Cherry MX Brown vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two notable options to consider are the Cherry MX Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile. The MX Brown switches are well-known for their subtlety, providing a light and gentle typing experience with a subdued audio feedback. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switches by Wuque strike a delicate balance by offering a medium level of tactility while prioritizing noise reduction. These switches feature ingenious stem railings with small cutouts, effectively minimizing switch sound while delivering a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out and responsive return. Unlike conventional silent switches, the WS Silent Tactile switches do not use silicone dampeners, resulting in a typing experience that feels natural and devoid of the usual padded feel found in most silent switches. Both switches have their unique qualities, but let's dive deeper beyond generalities to help you make the best decision based on your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
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
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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Cherry MX Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches share many similarities. Both switches use nylon as their top and bottom housing material, providing a classic switch housing experience. The use of nylon in switch housings results in a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. 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.
However, it's worth noting that if the top and bottom housings differ for a particular switch, the qualities of each housing material will be divided between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on a switch, the bottom housing material will have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing material will play a more prominent role in the sound when a key is released. This differentiation allows for slight variations in the sound and tactile experience between the MX Brown and WS Silent Tactile switches, despite sharing the same nylon housing material.
Overall, the choice of nylon as a housing material in both switches ensures a similar deep and full sound profile during typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a rounder and duller sound. Whether it's the MX Brown or the WS Silent Tactile, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with the utilization of nylon in their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The MX Brown has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the WS Silent Tactile's actuation force is unavailable. However, both switches have a medium-light feel. In terms of bottom out force, the MX Brown requires 55 grams, whereas the WS Silent Tactile requires a heavier 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer a lighter actuation force for extended periods of typing or gaming, making the MX Brown a suitable choice in these situations. It provides a slightly lighter touch, allowing for more comfortable and longer typing sessions. However, for those who desire a more substantial typing experience and enjoy a stronger push feel, the WS Silent Tactile with its heavier bottom out force may be the preferred option.
Although the actuation force for the WS Silent Tactile is unavailable, it can be anticipated that its actuation force will likely fall within the medium-light range, similar to the MX Brown switch, as both switches belong to the tactile switch category. Therefore, individuals seeking a comparable actuation force to the MX Brown could find similar results with the WS Silent Tactile. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on an individual's preference for a lighter or heavier touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, it is clear that there is a difference. The MX Brown has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Silent Tactile has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with the MX Brown switch, you will experience a slightly greater distance compared to the WS Silent Tactile switch.
In terms of preferences, the choice between these two switches depends on an individual's preferences. The 4 mm travel distance of the MX Brown is more traditional and may be preferred by those who enjoy a deeper key press. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile's shorter 3.5 mm travel distance may be favored by gamers or those looking for faster response times. The shorter travel distance can contribute to a more responsive feel when typing or gaming.
Ultimately, the decision between these two switches boils down to the user's personal preference. Some may enjoy the shallower depth of the WS Silent Tactile, while others may prefer the heartier feel of the MX Brown. Regardless of the choice, both switches offer tactile feedback and a satisfying typing experience, albeit with slightly different travel distances.
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 Silent Tactile comes in at $4.20.
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 are best described as having a bassy and low-pitched sound profile. The depth and richness associated with bass tones can be heard during key presses, creating a deeper and more mellow sound compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switches are known for their neutral and muted sound. These switches produce a softer and quieter sound, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's board and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Brown switches offer a textured typing experience. They have noticeable friction when pressed, providing some users with a subtle texture that is preferred. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switches are described as accented, invigorating, and mild. They offer a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. These switches provide pronounced feedback, a moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, resulting in an immersive typing sensation. Overall, the WS Silent Tactile switches offer a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics, making them approachable to most users.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Brown switches are known for their subtlety, offering a light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. They have a bassy and low-pitched sound profile and provide a textured feel when pressed. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switches strike a balance between tactility and noise reduction. They offer a medium level of tactility, a muted sound profile, and an invigorating and mild feel. While the MX Brown switches may provide a deeper and richer sound and a more noticeable texture, the WS Silent Tactile switches deliver an impressively silent profile and a unique blend of tranquility and tactility. Depending on individual preferences and the desired typing experience, both switches offer their own set of qualities that can be enjoyed.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a lighter typing experience with subtle tactility and subdued audio feedback, the Cherry MX Brown switches would be the ideal choice for you. These switches offer a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a relatively light typing experience. In terms of sound, the MX Browns have a bassy and low-pitched tone, offering a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. However, if you work in an office or shared work environment and value a silent typing experience without compromising on tactility, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches would be more suitable. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, these switches strike a delicate balance between tactility and noise reduction. The WS Silent Tactile switches feature ingenious stem railings with small cutouts, effectively minimizing switch sound while delivering a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out and responsive return. Moreover, these switches provide a muted sound profile, ensuring a softer and quieter typing experience. In terms of feel, the MX Browns have a textured sensation, which can be preferred by some users who enjoy noticeable friction when typing. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switches offer an accented feel, providing a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Ultimately, your choice between the Cherry MX Brown and WS Silent Tactile switches will depend on your individual preferences for typing experience, sound, and tactility.
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