Cherry MX Orange vs. Wuque Studio WS Red

Overview

When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Orange and the Wuque Studio WS Red stand out as noteworthy options for enthusiasts seeking a quality typing experience. The Cherry MX Orange is celebrated for its revival of the original MX Orange switches, now featuring enhancements from the MX2A generation to cater to high demand, providing users with a smooth and responsive feel that is ideal for long typing sessions. In contrast, the WS Red offers a unique typing experience characterized by its 22mm double-stage spring, which imparts a bouncy, responsive touch while maintaining a classic sound profile. The WS Red’s heavier actuation force adds a satisfying weight to each keystroke, making it appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel. While both switches are linear, the differences in their construction and tactile responses could significantly influence your typing preference. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Cherry MX Orange Linear

Wuque Studio WS Red Linear

$4.10

$3.89 per 10

$3.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Orange and Wuque Studio WS Red, it is notable that both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This commonality in material results in a distinct acoustic profile for both switches, as nylon is known for its softness compared to harder plastics. The use of nylon in the construction of both the Cherry MX Orange and the WS Red leads to a deeper and fuller sound when typing, as the material absorbs sound rather than reflecting it. This characteristic contributes to a muted and rounded auditory experience for users, making both switches suitable for environments where noise control is a consideration.

While both the Cherry MX Orange and WS Red share the same nylon housing material, they may differ in other factors such as the design of their internal components and actuation mechanisms. The inherent qualities of nylon enhance the overall typing experience, but the feel and sound when bottoming out or releasing keys could still vary due to these potential differences. For example, the tactile feedback and the weight of the key presses in the Cherry MX Orange's design may lead to a different overall experience from that of the WS Red, despite their shared acoustic properties. The specifics of each switch's design influence how users perceive the tactile sensation, making it important to consider beyond just the housing material.

Nevertheless, with both switches employing the same nylon top and bottom housings, users can anticipate similar sound profiles during key press actions. The sound produced upon keypresses will be consistently fuller and duller, characteristic of nylon's acoustic dampening properties. Moreover, the split effects of the top and bottom housings still apply; while both will contribute to the overall sound signature, the nuanced differences in feel and sound release will create individual identities for the Cherry MX Orange and WS Red switches, making each a unique choice for distinct typing preferences despite their similarities.

Weight

When comparing the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, we see notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Cherry MX Orange has a specified actuation force of 55 grams, making it a medium-weight switch that some users may find comfortable for extended typing sessions. However, its bottom out force is unknown, leaving a gap in our understanding of how firm the switch feels when fully depressed. In contrast, the WS Red boasts a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy and providing a more substantial typing experience, although its actuation force remains unspecified. Given the known metrics, the Cherry MX Orange is the lighter of the two switches due to its 55-gram actuation force, while the WS Red's higher bottom out force suggests a firmer feel that might cater to users who prefer stronger feedback when typing. Ultimately, for those seeking a lighter touch, the MX Orange may be more suitable, while the WS Red may appeal to those who favor a heavier switch for added durability and tactile feedback.

Travel distance

The Cherry MX Orange linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Cherry MX Orange the longer option, providing a more substantial feel when pressed compared to the more responsive yet potentially abrupt feel of the WS Red. Gamers might gravitate towards the WS Red due to its shorter travel distance, which can facilitate quicker response times, whereas those who prefer a more tactile and deeper keystroke may find the Cherry MX Orange more to their liking. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences in travel distance, with the MX Orange offering a traditional depth and the WS Red appealing to those seeking a faster actuation.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Cherry MX Orange linear switch produces a sound profile that is characterized by a muted, smooth actuation, making it an excellent choice for quiet typing environments. Its sound signature is subdued compared to other switches, allowing for a more focused work experience without distracting clicks, clacks, or thocks. The WS Red linear switch, in contrast, maintains a familiar sound signature that is also relatively quiet, yet slightly more pronounced due to its unique material blend. The double-stage spring contributes to a subtle bounce that can lead to a more dynamic sound with each keystroke, particularly when pressed down with a bit more force. Both switches offer a sound experience that can be influenced by the keyboard build and the type of keycaps used, but overall, the MX Orange leans towards a more discreet typing experience, while the WS Red may have a slightly more engaging auditory presence.

When it comes to feel, the MX Orange is designed to provide a smooth, linear experience with consistent resistance throughout the keystroke. This makes the switch suitable for users who appreciate a uniform feedback without any tactile bump or noise, allowing for a seamless typing flow. The WS Red, on the other hand, utilizes a heavier actuation force provided by its 22mm double-stage spring, resulting in a more substantial keystroke that feels bouncier and more responsive. This increased weight adds a tactile quality that some typists find satisfying as it requires slightly more effort to actuate, which can contribute to a more engaged typing experience. Together, both switches cater to different preferences in terms of how resistance is felt during use, with the MX Orange ideal for those who prefer lighter touches and the WS Red appealing to those who enjoy a firmer keystroke.

In summary, while both the Cherry MX Orange and Wuque Studio WS Red linear switches offer quiet operation suited for various typing environments, they present different sensory experiences. The MX Orange is geared toward users seeking a subtle and smooth feel with a silent sound profile, making it perfect for workplace settings, while the WS Red provides a bouncy, heavier typing experience that can enhance engagement. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on your personal preferences for sound and resistance, but both promise satisfying performance for different typing styles.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between Cherry MX Orange and Wuque Studio WS Red linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a lightweight typing experience that mirrors the classic feel of traditional linear switches, the Cherry MX Orange may be the better fit for you. These switches are ideal for those who prefer rapid keystrokes, making them great for gaming or fast typing without much resistance. On the other hand, if you gravitate towards a more tactile experience and appreciate a controlled typing feel, the WS Red could be your switch of choice. With its medium-heavy bottom-out force, the WS Red provides a weightier keystroke that can enhance your typing precision and satisfaction, making it suitable for both gaming and extensive typing sessions. Thus, whether you lean toward the light, responsive nature of the MX Orange or the substantial, engaging feel of the WS Red largely depends on how you intend to use your keyboard and what kind of tactile feedback you enjoy most.

Mentioned in this article

Cherry MX Orange Linear

$4.10

$3.89 per 10

Learn more

Wuque Studio WS Red Linear

$3.50 per 10

Learn more