Outemu Blue vs. Wuque Studio WS POM+
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the distinct advantages of options like the Outemu Blue and the Wuque Studio WS POM+. The Outemu Blue switches are popular for their clicky feedback, providing tactile and audible responses that many typists appreciate for their satisfying sensation while typing. This makes them an ideal choice for those who thrive on sensory feedback, enhancing the overall experience during both gaming and productivity tasks. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switches offer a smooth, linear typing experience characterized by a deep, satisfying "thock" sound signature and seamless keystrokes. Ideal for those who prioritize a quieter, more fluid typing experience, the WS POM+ can minimize distractions in shared spaces. Both switches cater to different preferences, appealing to a wide range of users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
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
The Outemu Blue and Wuque Studio WS POM+ switches present an intriguing contrast between their respective housing materials, particularly in the top housing. The Outemu Blue utilizes polycarbonate, a material known for its stiffer structure, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This quality makes polycarbonate an excellent choice for switches incorporated with RGB lighting, as its translucency enhances the aesthetic while allowing the lights to shine through effectively. In contrast, the WS POM+ features a POM (polyoxymethylene) top housing that offers a unique and deeper sound profile. While polycarbonate tends to emphasize clarity and brightness, POM's distinct characteristics provide a more muted sound that appeals to those who prefer a softer auditory experience. This divergence in sound profiles highlights how different top housing materials can dramatically alter the acoustic quality of a keyboard switch.
Examining the bottom housings reveals further contrasts between the two switches. The Outemu Blue employs nylon for its bottom housing, a classic material renowned for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness. Nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience that complements the sharper sound of polycarbonate in the top housing. On the other hand, the WS POM+ uses POM for both its top and bottom housing, creating a coherent sound profile throughout. Although the POM bottom housing also yields a deeper and more muted sound, it lacks the distinct layering that results from the combination of nylon and polycarbonate, giving the POM+ a more unified acoustic character.
In essence, the sound experiences provided by the Outemu Blue and Wuque Studio WS POM+ reflect the unique contributions of their housing materials. The Blue switch creates a more complex auditory environment by merging the crispness of polycarbonate in the top with the warmth of nylon in the bottom, resulting in a blend of sharp highs and deep lows. In contrast, the WS POM+ delivers a harmonious sound profile by utilizing the same material for both top and bottom housings, resulting in a consistent deeper and more muted auditory experience. Both switches can achieve satisfactory sound profiles, but the specific sound characteristics will depend heavily on the interplay between the different housing materials employed.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, there's a notable difference in their actuation forces. The Outemu Blue requires an actuation force of 50 grams, which is slightly heavier than the 45 grams needed for the WS POM+. This makes the WS POM+ lighter and potentially more comfortable for extended typing sessions, appealing to users who prefer a more effortless keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the WS POM+ has a measurable bottom out force of 55 grams, which indicates that it provides a more substantial feel when the key is fully pressed down. Unfortunately, the bottom out force for the Outemu Blue is unspecified, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons in that regard. Overall, those who favor a lighter switch for prolonged use might lean towards the WS POM+, while users looking for a more pronounced, heavier typing experience may find the Outemu Blue more appealing.
Travel distance
The Outemu Blue clicky switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference suggests that the Blue switch offers a more traditional feel with greater depth, which can provide a satisfying tactile experience for users who appreciate a pronounced actuation. In contrast, the WS POM+ switch, with its shorter travel distance, caters to gamers or those seeking quicker responsiveness. While both switches perform effectively for different uses, the Outemu Blue is likely to feel more robust due to its additional 0.4 mm of travel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for either a deeper actuation or a snappier response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Blue comes in at $3.10, whereas the Wuque Studio WS POM+ comes in at $3.90.
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
The Outemu Blue switch is known for its distinctive and sharp click sound, making it a popular choice among typists who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. Its prominent click provides a satisfying auditory cue with each keystroke, which can enhance the typing experience and improve typing accuracy. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switch boasts a deep, satisfying "thock" sound signature that adds a rich acoustic quality to the keystrokes. This sound profile is complemented by its design, which minimizes any harshness and enhances the overall clarity of the sound. Thus, while the Blue provides that classic clicky feedback, the WS POM+ offers a more muted, rounded auditory experience that may appeal to users seeking a more subdued yet satisfying acoustic presence.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Blue switch offers a tactile bump that is prominent upon actuation, providing a clear indication of when a key has been pressed. This tactile feedback can be appealing for typists who prioritize precision in their key presses. On the other hand, the WS POM+ switch is characterized by its buttery-smooth keystroke, delivering an exceptionally fluid typing experience without any tactile resistance. This difference in feedback means that typists may prefer the Blue for its definitive response, while those looking for a seamless keypress may gravitate towards the WS POM+.
In summary, the Outemu Blue and Wuque Studio WS POM+ switches present two very different typing experiences. The Blue offers a sharp, clicky auditory feedback with a tactile bump that many typists cherish for its precision. Conversely, the WS POM+ provides a deeper thock sound with a smooth linear feel that appeals to those who favor a quieter and more fluid typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between them will depend on personal preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback, as each switch has its unique charm that enhances the mechanical keyboard experience in distinct ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Outemu Blue clicky switches and Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a tactile typing experience with an audible click that provides feedback with each keystroke, the Outemu Blue switches may be the better option for you. They can be ideal for typists who appreciate the classic sound of a mechanical keyboard and who may not mind the slightly heavier actuation point often associated with clicky switches. However, if you're looking for a smoother, quieter typing experience that allows for rapid key presses without the tactile bump, the WS POM+ switches would serve you well. Known for their medium-light bottom-out force and the deep thock sound signature, these switches offer a satisfying feel that many users find enhances their overall typing experience. Ultimately, consider where you will be using your keyboard—if it's in a shared space and you want to minimize noise, the WS POM+ is your go-to. However, if you value that clicky feedback for a more engaging typing experience, then the Outemu Blue switches might be just what you need.
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