Cherry MX Red vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Red and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options come to mind: the Cherry MX Red, a linear switch, and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile, a tactile switch. The MX Red is revered for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, providing a robust typing experience that blends responsiveness with a gratifying auditory depth. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile stands out for its 70g bump, immersive resistance, and captivating "thocky" sound, offering a profound tactile experience that makes typing engaging and satisfying. While the MX Red is known for its 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', and 'Textured' characteristics, the WS Heavy Tactile is distinguished by its 'Accented', 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Invigorating', 'Resonant', 'Sharp', and 'Snappy' traits. If you are someone who values a smoother typing experience, the Cherry MX Red may be the ideal choice for you. However, for those who crave a more tactile and engaging typing sensation, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch might be the way to go. Nonetheless, 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Red and the WS Heavy Tactile, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon for both their top and bottom housings. This commonality suggests that users can expect similar characteristics in terms of sound profile and overall feel when typing on keyboards equipped with either of these switches. With nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs sound effectively, users can anticipate a deep and full sound profile with a duller and rounder tone, providing a satisfying typing experience.
However, a notable difference between the two switches lies in their tactile feedback. While the WS Heavy Tactile switch is specifically designed to provide a heavy tactile bump during actuation, the MX Red switch lacks this feature and is considered a linear switch without any tactile feedback. As a result, users who prefer a more pronounced tactile response may find the WS Heavy Tactile switch more appealing, whereas those who prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience may lean towards the MX Red switch.
Despite the differences in tactile feedback, both the Cherry MX Red and the WS Heavy Tactile switches share the same nylon housing material, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Whether it's the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel or the top housing affecting the sound when releasing a key, users can expect consistent characteristics in terms of sound and feel with either switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for tactile feedback and the typing experience desired by the user.
Weight
The Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of initial key press. However, the Cherry MX Red has an unknown bottom out force, while the WS Heavy Tactile has a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it heavier and providing a more substantial typing experience. The Cherry MX Red would be preferred for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the WS Heavy Tactile would be better suited for individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and a more pronounced typing experience. The actuation force and weight of the switches play a significant role in determining the overall typing experience and comfort level for users.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, it is clear that the MX Red has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the WS Heavy Tactile's 3.2 mm. The MX Red is a more traditional option with a slightly longer travel distance, offering a deeper keypress feel. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile provides a slightly shorter travel distance, catering to those who prefer a quicker response time. Both switches have their advantages depending on personal preference; the MX Red is ideal for those who enjoy a deeper keypress, while the WS Heavy Tactile is better suited for those who prioritize speed and responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to individual preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
The Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile 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 Red switch offers a deep and satisfying "thocky" sound profile with low-pitched tones, creating a pleasant auditory experience for typists. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch provides a sharper and more resonant "clacky" sound with higher-pitched notes, giving off a crisp and percussive sound profile that can be engaging and immersive. Both switches offer distinct sound characteristics, appealing to different preferences based on the desired auditory feedback during typing sessions.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Red switch is noted for its slightly textured feel, offering a balance between smoothness and tactile feedback for users. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch provides an invigorating and bouncy typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump that is not overly scratchy or subtle. With features like accented tactility and sharp feedback, the WS Heavy Tactile switch offers a more dynamic and lively typing sensation compared to the smoother feel of the MX Red switch.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the MX Red switch provides a robust typing experience with a deeper sound profile and a slightly textured feel, the WS Heavy Tactile switch delivers a more immersive and engaging typing experience with a sharper sound profile and a bouncy and invigorating tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing dynamics in order to enhance the overall mechanical keyboard typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a smooth typing experience with a slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, along with no bottom out force, the Cherry MX Red would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a profound tactile experience with a 70g bump, immersive resistance, and a captivating "thocky" sound, along with a medium-heavy bottom out force, then the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch is right up your alley. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and overall typing experience.
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