Outemu Silent Grey vs. Wuque Studio WS Onion
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Grey and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When deciding between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Grey and Wuque Studio WS Onion switches stand out as excellent options in their respective categories. The Outemu Silent Grey is a tactile switch renowned for its quiet and highly satisfying typing experience, thanks to its pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. On the other hand, the WS Onion by Wuque Studio is a linear switch known for its buttery smooth keystroke feel, crisp responsiveness, and neutral sound profile. While the Silent Grey excels in offering tactile feedback for a quieter typing experience, the WS Onion provides a polished and smooth typing feel with no tactile bump. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.60 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
The housing materials of the Outemu Silent Grey and Wuque Studio WS Onion switches both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucent nature of polycarbonate is ideal for switches that plan to implement RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this characteristic in their top housing material, the differences lie in their bottom housing material.
Where the Silent Grey utilizes a nylon bottom housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound, the WS Onion also features a nylon bottom housing with similar sound qualities. This consistency in the bottom housing material ensures that both switches provide a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel. The nylon material in the bottom housing of these switches contributes to the overall typing experience by influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing.
In conclusion, while the top housing materials of the Outemu Silent Grey and Wuque Studio WS Onion switches are the same, their differentiation lies in the bottom housing materials. The Silent Grey's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper sound profile, while the WS Onion's nylon bottom housing offers a similar sound experience. Understanding the impact of each housing material on the overall typing experience can help users choose a switch that best suits their preferences in terms of sound and feel. Regardless of the differences in housing materials, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with their unique sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Silent Grey has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the WS Onion has an actuation force of None grams, but a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is also considered medium-heavy. While the Silent Grey requires a specific actuation force to trigger a keystroke, the WS Onion does not disclose this information. However, both switches result in a similar typing experience due to their comparable bottom out forces. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, the WS Onion may be the better choice, while the Silent Grey provides a more substantial typing experience with its slightly heavier actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and how each individual values the weight of their typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 4mm. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of how far the switch travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. Both switches offer a consistent and comfortable typing experience, making them suitable options for those who prefer a medium travel distance. Overall, the similarities in travel distance between the Outemu Silent Grey and the WS Onion switches make them both favorable choices for keyboard enthusiasts looking for a specific typing feel.
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 Silent Grey 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 Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch in terms of sound, the Silent Grey is known for offering a quiet typing experience, while the WS Onion is described as having a neutral sound profile that is suitable for various purposes. Both switches provide different sound profiles, with the Silent Grey being more on the quiet side and the WS Onion offering a neutral sound that can be pleasing in different settings.
In regard to the feel of the switches, the Silent Grey is praised for its highly tactile experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, while the WS Onion is noted for its buttery smooth keystroke feel that is deeply satisfying. Additionally, the WS Onion provides a crisp and responsive typing experience along with a polished finish that contributes to a sleek and smooth key travel. Both switches offer unique tactile feedback and smooth keystroke sensations that cater to different preferences and typing styles.
Overall, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch present distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Silent Grey provides a quiet and tactile typing experience, while the WS Onion offers a smooth and satisfying keystroke feel with a neutral sound profile. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing feel, both switches can deliver a high-quality typing experience that meets the needs of keyboard enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch or the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for sound and feel. If you are looking for a highly tactile and quiet typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, then the Outemu Silent Grey switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth keystroke feel with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a neutral sound profile, the WS Onion switch may be more appealing to you. Consider your typing style and preferences carefully before making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
