Outemu Tom vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Outemu Tom and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Tom and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear offer distinctive options to cater to individual preferences. The Outemu Tom, a tactile switch, provides satisfying clicky feedback known for its responsiveness. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear switch by Wuque elevates your office and work experience with its whisper-quiet operation and smooth keystrokes. While the Tom switch falls under the category of tactile switches, the WS Silent Linear switch is categorized as neutral. So, why would you choose one over the other? The Tom switch might be ideal for those who value tactile feedback, while the WS Silent Linear switch is perfect for those seeking a noise-free typing experience. However, let's delve a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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 Outemu Tom and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear both feature nylon bottom housings, which elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings. The use of nylon in the bottom housing allows for more sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. This creates a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a softer sound profile. However, the Tom's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, while the WS Silent Linear's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound. This contrast in top housing materials offers users the option to choose between a clearer, more resonant sound or a deeper, fuller sound depending on their preferences.
In terms of aesthetics, the Tom's polycarbonate top housing offers a translucent appearance, making it ideal for users who want to utilize RGB lighting in their keyboards. The clear housing of the polycarbonate material allows for the colorful lighting to shine through, creating a visually appealing keyboard setup. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear's nylon top housing may not offer the same level of versatility when it comes to RGB lighting due to its opaque nature. While the nylon material may not allow for as much light transmission, it still provides a classic switch housing material that is known for its durability and sound-absorbing properties.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Tom and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. The Tom offers a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate top housing, while the WS Silent Linear provides a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon top housing. Both switches feature nylon bottom housings that contribute to a satisfying typing experience with their sound-absorbing properties. Whether you prioritize a clear, resonant sound profile or a deeper, fuller sound, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Tom tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Tom has a lighter actuation force of 55 grams, providing a gentle touch for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the WS Silent Linear has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, offering a more substantial typing feel. While the actuation force of the WS Silent Linear is unknown, it is clear that it provides a firmer resistance compared to the Tom. Individuals who prefer a lighter touch may find the Tom more suitable for long typing sessions or gaming, while those seeking a more robust typing experience may lean towards the WS Silent Linear. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and desired typing feel.
Travel distance
The Outemu Tom tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those who prefer quicker response times, such as gamers. The 0.2 mm difference in travel distance may not be significant for most users, but those looking for a slightly deeper keystroke may prefer the WS Silent Linear switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Tom 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 Tom switch is known for its none, while the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch offers a neutral, muted, and subdued sound profile. The WS Silent Linear switch aims to reduce noise without compromising responsiveness, providing a quieter typing experience suitable for various environments. In contrast, the Tom switch's sound profile remains unspecified, leaving it open to interpretation based on personal preference and setup.
Moving on to the feel, the Outemu Tom switch lacks a specific descriptor, making it difficult to pinpoint its tactile characteristics. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone. This mild feel ensures that the switch is approachable to most users, providing a comfortable typing sensation without being overly aggressive or soft.
Overall, while the subjective qualities of the Outemu Tom and Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches differ in terms of sound and feel, they both offer unique experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Tom switch's unspecified sound and feel leave room for individual interpretation, while the WS Silent Linear switch's focus on reducing noise and providing a mild typing experience highlights its versatility for various typing tasks. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference, typing style, and the desired typing environment.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Tom tactile switch or the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your specific preferences and needs. If you value a unique typing experience that combines tranquility with precision and enjoy a tactile switch with a lighter bottom out force, the Tom may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you seek a quieter typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force and prefer a linear switch that eliminates the need for silicone dampeners, the WS Silent Linear could be the better option. Consider also the sound and feel characteristics of each switch to determine which one aligns best with your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on what you prioritize in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
