Cherry MX Orange vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Orange and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, preferences can greatly shape the typing experience, and two popular options are the Cherry MX Orange and the Wuque Studio WS Brown. The Cherry MX Orange is a linear switch, celebrated for its smooth keystrokes without the tactile bump often found in other switches. This makes it an excellent choice for gamers who desire fast, uninterrupted key presses, as well as typists who prefer a quieter experience. Meanwhile, the WS Brown is a tactile switch that offers a delightful interaction, providing a medium-light actuation force and a pronounced tactile bump to enhance typing feedback. This feature caters to those who appreciate a blend of responsiveness and comfort, making it especially well-suited for longer sessions. The WS Brown's nylon housing and POM stem offer a familiar acoustic experience that many enthusiasts love. Both switches bring their unique advantages to the table: the MX Orange for smooth, linear efficiency and the WS Brown for tactile engagement. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Orange switches and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches, it is essential to note that both share a common component in their design—a nylon construction for both the top and bottom housings. This similarity in material is significant, as nylon is recognized for its sound-absorbing qualities. The nylon used in both switches promotes a deeper and fuller sound profile, allowing for a typing experience that is characterized by a duller and rounder auditory feedback. This makes both the MX Orange and WS Brown effective choices for users seeking a quieter operation with a rich acoustic quality.
The impact of nylon on the sound profile is influenced by the fact that softer plastics absorb sound more efficiently than their harder counterparts. Therefore, whether using the Cherry MX Orange or the Wuque Studio WS Brown, typists can expect a similar auditory experience owing to the nylon housings. The consistent materials across both switches lend themselves to comparable sound characteristics during typing, which are essential for users who prioritize acoustics in their keyboard performance. The shoes sharing the same material also ensure that both types deliver a satisfying tactile feedback during use.
While the MX Orange and WS Brown are characterized by their nylon housings, the overall performance may still be subtly influenced by other design features intrinsic to each switch, such as the actuation mechanism or the specific tactile feedback design. However, since both switches feature nylon for both the top and bottom housings, users can generally anticipate a parallel typing experience in terms of sound and feel. The shared material establishes a familiar baseline, allowing enthusiasts to confidently explore the nuances of each switch design while appreciating the benefits that nylon brings to their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Orange linear switch with the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, the actuation force and bottom out force present an interesting contrast. The Cherry MX Orange features a known actuation force of 55 grams, but its bottom out force remains unspecified. In contrast, the WS Brown switch has an unspecified actuation force while its bottom out force is known to be 55 grams, categorized as medium-light. Based on these specifications, the Cherry MX Orange can be considered the heavier option due to its explicitly stated actuation force. This suggests that users who prefer a lighter typing experience might gravitate towards the WS Brown, despite the lack of a specific actuation force measurement. Ultimately, if you were to select either switch based on force characteristics, you could anticipate a substantial typing experience with the Cherry MX Orange, while the WS Brown may provide a more gentle keystroke feel, ideal for prolonged use.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Orange linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the MX Orange offers a more pronounced depth when pressed, which some users may find provides a more satisfying tactile feedback during use. Conversely, the WS Brown, with its shorter travel distance, may cater to those who prefer a quicker, more responsive keystroke, making it potentially better suited for gaming scenarios where speed is essential. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on personal preference; if you enjoy a more profound sensation while typing, the Cherry MX Orange may be the better option, whereas if you favor quicker response times, the WS Brown could be ideal.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
The Wuque Studio WS Brown comes in at $3.50 per 10 switches.
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 Orange switch is known for its smooth and subdued sound profile, producing a soft, almost muted acoustic feedback when pressed. This makes it an appealing option for those who prefer a quieter typing experience in shared environments or during late-night sessions. The Wuque Studio WS Brown switch, on the other hand, offers a more pronounced auditory experience with a subtle tactile bump that provides audible feedback upon actuation. This characteristic is cherished by many enthusiasts, as it enhances the engagement while typing. The combination of nylon housing with POM stem in the WS Brown switch contributes to a satisfying sound that is both familiar and delightful, making it a pleasant choice for users who appreciate acoustic feedback.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Orange switch features a linear design that ensures a smooth and uninterrupted keypress, giving users a seamless experience as they type. This quality makes it particularly well-suited for typing quickly or gaming, where every millisecond counts. The WS Brown switch, in contrast, provides a tactile response with a gentle bump that indicates the actuation point. This tactile feedback creates a more interactive experience while typing, providing users with a satisfying sense of completion with each keystroke, which can alleviate fatigue during extended usage sessions. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the MX Orange being more suited for those who enjoy linear smoothness and the WS Brown appealing to those who appreciate tactile bumps.
In summary, while the Cherry MX Orange switch delivers a quieter, linear typing experience, the Wuque Studio WS Brown switch offers a delightful tactile feedback with a more pronounced sound profile. The choice between these two switches ultimately depends on individual preferences for sound and feel. For those who enjoy smooth operation, the MX Orange will be ideal; conversely, users seeking tactile feedback and auditory satisfaction will likely gravitate toward the WS Brown. The factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps will also significantly influence the overall experience with each switch, but both options present compelling characteristics that cater to different typing styles.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing between the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch largely depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you prioritize smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes and enjoy a quieter typing experience, the MX Orange switch is an excellent choice for you. Its linear action means you won't experience any tactile feedback or audible click, making it ideal for gaming or late-night typing sessions where noise might be a concern. On the other hand, if you value tactile feedback that lets you know when a key has been actuated, the WS Brown switch would be more suitable. Its medium-light bottom out force provides a satisfying resistance that can enhance your typing accuracy and comfort over long periods while delivering an elegant auditory experience. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you prefer the smoothness of linear switches or the satisfying tactile responses of a tactile switch, enhancing your overall typing or gaming experience accordingly.
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