Cherry MX Speed Silver vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the differences between the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile offer unique advantages for distinct user preferences. The Cherry MX Speed Silver, a linear switch, is engineered for gamers who demand swift responsiveness; its full-height design and low spring resistance allow for instantaneous actuation, making every millisecond count during fast-paced play. With a textured, thocky feedback and a low-pitched sound profile, it provides an immersive gaming experience where precision is crucial. In contrast, the WS Light Tactile switch caters to those who appreciate tactile feedback without sacrificing smoothness. Its snappy, perceptible bump, coupled with a neutral sound signature, delivers a satisfying typing experience ideal for both gamers and typists alike, while ensuring that each keystroke is easy to press. Given these distinct characteristics, the choice between these two switches hinges on whether speed or tactile sensation is your priority. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Cherry MX Speed Silver Linear

Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile Tactile

$5.90

$4.00 per 10

$4.20 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile, a notable distinction arises in their choice of top housing. The MX Speed Silver utilizes nylon, a classic switch housing material known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is largely due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder auditory experience. On the contrary, the WS Light Tactile employs polycarbonate for its top housing, which is recognized for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This difference in material not only alters the overall sound profile but also influences the tactile experience when typing, as the harsher timbre of polycarbonate stands in contrast to the rich warmth of nylon.

Interestingly, both switches feature nylon in their bottom housing, which contributes to a similar sound profile for that component. Nylon’s soft and absorbent qualities are consistent across both models, resulting in a deeper, fuller auditory output when bottoming out the switch. This shared material means that while the top housings create distinct sound characteristics due to their different compositions, users will experience a familiar and uniform sound profile from the bottom of both switches. Therefore, if you're looking for similar auditory results when pressing the keys, the nylon in the bottom housing serves as a commonality that ties them together.

In conclusion, the contrasting materials of the top housings of the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the WS Light Tactile lead to unique sound experiences that cater to different preferences. For users seeking clarity and sharpness, the polycarbonate of the WS Light Tactile may be more appealing, while those who prefer the warmth and richness provided by nylon will gravitate towards the MX Speed Silver. However, due to the nylon's shared presence in the bottom housing of both switches, the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback remain consistently profound across both products. Thus, the choice ultimately boils down to personal preference regarding the top housing material while still achieving a similar auditory outcome when bottoming out the keys.

Weight

The Cherry MX Speed Silver and Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches exhibit similar characteristics in terms of their actuation force, as both require 45 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. This means users can expect a comparable typing feel in terms of the effort needed to activate each key. However, the bottom out force differs notably between the two. The WS Light Tactile switch has a bottom out force of 50 grams, whereas the Cherry MX Speed Silver’s bottom out force is unknown. This implicit difference suggests that the WS Light Tactile provides a slightly heavier push feel when fully depressed, which can contribute to a more substantial typing experience favored by some users. As a result, while both switches require the same actuation force, the WS Light Tactile is notably the heavier option due to its defined bottom out force. In contrast, if the MX Speed Silver does not register a bottom out force, it could be perceived as potentially lighter overall during extensive use.

Travel distance

The Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch features a greater travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the MX Speed Silver the shorter option, appealing to gamers who favor quicker response times due to its reduced travel distance. In contrast, the WS Light Tactile, with its longer travel distance, offers a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for a more satisfying and tactile typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you value speed and responsiveness or a more pronounced depth in your keystrokes.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch produces a thocky and low-pitched tone, characterized by a deep, rich sound that is often satisfying for gamers and typists alike. This sound profile can provide a pleasant auditory feedback during typing, making it feel more engaging. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile offers a neutral sound signature, which is less intrusive and versatile, suitable for quieter environments like offices or shared spaces. This neutral sound makes it more accommodating for various settings, whether a home or work environment. Ultimately, the choice of keyboard materials and keycaps can also influence the sound produced by either switch.

In terms of feel, the MX Speed Silver is noted for its textured action, delivering a distinct friction that some users may find engaging, while others may prefer a smoother experience. This texture, contributing to a more tactile response, can provide an immersive typing sensation, particularly for gamers seeking that direct connection with their keystrokes. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile features a stepped feel, offering a noticeable tactile bump reminiscent of two stages of key travel. It also boasts an easy-to-press nature, providing low resistance, which allows for a more comfortable typing experience, particularly beneficial during long typing sessions. These differences in feel cater to different preferences, emphasizing either a more pronounced tactile response or a lighter, more effortless actuation.

In conclusion, while both the Cherry MX Speed Silver and Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches serve unique purposes, they each provide a distinctive auditory and tactile experience. The Speed Silver’s thocky and low-pitched sound contrasts with the neutral sound of the WS Light Tactile, while its textured feel stands in opposition to the WS Light's stepped and ease of press. Gamers might gravitate toward the Speed Silver for its rapid response and gratifying sound profile, while typists and casual users may prefer the WS Light Tactile for its comfort and versatility across various settings. The optimal choice will ultimately depend on individual preferences and intended use.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch ultimately depends on your primary usage and personal preferences. If you are a gamer who prioritizes rapid response times and need every millisecond advantage possible, the MX Speed Silver is the clear winner. Its linear action, characterized by minimal spring resistance and a low-pitched, thocky sound, allows for quick actuation, making it ideal for fast-paced gameplay. However, if you prefer a more balanced experience with a tactile feel for typing, the WS Light Tactile switch is an excellent option. With its snappy tactile bump and neutral sound profile, it provides a satisfying response without overwhelming noise, making it suitable for both casual typing and professional environments. Ultimately, if you prioritize speed and smoothness for gaming, lean towards the Speed Silver, while for a comfortable and responsive typing experience, the WS Light Tactile will serve you well.

Mentioned in this article

Cherry MX Speed Silver Linear

$5.90

$4.00 per 10

Learn more

Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile Tactile

$4.20 per 10

Learn more