Cherry MX Silent Red vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Cherry MX Silent Red, a linear switch, with the Wuque Studio WS Brown, a tactile switch, there are distinct differences to consider. The MX Silent Red offers a quieter typing experience compared to its counterpart, making it suitable for noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the WS Brown provides a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort, ideal for long typing sessions without causing fatigue. The MX Silent Red is characterized by its muted, thocky, low-pitched, and textured qualities, while the WS Brown has yet to be categorized. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 housing materials of the Cherry MX Silent Red and WS Brown switches are both made of nylon, a classic switch housing material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In terms of typing experience, both switches are likely to offer a similar tactile feel and sound due to the common use of nylon in their top and bottom housings.
However, despite the similarities in housing materials, the Cherry MX Silent Red and WS Brown switches may still have subtle differences in sound and feel. This is because the qualities of the housing material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when the key is released. These differences in housing placement could potentially lead to variations in typing experience between the two switches.
Ultimately, the decision between the Cherry MX Silent Red and WS Brown switches may come down to personal preference. Both switches offer the benefits of nylon housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Whether the slight differences in sound and feel between the two switches will have a noticeable impact on your typing experience is subjective and may require testing both switches to determine which one suits your preferences better.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the weight of the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role. The MX Silent Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes with minimal effort. In contrast, the WS Brown has a heavier bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. While the actuation force of the WS Brown is not specified, it is likely to be heavier than the MX Silent Red. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing intensity. If one prefers a lighter touch and easier keystrokes, the MX Silent Red would be the ideal choice. However, for a more pronounced typing experience with a heavier push feel, the WS Brown would be the better option.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch is 3.7 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter range of travel distances, making them ideal for those seeking quicker response times during typing or gaming. The difference of 0.1 mm between the two switches may not be noticeable to some users, while others may prefer the slightly longer travel distance of the WS Brown for a more substantial keypress feel. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of responsiveness and keypress depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
The Wuque Studio WS Brown 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
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch is well-known for its muted, thocky sound profile that provides a quieter typing experience compared to regular mechanical switches. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch offers a harmonious auditory experience with a familiar and delightful sound resulting from its nylon housing and POM stem combination. While the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors like keycaps and the keyboard itself, the MX Silent Red and WS Brown switches provide distinct acoustic profiles for users to enjoy.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is described as having a textured sensation, implying a level of friction when pressed that some users may find enjoyable. Conversely, information regarding the feel of the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches is not provided. Despite this difference, both switches offer unique tactile experiences that cater to various typing preferences, with the MX Silent Red focusing on texture while the WS Brown offers a medium-light actuation force for a balanced feel between responsiveness and comfort.
When considering all available information, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch provide distinct qualities in terms of sound and potentially feel. The MX Silent Red excels in offering a quieter, muted sound profile with a textured feel for those who appreciate a slightly heftier typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Brown switch stands out for its harmonious auditory experience and medium-light actuation force, providing a balance between responsiveness and comfort. Depending on personal preference for sound and tactile feedback, users can choose between these switches to enhance their typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, consider the environment and your personal preferences. If you prioritize a quiet typing experience in noise-sensitive environments, the MX Silent Red is the way to go with its muted, thocky, and low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, if you enjoy a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort and prefer a medium-light actuation force for fatigue-free typing, the WS Brown switch may be the better option. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style and the setting in which you'll be using the keyboard the most.
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