Cherry MX Purple RGB vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile both offer unique tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The Cherry MX Purple switches, developed in collaboration with keyboard enthusiast Glarses, are celebrated for their refined tactile feedback, featuring a short medium-strength bump that provides a satisfying yet controlled typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile switches are lauded for their smooth operation combined with a snappy and discernible tactile bump, all while maintaining a neutral sound profile that can be appealing for users seeking a quieter environment. While the MX Purple may attract users looking for a more robust tactile feedback, the WS Light Tactile presents itself as an excellent choice for those who appreciate a blend of smoothness and subtlety. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile, one can see distinct differences in their top housing that influence the overall sound and tactile experience while typing. The MX Purple RGB features a nylon top housing, known for its softer plastic qualities that absorb sound. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile that creates a distinct tactile experience as the typing is relatively muted and rounder in resonance. In contrast, the WS Light Tactile utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is recognized for its stiffer characteristics leading to a sharper and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for RGB lighting effects, allowing a vibrant and striking visual experience when illuminated.
Both switches, however, exhibit a commonality in their bottom housing, as both are made from nylon. This shared material ensures that both switches have a similar sound profile in their bottom-out response, with the nylon's sound absorption characteristics providing a deeper and fuller auditory experience upon key press releases. The softer nature of the nylon bottom housing dampens the noise, creating a soothing typing sound that is consistent across both models. This similarity means that while the top housing produces distinct sound qualities, the bottom housing unifies the auditory feedback when bottoming out the keys, offering a familiar acoustic experience.
Overall, the combination of different materials in the Cherry MX Purple RGB and Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile makes them intriguing offerings within the mechanical switch market. The contrasting sound profiles of the nylon and polycarbonate top housings mean that users can expect different auditory experiences while typing, with the MX Purple RGB providing a more muted sound and the WS Light Tactile offering a bright and resonant tone. Yet, the nylon bottom housing in both switches ensures that despite their differences, users will still experience a consistent tactile feel that maintains a coherent sound experience when the keys are fully pressed down. This harmonious blend of materials showcases the design strategies employed by switch manufacturers to cater to diverse user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, suggesting that they will provide a similar resistance when triggering a keystroke. However, the WS Light Tactile has a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that it requires slightly more effort to press the key all the way down compared to the Cherry MX Purple RGB, for which the bottom out force is unknown. This difference means that while both switches feel similar during actuation, the WS Light Tactile may offer a more tactile and substantial experience when fully bottoming out due to its higher bottom out force. Overall, the Cherry MX Purple RGB can be considered lighter in terms of bottoming out since its bottom out force information is unavailable, while the WS Light Tactile would be perceived as heavier with its defined bottom out force. This distinction caters to different preferences: typists seeking a lighter touch may favor the Cherry MX Purple RGB, while those desiring a stronger, more robust feel should opt for the WS Light Tactile.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this regard. This means that when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch, users will experience the same amount of travel distance, resulting in similar tactile feedback and activation force. Since both switches exhibit this identical travel distance, users can expect a comparable feel and performance regardless of their choice between the two.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
The Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile comes in at $4.20 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 Purple RGB switch boasts a distinct auditory profile that many enthusiasts find appealing, although specific details about its sound characteristics are not mentioned. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile has a neutral sound signature, characterized by a moderate actuation force requirement and a balanced sound profile that appeals to a broad audience, whether for gaming, typing, or general use. The neutrality of sound can make the WS Light Tactile especially suitable for environments where you want to avoid disturbing others, such as in shared offices or libraries. It's important to note that the overall sound experience can also depend heavily on the keyboard chassis and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Purple RGB offers a refined tactile experience with a short, medium-strength bump, specifically crafted in partnership with keyboard enthusiasts, which likely provides a very satisfying tactile feedback during use. In comparison, the WS Light Tactile is described as a stepped switch, indicating a two-stage feel that appeals to those who prefer more nuance in their keystrokes. The WS Light Tactile also features easy-to-press characteristics, enhancing comfort and reducing finger fatigue over extended typing sessions. This gentle resistance supports a smoother typing experience, particularly useful for those who type for long periods.
Overall, while both switches prioritize tactile feedback, they cater to different preferences in the keyboard experience. The Cherry MX Purple RGB is aimed at those looking for a robust tactile response with a vibrant auditory character, while the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile balances its tactile bump with a gentler, more neutral sound and an easy-press action. Choosing between these switches will ultimately depend on personal preferences regarding sound and tactile sensation; however, both options will likely yield an enjoyable keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch ultimately hinges on your specific typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you desire a refined tactile experience with a medium-strength bump that is designed for an engaging and satisfying feel, the Cherry MX Purple may be your best bet. Its smooth operation, combined with its collaboration heritage, makes it a popular choice for both enthusiastic gamers and those who appreciate a tactile feedback during everyday typing. On the other hand, if you prioritize a light typing experience with a distinct, yet mild stepped tactile feel, the WS Light Tactile is likely the better choice for you. Its lighter 50-gram bottom-out force makes it perfect for extended writing sessions, reducing finger fatigue and offering a neutral sound profile that suits various environments, be it at home or work. In the end, your decision should be guided by whether you prefer a more tactile and engaging feel with the MX Purple, or a smoother and lighter typing experience with the WS Light Tactile.
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