Outemu Gold vs. Wuque Studio WS Jade
An in-depth look at the Outemu Gold and the Wuque Studio WS Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the benefits of clicky versus linear options. The Outemu Gold switch, a clicky switch, is designed to provide satisfying tactile feedback with each keystroke, making it ideal for typists who enjoy an audible click to confirm their input. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Jade switch offers a smooth, linear experience characterized by a creamy typing feel complemented by a unique metallic resonant sound profile, thanks to its innovative metal insert in the stem base. While the WS Jade's light diffuser enhances the aesthetic appeal with vibrant RGB lighting, the Outemu Gold caters to those who appreciate the traditional, clacky response. Each switch serves a distinct purpose: the Gold for those who thrive on auditory feedback and the Jade for users seeking a quieter yet luxurious typing experience. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
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
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Gold and the Wuque Studio WS Jade switches present distinct contrasts that shape their acoustic profiles significantly. The Gold features a polycarbonate top housing which is known for its stiffness, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material’s translucency also permits RGB lighting to shine through effectively, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switch. In contrast, the WS Jade boasts a POM top housing that offers a deeper and more muted sound. POM provides a unique character to the auditory experience but misses the transparent qualities of polycarbonate that allow for enhanced lighting effects. Ultimately, while both switches excel in their respective sonic outputs, the Gold emphasizes clarity and brightness, while the Jade brings forth a warmer tone.
The bottom housings of both switches also contribute significantly to their overall sound profiles, yet they differ markedly in their material composition. Outemu Gold features a nylon bottom housing, which is recognized for creating a fuller, deeper sound through its softer characteristics. This softer plastic absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. On the other hand, the WS Jade's POM bottom housing shares some acoustic similarities with the nylon, creating a muted and pleasant sound. Hence, although both switches aim for deeper sound profiles, the Gold leans toward a fuller resonance due to nylon’s absorption properties, while the Jade maintains a distinct yet limited depth with its POM material.
In summary, the overall sound characteristics of both the Outemu Gold and the WS Jade switches can be influenced by the combination of their respective housing materials. While the Gold’s polycarbonate top adds brightness and clarity paired with its nylon bottom's muted richness, the JS Jade employs a POM top and bottom that together cater to a uniquely pleasing sound. The differences in sound may be minimal when two different materials complement each other effectively; however, the result will manifest as a blend of distinct tonal qualities. Ultimately, both switches are designed to deliver enjoyable and varied sound profiles, catering to various preferences for typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, notable differences in their actuation forces emerge. The Outemu Gold requires an actuation force of 45 grams, while the WS Jade has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. This makes the Gold switch lighter, potentially offering more comfort for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. Both switches share the same bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating that users will experience a similar level of resistance when pressing down fully on each switch. For typists who favor a more substantial feel in their keystrokes, the heavier actuation force of the WS Jade may be more appealing, while those leaning towards a lighter option would prefer the Outemu Gold. Overall, users looking for a balance between the actuation force and bottom out force will find both switches provide a satisfactory typing experience, albeit with varying responses at the actuation level.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, it is clear that the Gold switch offers a longer travel distance at 4 mm, while the WS Jade switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that users who opt for the Outemu Gold will experience a more pronounced key press, making it suitable for those who enjoy a more traditional and hearty depth when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the WS Jade's shorter travel distance provides a quicker response time, favoring gamers and those who prefer a more agile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences; if you like a more responsive feel, the WS Jade is the better option, while the Outemu Gold may be ideal for those who appreciate greater key travel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Gold comes in at $3.10, whereas the Wuque Studio WS Jade comes in at $4.30.
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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Gold clicky switch's acoustic qualities remain unspecified. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch is well-known for its distinctive auditory profile. The WS Jade produces a clacky sound that is sharp and snappy, creating a bright and percussive experience as one types. Additionally, its marbly characteristics give off a higher-pitched and resonant frequency, akin to the sound of striking a solid piece of marble or billiard balls colliding. This combination results in an immersive auditory experience that enhances the overall typing enjoyment, closely aligning with the preferences of users who appreciate a more pronounced soundscape.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the tactile sensation of the Outemu Gold is not defined in the available information. However, the WS Jade switches are characterized by their unique feel. They provide a silky typing experience that minimizes resistance, allowing for a smooth and easy press. Moreover, the creamy texture lends a buttery sensation to the act of typing, as if the fingers glide over the keys effortlessly. This combination of silky and creamy sensations creates a rock-solid bottom-out that ensures confidence in each keystroke, making the WS Jade an appealing choice for those who prioritize comfort and a pleasant tactile feedback during long typing sessions.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Gold lacks specified comparisons for both sound and feel, the Wuque Studio WS Jade switches offer a robust auditory profile and an enhancement of the typing experience through their silky and creamy textures. For enthusiasts who enjoy pronounced sounds and a smooth typing experience, the WS Jade switches would be the superior choice. Ultimately, the selection between these switches depends on the individual's personal preferences and typing needs, but those looking for auditory excitement and a refined tactile feel will find the WS Jade captivating.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Outemu Gold clicky switches and Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switches largely depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a clicky typing experience that offers a medley of auditory feedback with an engaging percussive sound, the Outemu Gold switch may be your go-to choice. However, if you prioritize a smooth, creamy feel with a touch of elegance and are captivated by the resonant, clacky sound profile of the WS Jade, then these switches would better suit your needs. The unique characteristics of the WS Jade, especially its silky and marbly typing experience supplemented by an enchanting RGB display, may particularly appeal to gamers or those seeking a visually striking and tactile experience. Additionally, both switches feature a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, allowing for a balanced responsive feel in both options. Ultimately, your selection should reflect whether you value auditory and tactile feedback more or prefer a smooth, visually stunning typing experience, ensuring that your keyboard feels just right for your daily tasks or gaming sessions.
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