Cherry MX Purple RGB vs. Wuque Studio WS Red
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often boils down to personal preference and typing style. The Cherry MX Purple RGB switch stands out with its tactile bump, providing a refined tactile experience that is both satisfying and distinct. Developed in collaboration with keyboard enthusiast Glarses, this switch is ideal for those who enjoy a medium-strength feedback with each keystroke, making it a favorite among typists and gamers alike who appreciate tactile cues for precise actuation. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Red switch offers a different experience with its linear design characterized by a 22mm double-stage spring. This switch delivers a bouncy and responsive feel while maintaining a familiar sound profile, making it perfect for gamers who prefer smooth and uninterrupted key presses. The heavier actuation force adds a satisfying weight to each keystroke, catering to users who enjoy a more substantial typing sensation. Ultimately, both switches have their unique advantages; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
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 Purple RGB and the Wuque Studio WS Red, it's notable that both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. Nylon is viewed as a classic choice in the world of mechanical switches due to its softer properties, which contribute to a unique acoustic profile. The characteristics of nylon allow both switch types to produce a deeper and fuller sound, making the typing experience more pleasant for users who appreciate a rounded auditory feedback. This similarity in housing materials suggests that both switches will likely yield comparable sound profiles, primarily due to the nylon's effective sound absorption capabilities, which dampen harsher frequencies.
The nylon bottom housing of both the MX Purple RGB and WS Red plays a crucial role in defining the overall typing experience. Given that the bottom housing has a more pronounced effect on the bottom-out sound and feel, users can expect a consistent experience across both switches in terms of thock and feedback upon key presses. Both the MX Purple and WS Red switches utilize the same acoustic advantages of nylon, leading to a punchy but controlled tactile response that reinforces their usability in both gaming and typing scenarios. This commonality in bottom housing materials further aligns their performance by ensuring consistent auditory and tactile responses.
While each switch may have unique actuation points, tactile feel, or other characteristics, the use of nylon across both the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Wuque Studio WS Red fosters a baseline similarity in sound and feel. Therefore, users who prioritize the acoustic qualities of their mechanical switches can expect similar results when opting for either option. This facilitates a degree of interchangeability for enthusiasts who may own both types of switches, allowing them to transition seamlessly between different setups without a significant change in their typing experience. Ultimately, the nylon housings allow both the MX Purple RGB and WS Red switches to deliver a cohesive and enjoyable soundscape, making them appealing choices for a variety of users.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The MX Purple RGB switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, which indicates a relatively light requirement to register a keystroke, but its bottom out force is unknown. In contrast, the WS Red switch has an unspecified actuation force but a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorized as medium-heavy. This means that the WS Red switch provides a more substantial feel upon bottoming out, making it heavier overall compared to the Cherry MX Purple RGB. Users who prefer lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions may find the Cherry MX switch more comfortable, while those who enjoy a stronger push and the tactile feedback of a heavier switch may favor the WS Red. Overall, the MX Purple RGB stands out as the lighter option, while the WS Red offers a heavier experience for those seeking more resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, we see a clear distinction. The Cherry MX Purple RGB features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Red measures slightly shorter at 3.8 mm. This 0.2 mm difference may seem minimal, but it can significantly impact the feel and responsiveness of keypresses. Gamers and users who prioritize quick response times might prefer the WS Red's shorter travel distance, which allows for faster actuation. Conversely, the Cherry MX Purple's longer travel distance might appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing, providing a sense of depth and feedback. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you favor preference for responsiveness or a more pronounced keystroke experience.
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 Red 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
In terms of sound, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch produces a refined, pleasant acoustics profile, characterized by the tactile bump that occurs during actuation, which gives it a slightly more pronounced sound when typing. Users often report a balanced and satisfying sound that aims to provide auditory feedback without being overly loud. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Red switch offers a classic, subdued sound signature typical of linear switches. While it retains a quieter and smooth operation, the WS Red enhances this auditory experience with its unique blend of materials, culminating in a muted but still pleasant response. Ultimately, while both switches provide enjoyable auditory feedback, the MX Purple RGB would be a bit more prominent due to its tactile nature, whereas the WS Red is quieter and more linear.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch is celebrated for its refined tactile experience, featuring a short, medium-strength bump that provides clear feedback during typing. This design was specifically crafted to meet the demands of keyboard enthusiasts, allowing for a confident and ergonomic typing experience. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Red switch feels distinctly bouncy and responsive, thanks to its 22mm double-stage spring. This results in a heavier actuation force that many typists find substantial and satisfying. Thus, while both switches deliver enjoyable tactile feedback, the MX Purple RGB focuses on a defined tactile bump, while the WS Red emphasizes a heavier and more dynamic feel.
In conclusion, both the Cherry MX Purple RGB and Wuque Studio WS Red switches excel in their respective domains, offering unique auditory and tactile experiences. The MX Purple RGB combines a refined tactile feeling with a balanced sound profile that appeals to those who appreciate feedback while typing. Conversely, the WS Red provides a smooth, bouncy experience with a heavier actuation force, catering to users who prefer linear switches' subdued sound and substantial feel. Depending on personal preference for tactile versus linear action, you’ll find enjoyable results with either switch, albeit with different characteristics.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch depends on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you enjoy a tactile feel with a short, distinctive bump that enhances your typing experience, especially for gaming or coding, the MX Purple RGB is an excellent choice. Its medium-strength tactile feedback can help you avoid accidental key presses, making it suitable for tasks where precision is crucial. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smoother and more fluid typing experience, the WS Red linear switch is preferable, particularly for extended typing sessions or when you're looking for a quieter operation. The heavier actuation force of the WS Red provides a substantial and bouncy feeling that many typists find satisfying by reducing fatigue. Ultimately, if you want the tactile feedback for gaming or precision work, opt for the MX Purple RGB, but if you value a quieter, smooth stroke for prolonged use, the WS Red is the way to go.
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