Cherry MX Speed Silver vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile offer distinct experiences for users. The MX Speed Silver is a linear switch renowned for its rapid response, making it ideal for gamers who prioritize speed and precision in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch provides a tactile typing experience with a satisfying 70g bump and immersive resistance, delivering a "thocky" sound that enhances the typing experience. While the Speed Silver is best suited for gamers seeking quick and effortless keystrokes, the WS Heavy Tactile switch is perfect for typists who enjoy a more tactile and engaging typing experience. 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
70g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
While both the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile utilize nylon as their housing material, they differ slightly in terms of their design and construction. The MX Speed Silver's housing is built for speed, with a focus on quick and responsive keystrokes. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile's housing is designed to provide a heavier and more tactile feedback, catering to those who prefer a more pronounced typing experience. Despite both switches utilizing the same material, their housing designs cater to different preferences in typing style.
In terms of sound profile, both switches share similarities due to their nylon housing material. The nylon used in the housing of the MX Speed Silver and the WS Heavy Tactile absorbs sound well, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This characteristic creates a more muted and rounded sound compared to switches with harder plastic housing. Whether typing on the MX Speed Silver's quick switches or the WS Heavy Tactile's heavy tactile switches, users can expect a similar sound experience due to the shared nylon housing material.
The differentiation between the top and bottom housing of the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile contributes to their unique typing experiences. The bottom housing, which has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, plays a crucial role in the overall typing experience of each switch. In contrast, the top housing's impact becomes apparent when releasing a key, affecting the sound profile during key lifts. While both switches utilize nylon housing material, the distribution of qualities between the top and bottom housings plays a significant role in the overall typing experience of each switch.
Weight
In comparing the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play significant roles in determining the typing experience. The MX Speed Silver has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams compared to the WS Heavy Tactile's 45 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes with less effort. Additionally, the MX Speed Silver has an unknown bottom out force, while the WS Heavy Tactile has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the MX Speed Silver would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel may opt for the WS Heavy Tactile switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both switches offer a shorter travel distance than the traditional 4.0 mm distance, making them popular choices for gamers seeking faster response times. The MX Speed Silver is slightly longer in travel distance, which may provide a slightly more satisfying depth for some users. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may be preferred by those looking for a more immediate response. Overall, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of travel distance, allowing users to achieve comparable results in their typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Speed Silver 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 Speed Silver 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 Speed Silver switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, offering a deep and satisfying tone with each key press. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch is described as clacky, high-pitched, and resonant, providing a sharp, crisp sound that is clean and sharp. When comparing the two, users looking for a deeper and more bass-heavy sound may prefer the MX Speed Silver, while those seeking a brighter and sharper sound experience may lean towards the WS Heavy Tactile switch. However, it's essential to consider that the overall sound produced by a switch also depends on factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is characterized as textured, potentially offering a noticeable friction when pressed, which may appeal to users who prefer some tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch offers a range of feels such as accented, bouncy, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, providing various tactile feedback options to cater to different preferences. Users looking for a switch with a more pronounced and responsive tactile bump may find the WS Heavy Tactile switch to be ideal, while those seeking a smoother and friction-free typing experience may opt for the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. While the MX Speed Silver excels in providing a thocky and low-pitched sound with a textured feel offering some friction, the WS Heavy Tactile provides a clacky, high-pitched, and resonant sound with a range of tactile feels including accented, bouncy, invigorating, sharp, and snappy. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for sound and feel characteristics in their mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, consider your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize speed and instant response, especially for gaming where milliseconds matter, the MX Speed Silver with its low spring resistance and linear action is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more engaging and satisfying typing experience with a pronounced tactile feedback, the WS Heavy Tactile switch with its 70g bump and captivating sound might be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness or tactile feedback and immersion in your typing or gaming experience.
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