Outemu Silent Grey vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Grey and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Grey and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile are both top contenders in the tactile switch category. The Outemu Silent Grey switches are known for providing a quiet and highly tactile typing experience, featuring a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke that is perfect for those looking for a satisfying yet silent keyboard. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switches from Wuque Studio deliver a profound tactile experience with a 70g bump, immersive resistance, and a captivating "thocky" sound, making typing engaging and satisfying. While the Silent Grey switch offers a quieter typing experience, the WS Heavy Tactile switch provides a more pronounced tactile feedback. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Grey and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile, the most notable difference lies in the top housing. The Silent Grey features a polycarbonate top housing, which lends itself to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound thanks to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. These differences in material result in distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences - the Silent Grey for a crisper sound and the WS Heavy Tactile for a more rounded and duller sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both switches share a nylon construction. This material choice contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches, as nylon is known for absorbing sound and creating a more muted tone compared to harder plastics. Despite their shared bottom housing material, the overall sound and feel of these switches will be influenced by the combination of their top and bottom housing. While the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key. Thus, even though they have the same bottom housing material, the differences in their top housing materials will result in distinct typing experiences.
Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Silent Grey and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile will come down to personal preference when it comes to sound profiles. The polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Grey produces a crisper and sharper sound, ideal for those who prefer a more defined typing experience. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the WS Heavy Tactile offers a deeper and fuller sound, appealing to users who enjoy a more rounded tone. Despite sharing a nylon bottom housing, the combination of materials in the top and bottom housings of these switches will offer unique typing experiences that cater to different tastes in sound and feel.
Weight
In comparing the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, we see that the Silent Grey has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the WS Heavy Tactile's 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the WS Heavy Tactile requires 70 grams compared to the Silent Grey's 65 grams. This means that the WS Heavy Tactile switch is lighter to actuate but heavier to fully press down compared to the Silent Grey.
For those who prefer a lighter actuation force, the WS Heavy Tactile may be the more suitable option. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Silent Grey with its slightly higher bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style. Both switches provide a tactile response for a satisfying typing experience, and while the actuation and bottom out forces differ slightly, users can achieve similar results depending on their typing habits and preferences.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer of the two options when compared to the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch with a travel distance of 3.2 mm. The Silent Grey offers a deeper key press experience, which can be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile provides a slightly shorter travel distance, which may be favored by gamers looking for a quicker response time. Both switches offer a tactile feel, but the key difference lies in the travel distance, with the Silent Grey being the longer option and the WS Heavy Tactile being the shorter option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Silent Grey comes in at $3.10, whereas the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile comes in at $3.50.
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 Silent Grey switch is best known for its quiet and non-intrusive typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a more discreet keyboard. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch is characterized by a clacky, high-pitched, and resonant sound profile that adds a unique auditory dimension to the typing experience. Depending on personal preferences, one may prefer the Silent Grey for its subdued sound or the WS Heavy Tactile for its more distinctive and engaging sound.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Silent Grey switch offers a highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. This switch provides a satisfying tactile feedback without being too overwhelming, making it a popular choice amongst users who enjoy a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch offers various descriptors such as accented, bouncy, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, indicating a firm and responsive tactile feedback that adds an energetic and lively feel to typing. Those who prefer a more dynamic and pronounced tactile feedback may lean towards the WS Heavy Tactile switch.
Overall, both the Outemu Silent Grey and Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches offer unique and appealing qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Silent Grey excels in providing a quiet and satisfying typing experience, the WS Heavy Tactile switch stands out for its engaging sound profile and dynamic tactile feedback. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer a premium typing experience that will undoubtedly cater to different user preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two will come down to whether you prefer a quieter and smoother typing experience with the Silent Grey or a more lively and engaging typing experience with the WS Heavy Tactile.
Conclusion
Therefore, to wrap up, if you are looking for a quiet and tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Outemu Silent Grey switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you desire a profound tactile experience with a 70g bump, immersive resistance, and a captivating "thocky" sound, then the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch would be the better option. Consider your preference for sound and feel when making your decision between these two tactile switches.
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