Outemu Black vs. Wuque Studio WS Red
An in-depth look at the Outemu Black and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Black and the Wuque Studio WS Red both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Outemu Black is a linear switch, known for its smooth keystrokes without any tactile bump or audible click. On the other hand, the WS Red, also a linear switch, stands out with its 22mm double-stage spring that provides a bouncy and responsive typing experience. The WS Red also offers a heavier actuation force, adding a sense of weight to each keystroke for a more substantial typing feel. Each switch has its own strengths and it ultimately depends on personal preference. 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
65g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Black and the Wuque Studio WS Red, the biggest difference lies in their top housing material. The Black features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the WS Red's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. While the Black's top housing is ideal for those who prioritize a clear and resonant sound, the WS Red's top housing is perfect for those who prefer a duller and rounder sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing material, both switches use nylon, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer plastic composition absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. The similarities in the bottom housing material of the Outemu Black and the Wuque Studio WS Red suggest that users can expect a consistent feel and sound quality when pressing down on either switch.
Overall, the housing materials of the Outemu Black and the Wuque Studio WS Red play a significant role in shaping the sound profile of each switch. While the Black's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and higher-pitched sound, the WS Red's nylon top housing delivers a deeper and fuller sound. The shared use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal sound preferences and whether a sharper or duller sound profile is preferred.
Weight
The Outemu Black linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 65 grams compared to the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Outemu Black requires 82 grams, while the WS Red requires 67 grams, making it slightly lighter in comparison. The Black switch provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier forces, perfect for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the WS Red switch offers a medium-heavy bottom out force, which may be more comfortable for longer typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it slightly longer than the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch which has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Black being a bit more on the standard side compared to the slightly shorter Red. Gamers may appreciate the shorter travel distance of the WS Red for quicker response times, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Outemu Black. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for the feel and responsiveness of the keys.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Black comes in at $3.10, whereas the Wuque Studio WS Red comes in at $3.50.
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 comparing the subjective qualities of the Outemu Black linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, it is important to note that both switches have their own unique characteristics. The Outemu Black switch is not known for any specific sound or feel attributes, while the WS Red switch is praised for its bouncy and responsive typing experience with a heavier actuation force that adds weight to each keystroke. This gives the WS Red switch a satisfying and substantial typing feel. In terms of sound, the Black switch does not have any specific sound description available, while the WS Red switch is said to have a familiar sound signature due to its classic material blend. Ultimately, both switches can provide a smooth linear typing experience, but with the WS Red switch offering a slightly heavier actuation force and bouncy feel compared to the Outemu Black switch. Whether you choose the Outemu Black or the WS Red, you can expect a reliable and consistent typing experience depending on your personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the Outemu Black linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, you should consider a few key factors. If you prefer a heavy bottom out force and a more neutral typing experience, the Outemu Black switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a bouncy and responsive typing feel with a medium-heavy bottom out force, then the WS Red switch could be the ideal option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and feel.