Cherry MX Silent Red vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the options can be overwhelming, but two popular choices—Cherry MX Silent Red and Wuque Studio WS Dash—offer distinct experiences tailored to various user preferences. The Cherry MX Silent Red is celebrated for its linear design, mirroring the classic MX Red but with a significant advantage: an exceptionally quiet operation that makes it perfect for noise-sensitive environments such as offices or shared workspaces. This switch features a muted, thocky sound profile that provides a satisfying tactile response without disturbing those around you. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Dash, known for its vibrant and clacky sound signature, utilizes Hall Effect technology to deliver a silky smooth keystroke that many gamers and typists crave. While the WS Dash adds a touch of flair and auditory excitement to the typing experience, it may not be suitable in quieter settings. Ultimately, whether you prioritize a serene typing environment or a more dynamic sound experience will guide your switch selection. 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
30g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Cherry MX Silent Red and the Wuque Studio WS Dash differ significantly in their top housing materials, resulting in contrasting sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The Cherry MX Silent Red features a nylon top housing, a classic choice known for its sound-absorbing qualities. This softer plastic contributes to a deeper and fuller sound while typing, embodying a dulled, rounder acoustic character. In contrast, the WS Dash employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its stiffness and translucency. This material produces a higher-pitched, crisper sound profile that resonates more clearly and vibrantly, making it particularly suited for setups that utilize RGB lighting due to its lighting-enhancing properties. Thus, the key difference lies in the acoustic outcome and aesthetic capabilities, with the MX Silent Red favoring a muted sound experience and the WS Dash emphasizing bright, resonant auditory feedback.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, both switches utilize nylon, which shifts some of the acoustic characteristics back towards a deeper and fuller sound profile. The bottom housing is critical in determining the overall typing feel and bottom-out sound, thus the shared nylon composition in the MX Silent Red and WS Dash suggests that users can expect similar tactile feedback from both switches when pressed down fully. Despite the contrasting top housing materials, the nylon bottom housing in both switches provides a consistent foundation for sound absorption, leading to a duller, rounder sound upon bottoming out, which can make the experiences more comparable for users who prioritize the feel of the keypress.
In essence, while the top housing materials of the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Wuque Studio WS Dash create distinctly different sound profiles, their matching nylon bottom housings serve to unify the typing feel and acoustics to a certain degree. Users interested in a switch with a softer and more muted sound will find common ground in both models thanks to the nylon used in their lower sections. Consequently, those who value the bottom-out experience may not perceive vast differences in sound when typing on both switches, despite the notable discrepancies in the top housing materials. This interplay ensures that, although the overall acoustic profiles diverge, the tactile experience remains comparably rich across both options.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cherry MX Silent Red features an actuation force of 45 grams, which is heavier compared to the WS Dash's actuation force of 30 grams, making the WS Dash lighter and potentially more suitable for users who prefer extended typing sessions or lighter keystrokes. In terms of bottom out force, the MX Silent Red's value is unavailable, while the WS Dash's bottom out force is 55 grams, categorized as medium-light. This indicates that, while both switches have their unique characteristics, the WS Dash offers a distinctively lighter actuation feel, paired with a noticeable medium-light bottom out force, making it ideal for those seeking a softer touch. In contrast, users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may gravitate toward the heavier actuation force of the Cherry MX Silent Red. Overall, users can expect a more pronounced keystroke with the heavier switch, while the lighter option promotes effortless typing.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Silent Red switch offers a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the MX Silent Red provides a more substantial key press, which some users may prefer for a more pronounced feel when typing or gaming. In contrast, the WS Dash, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal more to gamers seeking quicker response times, as a shorter distance can facilitate faster actuation. If you lean towards longer travel distances for a deeper and more satisfying keystroke, the MX Silent Red would be the more suitable choice. Conversely, if you're looking for efficiency and speed in your key presses, the WS Dash would be the better option for a quicker gaming experience.
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 Dash has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Dash for $7.49.
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 switch is known for its muted sound profile, making it exceptionally suitable for noise-sensitive environments. It produces a softer sound, characterized by a thocky quality, which provides a deep, rich auditory feedback without the clacking typical of many mechanical switches. Its low-pitched tone further enhances the experience, creating a pleasant auditory environment that minimizes disruption, especially in shared spaces. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch offers a bright, clacky sound signature that stands in stark contrast to the Silent Red. The clackiness can add an element of excitement to typing, appealing to those who enjoy more pronounced auditory feedback. However, both sound experiences can be influenced by other factors, such as the type of keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red is described as textured, providing noticeable friction during key presses. This quality might be appreciated by users who enjoy a certain level of resistance as they type. The texture can lead to a more tactile experience, allowing some to maintain a better sense of control over their keystrokes. In comparison, the WS Dash switches' feel is currently unknown, making it difficult to draw direct parallels; however, the smooth keystroke they offer maintains a level of refinement that may cater to users looking for a more fluid typing experience.
In conclusion, if you are seeking a switch that combines silent operation with a satisfying typing feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red is an excellent choice. Its muted sound and textured feedback cater to those needing a quieter workspace, while still offering a tactile interaction. Conversely, the WS Dash hall effect switch presents a brighter sound profile alongside a potentially smoother keystroke, appealing to users who delight in a more dynamic auditory experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your prioritization of sound and feel, as both switches provide unique attributes that can enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch ultimately comes down to your specific typing style and environment. If you find yourself in a noise-sensitive setting, such as an office or shared living space, the Cherry MX Silent Red is your ideal partner. Its muted sound profile and smooth keystroke provide an excellent typing experience without the disruption of audible clicks, making it perfect for those who need to keep things quiet. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more tactile, engaging experience with a distinctively bright and clacky sound signature, the WS Dash could be the right fit for you. Its silky smooth keystrokes and a mid-range bottom-out force make it suitable for gaming and typing alike, providing a satisfying auditory feedback that can enhance your overall experience. Thus, it is all about balancing your preference for sound, feel, and the environment in which you will be using your keyboard. Consider your priorities, and choose the switch that resonates most with your needs.
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