Cherry MX Orange vs. Wuque Studio WS Yellow
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Orange and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Orange and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow both stand out as popular linear options, each with its own unique characteristics and appeal. The MX Orange switches are celebrated for their revival of the original MX Orange design, featuring enhancements that cater to modern demands without sacrificing the appeal of the classic feel. They offer a balanced typing experience that many typists appreciate. In contrast, the WS Yellow switches introduce a blend of classic materials and innovative engineering, boasting a specialized 22mm double-stage spring that contributes to a delightful bounce and a lightweight touch, delivering a smooth and effortless keystroke. While the Cherry MX Orange may be preferred by those who value heritage and stability in their switches, the WS Yellow caters to enthusiasts seeking a refined and polished typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that truly suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
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
The Cherry MX Orange and Wuque Studio WS Yellow use nylon for both their top and bottom housings, positioning these switches within a similar framework when it comes to sound profile and tactile feedback. Nylon as a material is revered for its acoustic properties; being a softer plastic, it absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound. Users of both switches will notice a muted, rounder auditory experience across both models, thanks to the inherent characteristics of nylon. This shared material allows for a consistency in the aural profile of the switches, making them ideal for those who prioritize a well-rounded typing sound.
While both switches employ identical nylon materials for their housings, their construction nuances may still differentiate them in practice. Since the top housing primarily affects the sound produced upon key release, and the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is fully depressed, switching between the two may present different tactile experiences. However, with both the MX Orange and WS Yellow made from nylon, users can expect a specific quality of resistance and actuation that feels similar during gameplay or typing sessions. The shared composition minimizes major variances, ensuring that users who appreciate one switch may find the transition to the other relatively seamless.
Ultimately, the comparison between the Cherry MX Orange and Wuque Studio WS Yellow highlights the impact of housing materials on tactile and auditory feedback. Both switches offer a deluxe typing experience rooted in a shared nylon construction that promotes sound absorption and an overall softer keystroke experience. This similarity fosters an environment where users can expect complementary performance characteristics despite potential differences in other design elements such as actuation force or switch travel distance. As such, aficionados of keyboard switches will find both models appealing for their rich sound signatures and satisfying tactile responses.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force reveal some interesting contrasts. The Cherry MX Orange has a specified actuation force of 55 grams, making it the heavier option, which may be more appealing to those who prefer a substantial feel while typing or gaming. In contrast, the WS Yellow's actuation force remains unknown but does have a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. Since we don't have the actuation force for the WS Yellow, we can't directly compare it. However, the known bottom out force suggests it's lighter than the Cherry MX Orange overall. For users who favor weight sensitivity in their keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Orange is likely better suited for those seeking a heavier typing experience, while the WS Yellow may cater to those who prefer a lighter touch, assuming its actuation force is below that of the MX Orange.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, there is a distinct difference. The Cherry MX Orange has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option, while the WS Yellow is slightly shorter at 3.8 mm. This difference may appeal to different preferences among users: those who enjoy a more pronounced depth and tactile feedback might opt for the MX Orange, whereas gamers or those seeking quicker response times might find the shorter travel of the WS Yellow more to their liking. Ultimately, while both switches provide a smooth linear experience, the MX Orange's longer travel distance may feel more substantial, while the WS Yellow offers a quicker actuation for faster typing or gaming scenarios.
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 Yellow 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
When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Orange switches offer a classic and satisfying acoustic profile that many users have come to appreciate. They provide a clean and refined sound without being overly loud, allowing for a pleasant typing experience that doesn’t disturb those around you. The WS Yellow switches, on the other hand, are noted for their familiar sound signature, which also tends to be quieter and refined, matching the characteristics of the MX Orange switches while benefiting from modern engineering enhancements. In the end, both switches can provide a quiet and enjoyable auditory experience, but the final sound output will be influenced by the keyboard design and keycap materials used.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Orange is recognized for its smoothness, which appeals to many typists seeking a polished experience. While specific descriptions may vary, they typically provide a satisfying tactile feedback that falls on the linear side without any tactility to distract from smooth keystrokes. The WS Yellow, meanwhile, is characterized as creamy, mild, and polished. The creamy aspect suggests a buttery typing experience, likely enhanced by factory lubrication. The mild quality ensures that it is approachable for most users, providing a gentle yet responsive touch. Overall, the WS Yellow's sophisticated feel significantly elevates the typing experience, making it notably smooth and elegant, possibly even surpassing the overall feel of the MX Orange for some users.
Taking all this information into account, both the Cherry MX Orange and Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches present compelling choices for anyone exploring linear switches in mechanical keyboards. The MX Orange leans into a classic and smooth typing experience with a refined sound, while the WS Yellow integrates modern materials and engineering for an exceptionally smooth and nuanced feel, complemented by a faithful sound signature. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference regarding the subtleties in sound and feel, but both can deliver a quality typing experience tailored to different needs and tastes.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch can significantly impact your typing experience based on your preferences. If you value a lightweight feel and a seamless, creamy typing experience, the WS Yellow switch may be the ideal choice for you. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams combined with its polished texture allows for effortless keystrokes, making it perfect for long typing sessions, gaming, or if you simply prefer a smoother touch. On the other hand, if you seek a nostalgic switch that revives the sought-after original MX Orange characteristics, you might lean towards the Cherry MX Orange switch. While it boasts an innovative design and enhancements that cater to enthusiasts, it may not provide the same sumptuous feel and sound signature as the WS Yellow. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style: opt for the MX Orange if you want a classic feel with a modern twist or the WS Yellow for a more fluid and refined experience.
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