Outemu Purple vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Outemu Purple and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Purple and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile. The Outemu Purple is known for its smoothness, while the WS Light Tactile is praised for its smoothness, snappy tactile bump, and neutral sound signature. The Purple falls into the category of linear switches, while the WS Light Tactile is categorized as tactile switches. Both switches offer a tactile typing experience, but the WS Light Tactile goes a step further by providing a more refined and satisfying feel. 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
While both the Outemu Purple and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, they differ in their bottom housing material. The Purple features a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound than harder plastics. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile also employs a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. Despite this, the differences in their top housing materials may still lead to varying sound profiles when pressing down on the switches.
In terms of their top housing material, both the Outemu Purple and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile opt for polycarbonate, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the resonant sound produced by the switches, making them ideal for users who prioritize sound quality. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switches. This similarity in top housing material ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and aesthetics for both switches.
While the bottom housing material of the Outemu Purple and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile differs from their top housing, the overall typing experience for users may not vary significantly. The nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound to create a duller and rounder sound. As a result, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with a distinct sound profile that is unique to switches using nylon bottom housings. Users can expect a consistent sound and feel when pressing down on keys, regardless of the slight differences in housing materials between the Outemu Purple and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Outemu Purple has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the WS Light Tactile's 45 grams, making it require a slightly stronger push to register a keystroke. However, the WS Light Tactile has a heavier bottom out force of 50 grams compared to the Purple's unknown bottom out force. This means that while the Purple may require a bit more force to actuate, the WS Light Tactile provides a more substantial typing experience when bottoming out. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding whether one prefers a lighter actuation force for extended typing sessions or a heavier bottom out force for a more pronounced typing feel.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. As a result, the typing experience and feel when using these switches will be very similar. Overall, in terms of travel distance, the Outemu Purple and the WS Light Tactile switches offer a consistent and equal typing experience for users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Purple comes in at $3.10, whereas the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile comes in at $4.20.
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 Outemu Purple switch does not have a distinct reputation, while the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch is known for its neutral sound profile. A neutral switch like the WS Light Tactile offers a moderate actuation force requirement and sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Purple switch does not have a specific feel associated with it. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch is known for its stepped and easy-to-press characteristics. A stepped switch like the WS Light Tactile provides a two-stage tactile experience, offering a more subtle tactile feedback compared to hyper-tactile switches. Additionally, the easy-to-press nature of the WS Light Tactile switch means that it requires minimal force to activate, resulting in a comfortable and low-impact typing experience that can reduce finger fatigue during long typing sessions.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Purple and Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches may have different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel, their performance can provide similar results depending on personal preferences and typing habits. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will come down to individual preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch, it's important to consider your preferences and typing style. If you prefer a switch with no bottom out force and are looking for a unique typing experience, the Outemu Purple may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a light bottom out force and value smoothness with a noticeable tactile bump, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch is a great choice. Additionally, if you prefer a neutral sound profile and enjoy switches with a stepped and easy-to-press feel, the WS Light Tactile may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what typing experience you are looking for.
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