound signature thanks to its classic material blend. Additionally, the WS Red offers a heavier actuation force, which adds a touch of weight to each keystroke, resulting in a satisfying and substantial typing feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Cherry MX Black and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches share a commonality in their housing materials as they both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This choice of material brings about similar results in terms of sound production and tactile experience. The nylon material used in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile while also creating a duller and rounder sound. Additionally, due to the relatively softer nature of nylon, it absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a more subdued noise when typing on these switches. Therefore, whether it be the MX Black or the WS Red, you can expect to obtain comparable sound qualities and overall typing experience.
However, it is worth noting that if a switch has different housing materials for its top and bottom, the qualities of each material will be divided between the two parts. In the case of the MX Black and the WS Red, this means that the bottom housing will have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed down, while the top housing will play a larger role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Thus, while the nylon material remains consistent within each switch's housing components, slight differences in overall experience can be expected based on how these materials are allocated within the switches.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Black and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches share a common nylon housing material, resulting in similar sound profiles and typing experiences. The softness and sound-absorbing qualities of nylon contribute to a deeper, fuller, and more subdued sound when typing on both switches. However, the allocation of different housing materials between the top and bottom components of a switch may lead to slight variations in the bottom-out and key release sounds and feelings. Nevertheless, both switches provide a reliable and satisfying typing experience, showcasing the enduring popularity of the classic nylon housing material.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, there are several notable differences. The Cherry MX Black has an actuation force of 60 grams, while the exact actuation force of the WS Red is unavailable. However, the WS Red does have a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is slightly lighter than the Cherry MX Black's bottom out force of 80 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Cherry MX Black may not be the best choice as it requires a somewhat heavier actuation force and has a heavier bottom out force. On the other hand, the WS Red offers a slightly lighter bottom out force, making it more suitable for individuals who prefer a lighter touch when typing.
However, it is important to note that without knowing the exact actuation force of the WS Red, it is difficult to make a direct comparison. Nevertheless, based on the provided information, it is clear that the Cherry MX Black is heavier in both actuation and bottom out force than the Wuque Studio WS Red. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on an individual's personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, we can see that the MX Black has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Red has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall into the traditional range of travel distances, with the MX Black being on the longer side and the WS Red being slightly shorter. Gamers, who typically favor faster response times, may lean towards the WS Red with its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper feeling when typing or gaming may find the MX Black more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.
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 Red 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
The Cherry MX Black and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel.
When it comes to sound, the MX Black is known for its low-pitched profile, which results in a more bass-heavy and mellow tone when typing. On the other hand, there is no specific information available about the sound of the WS Red switches, so it is difficult to compare them directly. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps that are used.
In terms of feel, the MX Black switches are described as textured, meaning that they have noticeable friction when pressed. Some users prefer this subtle texture, while others prefer a smoother and friction-free typing experience. Additionally, the MX Black switches are also noted for being stiff, requiring a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom out. This means that users will need to apply more force when pressing the keys with these switches. Unfortunately, there is no available information about the feel of the WS Red switches, so it is unknown how they compare in terms of texture and stiffness.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Black and Wuque Studio WS Red switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The MX Black switches have a low-pitched sound profile and provide a textured and stiff typing experience. On the other hand, the specific sound and feel characteristics of the WS Red switches are unknown. However, it is important to consider other factors such as keyboard board and keycaps when evaluating the overall sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard. Although there may not be a direct comparison between the two switches in every aspect, users can expect similar results if they have similar preferences for low-pitched sound and textured and stiff typing experiences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you prefer a heavier and more substantial typing experience, then the Cherry MX Black linear switch is the better choice for you. With its bottom out force of 80 grams, it offers a satisfying and substantial feel with each keystroke. The MX Black also provides a textured and stiff feel, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience. Additionally, it has a low-pitched sound profile, adding a bass-heavy and mellow tone to your typing.
On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter typing experience but still want a touch of weight to each keystroke, the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, it offers a medium-heavy typing experience that is bouncy and responsive. The WS Red also retains a familiar sound signature, providing a satisfying typing sound that is yet to be described.
Ultimately, the choice between the Cherry MX Black and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches comes down to personal preference. Consider whether you prefer a heavier and more textured typing experience or a slightly lighter and more responsive feel. Additionally, take into account the sound profile you prefer, with the MX Black offering a low-pitched sound and the WS Red yet to be described. By considering these factors, you can find the perfect mechanical keyboard switch that suits your individual typing style and preferences.
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