Bsun Olive vs. Wuque Studio WS POM+
An in-depth look at the Bsun Olive and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can drastically influence your typing experience, and two notable contenders in this realm are the BSUN Olive and the Wuque Studio WS POM+. The Olive switches are renowned for their pronounced tactile feedback, featuring a unique design that provides a crisp, satisfying sound and feel with each keystroke. Their all-POM housing contributes to a resonant auditory experience that many typists crave, making them an excellent choice for those who appreciate tactile sensations during typing. On the other hand, the WS POM+ switches offer a linear experience characterized by a deep, satisfying "thock" sound and a buttery-smooth keystroke. This combination creates a more subdued auditory profile, perfect for users who prefer a quieter workspace without sacrificing performance. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches often comes down to personal preference—whether you favor the tactile and auditory feedback of the Olives or the smooth and quiet nature of the WS POM+. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Olive and the Wuque Studio WS POM+, both models utilize POM (Polyoxymethylene) for their top and bottom housings, which leads to similarities in their sound and performance characteristics. The POM material is recognized for its ability to produce a pleasing sound profile that leans towards the deeper and more muted end of the spectrum. This shared choice of material allows both switches to achieve a comparable acoustic quality, resulting in a satisfying typing experience that many enthusiasts appreciate. The consistency in the housing materials suggests that users can expect similar auditory results when utilizing either switch, particularly in terms of the overall sound produced during both key presses and releases.
While the housing materials are identical in both the Bsun Olive and the WS POM+, the impact of housing on the switch performance can vary slightly based on their design and construction. Although both models feature POM in the top and bottom housings—contributing to that deep, muted sound profile—the nuances in their respective designs can influence the overall feel and responsiveness during use. In switches, the bottom housing plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback, while the top housing mainly affects the sound upon key release. Therefore, any difference in switch design beyond just the material might lead to distinctive tactile experiences, despite having the same POM housing composition.
Ultimately, the choice of POM as the housing material for both the Bsun Olive and the WS POM+ indicates a strong commitment to producing a quality typing experience that prioritizes sound and feel. However, due to potential variations in the internal components and assembly techniques used for each switch, users may still notice differences in how the switches behave and sound in practical use. To fully understand and appreciate these differences, it's advisable to try each switch in action, as the POM materials will certainly create a solid foundation on which both models excel, but the overall character may differ slightly depending on the design variations.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, there are similarities and notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning that users will experience a similar feel when initiating a keystroke, which can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or gaming. However, the bottom out forces diverge; the Olive has a heavier bottom out force at 65 grams compared to the WS POM+'s 55 grams. This makes the Olive switch feel more substantial upon bottoming out, which some users may prefer for a firmer typing experience. Consequently, the WS POM+ is the lighter option overall, making it more suitable for those who value a gentler touch for prolonged use. In contrast, the Olive is ideal for users who enjoy a heavier key feel.
Travel distance
The Bsun Olive tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch differ in travel distance, with the Olive measuring 3.4 mm and the WS POM+ measuring 3.6 mm. This makes the Olive the shorter option, while the WS POM+ offers a slightly longer travel distance. Given that 4.0 mm is the most traditional travel distance, both switches fall on the shorter side, appealing to those who prefer quicker response times—ideal for gamers seeking an edge in performance. However, for users who appreciate a more substantial feel when typing, the WS POM+ may be the better choice due to its greater depth in travel, creating a potentially more satisfying tactile experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
The Wuque Studio WS POM+ comes in at $3.90 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 Bsun Olive switches are characterized by a resonant, deep tone, providing an auditory experience that many users find distinctly satisfying. The overall sound profile can be described as rich and fulfilling, with a crisp sharpness upon bottoming out. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switches are noted for their “thocky” sound signature, which delivers a deep, low-pitched, and rich auditory experience that feels akin to a soft knock when pressed. While both switches produce pleasing sound profiles, the Olive's sound is more resonant, whereas the WS POM+ offers a bass-heavy and subdued experience. Ultimately, the sound of any keyboard will also be influenced by the board and keycaps used.
In terms of tactile feel, the Bsun Olive switches offer pronounced tactile feedback, characterized as invigorating and sharp, lending itself to a typing experience filled with pronounced tactile sensations. Users will notice that the tactile bump is prominent and distinctly felt on each keypress, giving rise to a sense of engagement during typing. The WS POM+, on the other hand, provides an exceptionally smooth experience, described as buttery and silky. These switches excel in offering a seamless keystroke that minimizes resistance, favoring a more fluid typing motion over the pronounced feedback of the Olive switches. The difference lies in the tactile responsiveness of the Olive versus the silky smoothness of the WS POM+.
In conclusion, the Bsun Olive tactile switches and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Olive delivers a more resonant and sharp auditory experience paired with distinct tactile feedback, making it ideal for users who appreciate a pronounced tactile sensation with their typing. Meanwhile, the WS POM+ excels in providing a smooth, satisfying keystroke with a deep, thocky sound signature. Your choice will ultimately depend on whether you prioritize feedback and resonance or smoothness and subtlety in your typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you appreciate a medium-heavy feel and desire a clearly defined tactile experience with pronounced feedback, the Bsun Olive is likely the better choice for you. Its 65-gram actuation force provides a satisfying, firm response that can enhance your typing experience, particularly if you enjoy that invigorating and snappy feedback with every keystroke. This switch is also ideal if you prefer a deeper, resonant sound profile, adding an auditory dimension to your typing experience that many find gratifying. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter touch and a smoother, more fluid typing experience, the Wuque Studio WS POM+ would be more suitable. With a bottom-out force of 55 grams, it offers a buttery and silky feel, making it perfect for extended typing sessions or fast-paced gaming where rapid key presses are essential. Its thocky sound can provide a satisfying auditory feedback without being too overwhelming, which is great for those who favor a more subdued sound signature. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your specific needs and preferences—whether you want a tactile, engaging experience or a smooth and effortless one.