Outemu Purple vs. Wuque Studio WS Onion
An in-depth look at the Outemu Purple and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Purple, a tactile switch, with the Wuque Studio WS Onion, a linear switch, it becomes apparent that they each offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Purple switch is best known for its tactile feedback, providing a noticeable bump during key presses. On the other hand, the WS Onion stands out for its smooth keystroke feel and neutral sound profile. While the Purple switch may appeal to those who prefer a tactile typing experience, the WS Onion is a great choice for users seeking a buttery smooth and polished typing 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
Partial box
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
WS CL635 Gold Plated Stainless Spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Purple and the Wuque Studio WS Onion both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through easily. While both switches share this feature, they may still differ in terms of overall design and key feel.
On the other hand, both switches also utilize nylon bottom housings, which provide a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. Nylon is a softer material that absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon housings. Despite the similarities in housing materials, the switches may offer unique typing experiences based on how the various housing materials are incorporated into their design. It's important to consider these differences when choosing between the Outemu Purple and the WS Onion for your keyboard setup.
Overall, the division of housing materials between the top and bottom of a switch can greatly affect the sound and feel of typing on the keyboard. While the top housing influences the sound when a key is released, the bottom housing has more impact on the bottom-out sound and overall key feel. Understanding how each housing material contributes to the overall typing experience can help users make informed decisions when selecting a switch for their mechanical keyboard setup. Whether opting for the Outemu Purple or the WS Onion, users can expect a unique typing experience based on the combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials used in each switch.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, the main difference lies in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Outemu Purple has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, while the WS Onion's actuation force is not specified. In terms of bottom out force, the Purple switch does not have a specified value, whereas the WS Onion has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This means that typing on the Outemu Purple switch would require less force to register a keystroke compared to the WS Onion switch. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Outemu Purple switch, while those who prefer a more substantial push feel might opt for the WS Onion switch. Ultimately, the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the typing experience and feel of the keyboard.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent typing experience in terms of travel distance, making them suitable choices for users looking for a certain level of key travel. Whether you choose the Outemu Purple or the WS Onion switch, you can expect to receive similar results in terms of the distance the switch travels.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Wuque Studio WS Onion has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Onion for $5.53.
The Outemu Purple comes in at $3.10 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 comparing the sound qualities of the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, we find that the Purple switch's sound profile is unknown, while the WS Onion switch offers a neutral sound profile. This means that the WS Onion switch produces a moderate sound that is suitable for a wide range of users and environments. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of these switches, the Outemu Purple tactile switch's feel is unspecified while the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch is described as offering a buttery and polished feel. The buttery feel of the WS Onion switch indicates a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Additionally, the polished finish of the switch results in reduced friction and smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing experience for users.
In conclusion, while the subjective qualities of the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch differ in terms of sound and feel, users can expect both switches to deliver a satisfying typing experience. The neutral sound profile of the WS Onion switch makes it a versatile option for various settings, while the buttery and polished feel ensures a smooth and refined typing experience. Ultimately, whether you choose the Purple switch or the WS Onion switch, you can expect similar results in terms of overall satisfaction and performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Purple tactile switch or the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a switch with a more unique tactile feel and are looking for a switch with a lighter bottom out force, then the Outemu Purple may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you value a smooth and buttery typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, as well as a neutral sound profile, then the Wuque Studio WS Onion switch would be a great choice. Both switches offer their own advantages, so it's important to consider what characteristics are most important to you before making a decision.
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