Outemu Silent Grey vs. Wuque Studio WS Red
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Grey and the Wuque Studio WS Red 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 Red offer unique typing experiences for users to consider. The Outemu Silent Grey switch is a tactile switch that provides a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy a satisfying and silent typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Red switch from Wuque Studio is a linear switch with a 22mm double-stage spring, offering a bouncy and responsive typing feel while maintaining a classic sound signature. The WS Red switch requires a heavier actuation force, adding weight to each keystroke for a substantial typing experience. Both switches have their own advantages depending on personal preferences, 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
67g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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 double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Silent Grey and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches both play a significant role in determining the sound profiles of the switches. While the Silent Grey features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, the WS Red opts for a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound. The choice of housing material in the top housing ultimately influences the overall sound experience of the switch, with the polycarbonate offering a clearer and resonant sound while the nylon absorbs more sound and provides a duller and rounder tone.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Silent Grey and WS Red switches utilize nylon material. This nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows for sound absorption, resulting in a more muted and rounder sound. Despite being different switches, their shared use of nylon in the bottom housing showcases a similarity in the sound characteristics produced by this particular material, emphasizing a consistent tone and feel in typing experience.
While the top and bottom housings of the Outemu Silent Grey and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches may have different materials, the overall impact on the sound profile is split between the two components. The bottom housing takes more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing plays a larger role in the sound produced when releasing a key. This division of sound qualities between the top and bottom housings allows for a dynamic and multifaceted sound experience when typing on these switches.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, it is evident that the Silent Grey has a slightly lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the WS Red, which has an unknown actuation force. Both switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force, with the Silent Grey requiring 65 grams and the WS Red requiring 67 grams. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Silent Grey may be the better option due to its lighter actuation force. On the other hand, the WS Red may be more suitable for individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and whether a lighter or heavier typing experience is desired.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Silent Grey being slightly longer. Gamers may prefer the WS Red for its quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Silent Grey. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for key feel and responsiveness.
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 Red 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
Overall, when comparing the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. The Silent Grey offers a silent and tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump, while the WS Red provides a bouncy and responsive feel with a heavier actuation force. The sound of each switch will also vary depending on other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used. If you enjoy a quieter typing experience with a tactile bump, the Silent Grey may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more responsive and slightly heavier keystroke, the WS Red could be the switch of choice. Ultimately, trying out both switches on different keyboards is the best way to determine which one suits your preferences and typing style the best.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch or the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, you should consider your preference for a quiet, highly tactile typing experience versus a bouncy and responsive typing experience with a classic sound signature. If you prefer a smooth and silent keystroke with a pronounced bump, the Silent Grey would be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you appreciate a heavier actuation force and a satisfying weight to each keystroke, the WS Red may be more suitable for your typing preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to whether you prioritize a silent tactile feel or a bouncy, substantial typing experience.
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