Cherry MX Silent Red vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Silent Red and Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile are popular options to consider. The Cherry MX Silent Red is a linear switch that provides a slightly heftier feel compared to the MX Red but operates silently, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. It offers a satisfying typing experience with a significantly quieter sound profile, categorized as 'Muted', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', and 'Textured'. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile by Wuque Studio is a tactile switch known for its smoothness, snappy tactile bump, and neutral sound signature. It falls under the category of 'Stepped', 'Neutral', and 'Easy-to-press'. Both switches have their own unique qualities that appeal to different preferences. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile, a notable difference is seen in the materials used for their top housings. While the MX Silent Red features a nylon top housing that creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, the WS Light Tactile utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The use of polycarbonate also allows for a clear housing, making it ideal for RGB lighting effects. Despite these differences, both materials offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences in typing experience.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing of these switches, both the MX Silent Red and WS Light Tactile share a commonality in their use of nylon. This material is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound than harder plastics. As a result, both switches provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel when it comes to the bottom housing. This shared characteristic offers consistency in the typing experience for users who prefer the qualities that nylon brings to the table.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for switches plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and feel of each keystroke. While the MX Silent Red and the WS Light Tactile differ in their top housing materials, both switches effectively utilize nylon for their bottom housing, creating a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel. Whether you prefer the deeper and fuller sound of nylon or the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate, each switch offers a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences. Ultimately, the housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equal in this aspect. However, they differ when it comes to bottom out force. The MX Silent Red has an unknown bottom out force, while the WS Light Tactile has a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it the heavier of the two. The lighter actuation force of 45 grams in both switches allows for smoother and quicker keystrokes, ideal for those who type for long periods or engage in extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, the heavier bottom out force of 50 grams in the WS Light Tactile provides a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for lighter or heavier typing forces.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, making it the shorter option compared to the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The MX Silent Red switch offers a slightly quicker response time for gamers who prefer shorter travel distances, while the WS Light Tactile switch provides a bit more depth for those who enjoy a more pronounced key press. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their travel distance, but ultimately, the user will get similar results depending on their personal preference.
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 Light 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 Silent Red switch offers a muted, thocky, and low-pitched sound profile, ensuring a quieter typing experience compared to standard mechanical switches. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch provides a neutral sound signature, suitable for various environments and preferences. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, with the MX Silent Red emphasizing silence while the WS Light Tactile remains balanced and versatile. When considering sound as a factor, users seeking a quieter option may lean towards the Cherry MX Silent Red, while those desiring a more neutral sound may prefer the WS Light Tactile.
Switching to the tactile aspect, the Cherry MX Silent Red is known for its textured feel, providing a slight friction when pressed that may appeal to certain users. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch offers a stepped tactile sensation, giving a two-stage keystroke experience that balances feedback with comfort. Additionally, the WS Light Tactile is described as easy-to-press, reducing typing fatigue during long sessions and offering a responsive touch. Individuals who value a unique tactile experience may gravitate towards the WS Light Tactile for its stepped design and gentle actuation force, while those who prefer a bit of friction may find the textured feel of the Cherry MX Silent Red appealing.
Overall, when choosing between the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, users must consider their preferences for sound and feel. The Cherry MX Silent Red offers a quieter typing experience with its muted, thocky sound profile and textured feel, catering to individuals seeking a smoother but silent operation. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile provides a neutral sound signature and a stepped tactile sensation, appealing to those looking for a balanced and easy-to-press typing experience. Whether prioritizing silence or a unique tactile feel, both switches offer distinct qualities that can elevate one's mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in sound and tactile feedback, ensuring a customized typing experience tailored to individual needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, consider your environment and personal preferences. If you value a quieter typing experience in noise-sensitive settings, the MX Silent Red is an excellent choice with its muted and thocky sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a light tactile bump and a neutral sound signature for a versatile typing experience, the WS Light Tactile switch is the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize silence and a slightly heftier feel or prefer a snappy tactile feedback with a light actuation force. Both switches offer unique characteristics to enhance your typing experience, so choose the one that aligns best with your individual needs.
Mentioned in this article
