Cherry MX Brown vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile certainly stand out from the crowd. On one hand, the MX Brown offers a subtle and gentle typing experience, with a light touch and understated audio feedback. Its textured, bassy, and low-pitched characteristics make it perfect for those who prefer a quieter and more discreet typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switches truly captivate with their remarkable tactile bump and satisfying resistance. With a tactile force of 70g, each keystroke feels engaging and immersive, providing a bouncy and clacky feel. The nylon housings of the WS Heavy Tactile switches also contribute to a satisfying "thocky" resonance, giving it a distinct and invigorating sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Cherry MX Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches are quite similar as they both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches. Consequently, when typing on either switch, users can expect a duller and rounder sound due to the sound absorption capabilities of nylon.
While the housing materials are the same for both switches, the Cherry MX Brown and the WS Heavy Tactile differ in their overall design and construction. Each switch's housing material is divided between the top and bottom sections, with the bottom housing having a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down. On the other hand, the top housing material influences the sound produced when a key is released. Therefore, users can expect a slight variation in the typing experience and sound profile between the two switches, based on how the housing materials are distributed within each switch.
Overall, the Cherry MX Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches offer similar results due to their use of nylon as the housing material. Both switches excel in producing a deep and full sound while typing, thanks to the sound absorption properties of nylon. However, slight differences may arise in the overall typing experience and sound profile, as the distribution of the nylon housing material differs between the top and bottom sections of each switch. Nevertheless, users can anticipate a satisfying and immersive typing experience from either switch, with the nylon housing contributing to their distinct characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The MX Brown has an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a medium-light touch, while the WS Heavy Tactile's actuation force is unavailable, suggesting an unknown level of force required to trigger a keystroke. Moving on to the bottom out force, the MX Brown requires 55 grams of force to fully press down, offering a slightly heavier feel during typing. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile has a bottom out force of 45 grams, which is lighter than the MX Brown.
Considering the weight of the switches, it is worth noting that some individuals prefer lighter switches for increased comfort during prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. This lighter weight allows for reduced finger fatigue and greater endurance. On the other hand, there are users who prefer a stronger push feel, as it provides a more substantial typing experience. These individuals would benefit from switches with heavier actuation and bottom out forces.
However, since the actuation force of the WS Heavy Tactile switch is unknown, it is not possible to directly compare it to the Cherry MX Brown in terms of actuation force. Nevertheless, since the bottom out force of the MX Brown is 55 grams and the WS Heavy Tactile requires only 45 grams to bottom out, it can be inferred that the latter is lighter in this aspect. Therefore, if the actuation force of the WS Heavy Tactile happens to be similar to the MX Brown, users can expect a typing experience that is both lighter and has a satisfying tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, it is clear that these switches have different distances. The MX Brown has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Heavy Tactile has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. This means that the MX Brown offers a deeper key press experience compared to the WS Heavy Tactile. The 4 mm travel distance is more traditional and may be preferred by those who enjoy a hearty depth when pressing keys. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile's 3.2 mm travel distance is shallower and may be favored by gamers or individuals seeking faster response times. While both options provide tactile feedback, the WS Heavy Tactile offers a slightly shorter distance for those who desire a quicker key press. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences and the desired level of responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00, whereas the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile 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 Cherry MX Brown switches offer a subtler experience, with a sound profile that is described as bassy and low-pitched. This means that the sound produced during key presses is deeper and richer, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches have a more pronounced and captivating sound profile. Described as clacky, high-pitched, and resonant, these switches produce a sharp, crisp, and percussive sound when pressed. If you prefer a richer and bass-heavy sound, the MX Brown switches would be a better choice, while the WS Heavy Tactile switches offer a more vibrant and resonant auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Brown switches are known for their light typing experience with gentle tactility. They are described as textured, which means there is noticeable friction when pressing the keys. While some users prefer this subtle texture, others may prefer a smoother and friction-free typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switches are accentuated in terms of feel. They provide a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, they are described as bouncy, invigorating, sharp, and snappy. This means that these switches offer a lively feel, rebound when pressed, pronounced feedback, and a snappy and reactive typing sensation. If you prefer a lighter and subtly textured feel, the MX Brown switches would suit your preferences. However, if you enjoy a more accentuated and invigorating tactile experience, the WS Heavy Tactile switches would be a better fit.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Brown switches offer a subtler and lighter typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. They provide a textured feel with a slightly bassy and low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches offer a more pronounced and engaging typing experience. They have a prominent tactile bump, accentuated feel, and a captivating sound profile described as clacky, high-pitched, and resonant. Depending on your preferences, you can select either of these switches to get the desired typing and auditory experience. If you enjoy the qualities of the WS Heavy Tactile switches but prefer a slightly lighter and less accentuated feel, the MX Brown switches would still provide you with a similar typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on individual preferences and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, if you prefer a keyboard switch with a subtle typing experience, gentle tactility, and subdued audio feedback, then the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch would be a great choice for you. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, these switches offer a medium-light typing experience. On the other hand, if you crave a more engaging and immersive typing journey with a pronounced tactile bump and satisfying resistance, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 45 grams, these switches provide a light typing experience. Additionally, if you enjoy a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, opt for the MX Browns. However, if you prefer a clacky, high-pitched, resonant sound profile, the WS Heavy Tactile switches will suit your preference. In terms of feel, MX Browns are textured, while WS Heavy Tactiles can be described as accented, bouncy, invigorating, sharp, and snappy. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your individual preferences for typing experience, sound, and feel.
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