Cherry MX Purple RGB vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile offer distinct yet appealing tactile experiences tailored to different user preferences. The Cherry MX Purple, developed with input from keyboard enthusiast Glarses, provides a refined tactile feel with a medium-strength bump that many typists find satisfying and engaging, making it a strong contender for gamers and writers alike who appreciate tactile feedback. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile from Wuque Studio is designed with the office environment in mind, featuring a carefully engineered mechanism that ensures a quiet typing experience without sacrificing the tactile sensation, thanks to its innovative stem railing system. While the Cherry MX Purple excels in delivering a pronounced tactile response ideal for those who revel in each keystroke, the WS Silent Tactile prioritizes discretion and comfort, catering to users who desire a more subdued auditory experience during their typing sessions. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches, we find that both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This shared choice of material fosters similar acoustic characteristics in both switches, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. The inherent qualities of nylon, being a softer plastic, allow it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. This absorption contributes to a duller and rounder sound when keys are pressed and released, thereby creating a more enjoyable typing experience across both models.
In examining the top and bottom housings of the MX Purple RGB and the WS Silent Tactile, it's clear that nylon’s presence in both components plays a crucial role in the switches' auditory and tactile feedback. While both switches are crafted from nylon, they may have variations in their internal designs or mechanisms that could affect their overall feel and sound profile. However, since the material properties are consistent, users can expect similar results in terms of sound dampening and tactile feedback. This is especially notable when typing, as both switches will emit a soothing sound due to the combined impact of the nylon housing.
Furthermore, the impact of each housing on the overall switch experience can be analyzed in terms of sound and feel. When pressing down on either switch, the bottom housing, made of nylon, is responsible for influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing affects how the sound resonates when the key is released. Given that both the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile feature the same housing materials, users of either switch will experience a coherent sound profile and tactile response, making them great alternatives for those seeking a pleasant typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch, their actuation and bottom out forces exhibit notable differences. The MX Purple RGB has an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a moderate touch that might appeal to users who prefer a lighter typing experience, ideal for prolonged use during typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force for this switch is unavailable, making it difficult to assess how it feels when fully pressed down. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile switch's actuation force is also unknown, but its bottom out force is a substantial 63.5 grams, indicating a medium-heavy feel that could be preferred by typists who enjoy a stronger push for a more substantial typing experience. As a result, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB is likely the lighter option based on its known actuation force, the WS Silent Tactile would be the heavier choice, appealing to different user preferences for typing sensation and force feedback.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference in travel distance highlights a key contrast between the two switches: the MX Purple RGB offers a more traditional and deeper feel, which some users prefer for a more pronounced tactile feedback during typing or gaming. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile’s 3.5 mm travel distance caters to those who favor quicker response times, making it more suitable for rapid keystrokes often desired in gaming scenarios. Ultimately, if you prioritize a more responsive feel, the WS Silent Tactile is the better option; however, if you enjoy a more substantial keypress with enhanced tactile feedback, the Cherry MX Purple RGB would be the preferred choice.
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 Silent 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
In terms of sound, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch produces a refined timbre that enhances its tactile experience, contributing to an engaging yet harmonious typing environment. While specific sound descriptors are not provided, Cherry MX switches are generally associated with a distinct clicking noise that many enthusiasts enjoy for its satisfying auditory feedback. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch excels in sound dampening, offering a muted output that is perfect for quiet office settings. Its design minimizes the clunky noise often present in traditional mechanical switches, categorizing it as neutral and muted. This makes both switches suitable across a range of environments, but the WS Silent Tactile clearly stands out for those prioritizing discretion.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Purple RGB offers a short, medium-strength tactile bump that has been developed to provide a balanced typing experience. This refined tactile feedback allows for a satisfactory interaction without being overwhelming or overly soft. Meanwhile, the WS Silent Tactile switch presents a blend of attributes—characterized as accented with invigorating feedback. The overall feel is designed to be moderately tactile, ensuring a responsive and immersive typing sensation. This combination creates a typing experience that is both approachable and enjoyable, making the WS Silent Tactile an excellent choice for users seeking a gentle yet defined tactile response.
In conclusion, while both the Cherry MX Purple RGB and Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches offer unique qualities, they cater to slightly different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The MX Purple RGB presents an engaging auditory experience alongside a balanced tactile feedback, appealing to those who enjoy pronounced and active typing sensations. Conversely, the WS Silent Tactile excels in sound dampening and offers a more subdued experience without sacrificing tactile feedback. Ultimately, both switches can provide satisfying results based on individual user needs, with the choice largely hinging on whether sound or a quieter typing environment is prioritized.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches largely depends on your specific needs and typing environment. If you're someone who values a more pronounced tactile feedback and enjoys a snappy, invigorating typing experience, the MX Purple RGB would be a great match for you. Its refined tactility is designed for keyboard enthusiasts and will elevate your typing experience, making it especially suited for gaming or personal use where feedback matters. On the other hand, if you primarily type in quiet shared spaces or professional environments, the WS Silent Tactile switch may be the better option. Its medium-heavy actuation force and muted sound profile make it ideal for those who need a quiet yet tactile experience, allowing you to maintain focus without disturbing others. The combination of a silent operation and crisp feedback set these switches apart, making them an excellent choice for office setups or late-night typing sessions. Thus, whether you prioritize tactile response or noise reduction will guide you in selecting the right switch for your mechanical keyboard.
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