Cherry MX Brown vs. Wuque Studio WS Red
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Red 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 Red are two popular options with distinct characteristics. The MX Brown is best known for its subtlety, offering a light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. On the other hand, the WS Red stands out for its bouncy and responsive typing experience, thanks to its 22mm double-stage spring. While the MX Brown is categorized as textured, bassy, and low-pitched, the WS Red's categorization is not provided. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Cherry MX Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Red both utilize nylon as their top and bottom housing materials. This commonality means that typing on switches from both keyboards will elicit a similar experience in terms of sound profile. Nylon is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. As a result, both the MX Brown and the WS Red will create a duller and rounder sound while typing, providing a satisfying auditory experience for users.
However, it is essential to note that if the top and bottom housings differ for a particular switch, the qualities of each housing material will be divided between the upper and lower portions of the switch. The bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound produced when a key is released. Therefore, if the MX Brown and the WS Red have different bottom and top housing materials, the tactile experience and sound produced by each keyboard may vary slightly.
In terms of overall performance, the MX Brown and the WS Red are likely to offer similar results due to their shared use of nylon as the housing material. Both keyboards will provide a deeper and fuller sound profile, offering a satisfying typing experience. While there may be slight variations if the top and bottom housings differ, the impact on performance should be minimal. Ultimately, the choice between the Cherry MX Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Red may come down to other factors such as key switch design, key travel distance, and personal preference in terms of typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, the differences are quite evident. The MX Brown has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light switch. On the other hand, the WS Red's actuation force is unknown, but it has a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy.
For those who prefer a lighter feel, the MX Brown switch would be more suitable. Its lower actuation and bottom out forces allow for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it an ideal choice for work or extended gaming sessions. On the contrary, individuals who desire a stronger push and a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the WS Red switch. With its slightly heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, it provides a satisfying tactile feedback that some users may appreciate.
Though the actuation force of the WS Red switch is unknown, it is important to note that similar results to the MX Brown's actuation force could potentially be achieved. However, it is the bottom out force that truly differentiates the two switches. Therefore, depending on one's preference for a lighter or heavier touch, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, it is clear that the MX Brown has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Red has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. The MX Brown's 4.0 mm travel distance is more traditional, providing a deeper feel when pressing down on the key. On the other hand, the WS Red's 3.8 mm travel distance is slightly shallower, making it a popular choice among gamers who prioritize faster response times. The shorter travel distance of the WS Red allows for quicker keystrokes, ideal for gaming scenarios. However, it is important to note that personal preference plays a significant role in selecting the ideal travel distance. Some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt, while others may appreciate the responsiveness it offers. Ultimately, the choice between the Cherry MX Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Red will depend on individual preferences and the desired typing or gaming experience one seeks.
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 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 MX Brown and WS Red switches have distinct differences in sound and feel. The MX Brown switch offers a subtler and gentler typing experience with a light tactile feedback and subdued audio feedback. The sound of the MX Brown switch can be described as bassy and low-pitched, providing a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. On the other hand, the WS Red switch offers a bouncy and responsive typing experience with a touch of weight added to each keystroke due to its heavier actuation force. However, the specific sound characteristics of the WS Red switch are unknown. When it comes to feel, the MX Brown switch is textured, meaning it has noticeable friction when pressed, which can be preferred by some users for a unique typing experience. The feel of the WS Red switch is unknown. It is important to note that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used. Overall, the MX Brown switch is known for its subtlety and gentle tactility, while the WS Red switch offers a responsive and potentially satisfying typing experience. Although the specific sound and feel qualities of the WS Red switch are unknown, it is possible to achieve similar results as the MX Brown switch in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch would be a good choice for you. These switches offer a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a comfortable typing feel. In terms of sound, the MX Brown switches have a bassy and low-pitched profile, giving your typing a deeper and richer tone. Additionally, the MX Brown switches have a textured feel, providing noticeable friction when pressed. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy and responsive typing experience with a heavier actuation force, the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch might be more suitable for you. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, these switches deliver a satisfying and substantial typing feel. Although there is no specific description of the sound and feel of the WS Red switches provided, their use of a classic material blend ensures a familiar sound signature. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on your preference for typing experience and the desired level of actuation force.
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