Outemu Silver vs. Wuque Studio WS POM+

Overview

When exploring the diverse world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silver and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ stand out as notable linear options, each with unique characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The Outemu Silver is often chosen for its straightforward yet effective performance, providing a smooth and consistent keystroke, ideal for gamers and typists who value rapid responsiveness without tactile feedback delays. On the other hand, the WS POM+ has garnered attention for its innovative all-POM construction, which delivers a luxurious typing experience characterized by a deep, satisfying "thock" sound and an exceptionally smooth keystroke, making it a favorite for those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. While both switches offer the benefits typical of linear designs—such as reduced noise and a lack of tactile bumps—they cater to slightly different sensibilities in terms of sound and feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.

By the numbers

Outemu Silver Linear

Wuque Studio WS POM+ Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.90 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Outemu Silver and Wuque Studio WS POM+ switches use different materials for their top housings, leading to a contrasting sound profile during key presses. The Outemu Silver's polycarbonate top housing is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This quality arises from polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, which enhances clarity and resonance. Furthermore, the transmittance of light through the clear polycarbonate makes it particularly suitable for setups featuring RGB lighting since it allows the illumination to shine through beautifully. In contrast, the WS POM+ employs a POM top housing that results in a deeper, more muted sound profile. Unlike polycarbonate, POM does not contribute to the same level of brightness in sound; instead, it offers a unique tone that is softer and less pronounced.

When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Outemu Silver and the WS POM+ utilize distinctly different materials that contribute to their overall audio characteristics. The Silver's nylon bottom housing enhances the switch's sound profile by providing a deeper and fuller output, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials. As a result, the sound produced when bottoming out the key feels rounder and more rounded. Conversely, the WS POM+ utilizes POM for its bottom housing, which similarly delivers a deep and pleasing sound, albeit with a more muted quality, akin to its top housing. This shared material quality may lead to consistency in performance, making the sound profile feeling similar in depth, albeit differing in tonal quality due to their varied top housings.

In summary, the different top and bottom housing materials of the Outemu Silver and the WS POM+ create distinct auditory experiences for users, affecting how they perceive the sound produced from key presses. The Outemu Silver's sharper sound from polycarbonate combined with the fuller nylon bottom creates a unique and vibrant acoustic profile, while the WS POM+ maintains a cohesive deep sound with a more subdued character through both its top and bottom POM housings. Though the sound experiences are divergent, they both prioritize specific aesthetic and acoustic qualities that cater to varied preferences, ensuring that users can find suitable options depending on whether they value clarity or depth in their typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Silver linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, notable differences emerge in their bottom out forces, despite sharing the same actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches require the same amount of force to register a keystroke, making them feel equally responsive during light typing. However, the Outemu Silver's bottom out force of 65 grams makes it significantly heavier than the WS POM+, which has a bottom out force of only 55 grams. This means that while both switches offer a similar actuation experience, the Outemu Silver provides a more substantial feel when fully pressed down, appealing to those who prefer a firmer typing experience. In contrast, the lighter bottom out of the WS POM+ could be more comfortable for users seeking longer typing sessions or gaming marathons, as it requires less effort to press the key all the way down. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences for weight and feedback during use.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silver linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, the Outemu Silver offers a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS POM+ features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference may influence users' preferences based on their typing or gaming habits. The Outemu Silver, with its 4 mm distance, provides a more traditional and hearty depth that some users might find satisfying, particularly those who favor a more deliberate keypress. Conversely, the WS POM+ boasts a quicker response time thanks to its shorter travel distance, appealing to gamers seeking faster actuation and responsiveness. Ultimately, those who prefer a deeper feel should opt for the Outemu Silver, while those favoring a nimble touch might lean towards the Wuque Studio WS POM+.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Outemu Silver linear switch does not have a well-defined auditory signature, which might make it suitable for environments where minimal sound is preferred. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switch is celebrated for its deep, satisfying "thock" sound signature. This distinct acoustic profile adds character to the typing experience, creating an enjoyable auditory feedback that many users appreciate. It's important to remember that the overall sound can still be influenced by the choice of keyboard plate materials and keycaps, which means that while the WS POM+ is likely to deliver a more pronounced acoustic experience, variations can occur.

When it comes to feel, the Outemu Silver offers a standard linear switch experience, characterized by a smooth actuation without any tactile bump or audible click. This allows for uninterrupted keystrokes, appealing to typists and gamers who enjoy a fluid typing experience. The WS POM+, on the other hand, is noted for its buttery-smooth keystroke, further enhancing the seamlessness of each press. This difference in the perceived smoothness can create a more refined and satisfying typing feel with the WS POM+, which many enthusiasts find enhances their overall typing experience.

Both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Outemu Silver is more understated with less focus on auditory feedback and tactile refinement, the Wuque Studio WS POM+ provides a richer sound profile and an exceptionally smooth feel that many users may find preferable. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will hinge on your personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback, but either option ensures a competent linear switch experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Silver linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch will ultimately depend on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy a slightly heavier switch that requires more force to actuate and provides a sturdy feel, the Outemu Silver, with its 65-gram bottom out force, could be the right fit for you. This switch may be particularly advantageous for gamers or typists who prefer tactile feedback and enjoy a more deliberate keystroke. On the other hand, if you are looking for a lighter, more responsive switch that's ideal for long typing sessions or rapid key presses, the WS POM+ with its 55-gram bottom out force might be your best choice. This switch is known for its satisfying "thock" sound and buttery-smooth keystrokes, offering a luxurious typing experience that is particularly appealing for writers or those who value acoustics in their setup. In summary, consider your personal typing style and the primary tasks you'll be performing with your keyboard as you make your decision; both switches have unique characteristics that can enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Silver Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Wuque Studio WS POM+ Linear

$3.90 per 10

Learn more