Cherry MX Speed Silver vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Speed Silver 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 for your gaming or work needs, the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear are two excellent options to consider. The MX Speed Silver is perfect for gamers looking for maximum speed and responsiveness, thanks to its linear action and low spring resistance. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear switches by Wuque offer a quieter typing experience without the need for silicone dampeners, making them ideal for office environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and benefits, but ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your specific preferences and requirements. 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
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
In comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches, it is evident that both switches use nylon for their top and bottom housings. Nylon is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon housings. Therefore, both switches are likely to provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel when using them.
However, while both switches use nylon for their housing materials, the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear may still have differences in the overall typing experience. The arrangement of the nylon housings in the switches can affect the sound and feel of typing. If the top and bottom housings are different for a switch, the qualities of each housing material will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. This means that the bottom housing will have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key. These differences in housing arrangement could potentially result in variations in typing feedback between the two switches.
In conclusion, while the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches may use the same nylon material for their housing, the arrangement of the housings and the overall design of each switch can still lead to differences in the typing experience. The sound and feel when typing on these switches may vary slightly due to the distribution of the nylon material and its impact on the typing feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference for typing feel and sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch, it is evident that they offer different experiences to the user. The MX Speed Silver has a light actuation force of 30 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for faster typing speeds or gaming. Additionally, it has an unknown bottom out force, which may provide a more comfortable typing experience without the need to press all the way down. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is considered medium-heavy, offering a more substantial feel when typing. The actuation force of the WS Silent Linear is unknown, but based on the bottom out force, it is likely to require more force to trigger a keystroke compared to the MX Speed Silver. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether the user prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5mm. In this case, the WS Silent Linear has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the MX Speed Silver. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for quicker response times. The MX Speed Silver may provide a slightly more abrupt feel due to its shorter travel distance, while the WS Silent Linear may offer a slightly deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for travel distance in a keyboard switch.
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 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
When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Speed Silver is known for its thocky and low-pitched characteristics, creating a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch is described as neutral, muted, and subdued, offering a softer and quieter typing experience without the usual cushioned sensation. The WS Silent Linear switch stands out for its reduction in noise without the use of silicone dampeners, providing a more tranquil typing environment. Ultimately, if you prefer a more traditional deep and thocky sound, the MX Speed Silver would be the way to go, while the WS Silent Linear switch offers a more subdued and serene typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Speed Silver is known for its textured feel, which may not be preferred by all users as it provides noticeable friction when pressed. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch offers a mild typing experience, with qualities that fall into a safe middle-ground zone. With a more gentle feel, the WS Silent Linear switch may appeal to a wider range of users seeking a smoother and easier typing experience. Overall, if you enjoy a textured feel with noticeable friction, the MX Speed Silver would suit your preferences, while the WS Silent Linear switch provides a milder and more approachable typing experience.
Taking into consideration the sound and feel qualities of the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches, it is evident that they offer distinct experiences to users. The MX Speed Silver excels in providing a rapid response with its linear action and low spring resistance, along with its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, making it ideal for gamers seeking maximum speed. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear switch focuses on reducing noise with its neutral, muted, and subdued sound characteristics, delivering a tranquil typing experience without silicone dampeners. Whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness or a quieter and gentler typing experience, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on your individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches, consider your priorities. If you are a gamer looking for lightning-fast response times and minimal actuation force, the MX Speed Silver may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a quieter typing experience in a workplace setting and appreciate a switch that offers a subtle and gentle feel, the WS Silent Linear switches could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your specific needs and preferences to enhance your overall keyboarding experience.