Cherry MX Silent Red vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear are both excellent options to consider. The Cherry MX Silent Red offers a familiar typing experience similar to the MX Red, but with the added benefit of silent operation, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear switches by Wuque provide a unique typing experience without the use of silicone dampeners, offering a more precise and responsive feel. While the MX Silent Red is categorized as 'Muted' and 'Thocky', the WS Silent Linear switches are categorized as 'Neutral' and 'Muted'. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Both the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches use nylon as the material for both their top and bottom housing. This means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon is known for absorbing more sound than harder plastics. The use of nylon in both switches creates a duller and rounder sound compared to switches made with harder plastics. As a result, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile when using either switch.
One key difference between the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches is that the Cherry MX Silent Red switches are well-known for their silent operation. The special design of the Cherry MX Silent Red switches aims to reduce the noise produced when typing, making them a popular choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, while both switches utilize nylon for their housing material, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches may not be as focused on complete silence during typing, instead prioritizing a deeper and fuller sound profile with the use of nylon.
In terms of flexibility and customization, both the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches offer a wide range of keycaps that can be used with their switches. The nylon housing material of both switches provides a solid base for keycap installation, allowing users to easily swap out keycaps to customize the look and feel of their keyboard. Additionally, the use of nylon ensures durability and longevity in both switches, making them reliable options for keyboard enthusiasts looking for quality switches for their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams when compared to the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the WS Silent Linear has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the bottom out force of the MX Silent Red is not specified. The lighter actuation force of the Cherry MX Silent Red may be preferred by those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, while the heavier bottom out force of the WS Silent Linear may provide a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, those who opt for the MX Silent Red can expect a lighter typing experience, whereas the WS Silent Linear offers a slightly heavier keystroke feel.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, making them popular choices among gamers looking for fast response times. The MX Silent Red offers a tad more depth compared to the WS Silent Linear, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press feedback.
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 Silent Linear 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, providing a softer and quieter typing experience compared to traditional mechanical switches. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch offers a neutral, muted, and subdued sound, with an emphasis on reducing noise while maintaining a satisfying bottom-out sound. Both switches aim to provide a quieter typing experience, but the WS Silent Linear offers a more subdued sound compared to the deeper thocky sound of the MX Silent Red.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is described as textured, which may provide a different typing experience compared to smoother switches. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch offers a mild typing experience, with a gentle feel that is approachable to most users. While the MX Silent Red switch may offer a tactile sensation due to its textured feel, the WS Silent Linear switch aims to provide a smoother and consistent typing experience.
Overall, both the Cherry MX Silent Red and Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches offer a quieter typing experience suitable for noise-sensitive environments. While the MX Silent Red switch provides a slightly heftier feel with a muted thocky sound, the WS Silent Linear switch offers a more subdued sound profile with a mild typing experience. Choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, as both switches are designed to enhance typing precision and tranquility in different ways. Regardless of the choice, users can expect a satisfying and quiet typing experience with either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a silent typing experience in a noise-sensitive environment, then the MX Silent Red with its muted and thocky sound profile would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you seek a unique typing experience that blends tranquility with precision and prefer a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, then the WS Silent Linear switch by Wuque Studio would be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for sound, feel, and bottom out force to ensure that you select the switch that aligns best with your typing needs and environment.
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