Outemu Silent Grey vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Grey and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to choose from are the Outemu Silent Grey, a tactile switch, and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear, a linear switch. The Outemu Silent Grey switches provide a quiet and highly tactile typing experience, making them ideal for those who seek a satisfying yet silent keypress. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear switches from Wuque offer a unique typing experience by forgoing silicone dampeners for a more precise and responsive bottom-out. While the Silent Grey switch offers a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, the WS Silent Linear switch focuses on reducing noise and providing unparalleled responsiveness. 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
3.50 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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Silent Grey and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches offer distinct characteristics that affect the sound and feel of typing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Grey creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the WS Silent Linear's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. In terms of aesthetics, the translucency of polycarbonate in the Silent Grey allows for compatibility with RGB lighting, whereas the nylon top housing of the WS Silent Linear is a classic choice known for absorbing more sound.
Both switches feature nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. While the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel of a key press, the top housing influences the sound when the key is released. This split between the two housing materials allows for a nuanced typing experience with a balance of firmness and sound absorption.
In conclusion, the choice between the polycarbonate top housing of the Outemu Silent Grey and the nylon top housing of the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear ultimately depends on personal preference for sound profile and aesthetics. The different characteristics of each housing material contribute to a unique typing experience, with the Silent Grey offering a sharp and resonant sound while the WS Silent Linear provides a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches, however, benefit from the use of nylon in the bottom housing for its sound absorption properties, creating a more rounded typing experience overall.
Weight
The Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a similar medium-heavy bottom out force, with the Silent Grey requiring 65 grams and the WS Silent Linear requiring 63.5 grams. The Silent Grey offers a tactile feel while the WS Silent Linear provides a smooth linear experience. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Silent Grey may be the better option, while the WS Silent Linear is suitable for those who enjoy a slightly heavier typing feel. Ultimately, the weight of the switch will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch, it is evident that the Silent Grey has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the WS Silent Linear’s 3.5 mm. The shorter travel distance of the WS Silent Linear may appeal to those seeking a faster response time, such as gamers, while the longer travel distance of the Silent Grey may provide a more satisfying and in-depth pressing experience. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference - those looking for a quicker response may prefer the WS Silent Linear, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Outemu Silent Grey.
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 Silent Linear comes in at $4.20.
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 known for providing a quiet typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch offers a more neutral, muted, and subdued sound profile, making it suitable for various environments. Both switches aim to minimize noise, but the WS Silent Linear achieves this without the use of silicone dampeners, providing a unique typing experience devoid of the typical cushioned sensation.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Silent Grey switch is praised for its highly tactile feedback and smooth keystroke, offering a satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch provides a more mild typing experience, appealing to a wider range of users with its gentle characteristics. Both switches aim to deliver a pleasant typing feel, but the WS Silent Linear strikes a balance between responsiveness and tranquility without compromising on precision.
Considering the available information, the Outemu Silent Grey switch excels in providing a tactile typing experience with a focus on silence, while the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch offers a unique linear experience with reduced noise levels and a focus on precision. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches provide distinct qualities that cater to different typing needs. Ultimately, selecting between the Outemu Silent Grey and the WS Silent Linear switch will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch, consider a few key factors. If you prioritize a highly tactile experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, along with a satisfying silence, the Outemu Silent Grey switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you value unparalleled responsiveness, reduced switch noise without the use of silicone dampeners, and a neutral typing experience that is gentle and approachable, the WS Silent Linear switch from Wuque Studio is the ideal choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for tactility, sound profile, and typing feel to ensure a customized and enjoyable typing experience.
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