Outemu Red vs. Wuque Studio WS Onion
An in-depth look at the Outemu Red and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, there are a plethora of options available in the market. Two popular choices are the Outemu Red, a linear switch, and the Wuque Studio WS Onion, also a linear switch. The Outemu Red is best known for its simplicity and straightforward linear feel, making it a favorite among gamers who prefer a consistent keystroke without any tactile feedback. On the other hand, the WS Onion stands out for its unique construction, featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a smooth and polished typing experience with a neutral sound profile. While both switches offer distinct advantages, deciding between them 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
46g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.10 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
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
Both the Outemu Red and the Wuque Studio WS Onion utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material's stiffness leads to a clear and resonant sound output, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In terms of aesthetic appeal, polycarbonate is a common choice for clear housing switches. This shared top housing material ensures that both switches will deliver similar results in terms of sound quality and visual impact.
On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing sets the Outemu Red and the Wuque Studio WS Onion apart. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer composition that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone. The bottom housing material has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of a key press, influencing the overall typing experience of each switch. While both switches feature nylon bottom housings, the subtle differences in sound and feel may sway users towards one switch over the other based on personal preference.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in the Outemu Red and the Wuque Studio WS Onion offers a unique typing experience. The split qualities between the top and bottom housings allow users to feel the effects of each material distinctly during typing. It's important to consider how each housing material contributes to the overall sound and feel of the switch when deciding between the two options. Whether you prefer the sharper sound of polycarbonate or the fuller sound of nylon, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience with their distinct housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, we can see some differences. The Outemu Red has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it a medium weight switch. In contrast, the WS Onion has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, putting it in the medium-heavy category. Those looking for a lighter typing experience may prefer the Outemu Red, as it requires less force to activate the keys. On the other hand, the WS Onion provides a slightly heavier feel, which some users may find more satisfying for typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the travel distance of these two switches, it is clear that both provide a consistent typing experience with the same amount of key travel. This means that whether you choose the Outemu Red or the WS Onion switch, you can expect similar results in terms of key travel and tactile feedback. Overall, both switches offer a smooth and linear typing experience with a travel distance of 4 mm, making them suitable options for those who prefer a consistent and predictable keystroke.
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 Red 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 it comes to sound, the Outemu Red linear switch does not have a specific descriptor provided, making it difficult to accurately compare it to the Wuque Studio WS Onion switch, which is known for its neutral sound profile. The neutral sound profile of the WS Onion switch appeals to a wide range of users, whether they are beginners or advanced users, and whether they are using the switches at home or in a work setting. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Red linear switch does not provide a specific descriptor for its feel either. On the other hand, the WS Onion switch is known for its buttery and polished feel. The buttery feel of the WS Onion switch implies a smooth and fluid typing experience, providing users with a seamless and effortless keystroke sensation. Additionally, the polished feel of the switch indicates a sleek and refined typing experience, thanks to reduced friction and smooth key travel either due to the materials used or factory lubrication.
In conclusion, while the subjective qualities of the Outemu Red linear switch are not explicitly detailed, the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch stands out for its neutral sound profile, buttery keystroke feel, and polished typing experience. Users can expect a satisfying typing experience with the WS Onion switch, whether they are beginners or experienced keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, but both switches are sure to provide reliable performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium bottom out force switch with a neutral sound profile and a crisp, responsive feel, the Outemu Red linear switch would be a suitable option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force switch with a buttery smooth keystroke feel and a polished finish, the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch would be a great choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile.
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