Kailh Plum vs. Wuque Studio WS Onion

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Plum and the Wuque Studio WS Onion. The Plum switch stands out for its unique combination of weightiness and a less pronounced tactile bump. Unlike many other tactile switches, the Plum offers a neutral sound profile and a satisfying typing experience without the overwhelming tactility. On the other hand, the WS Onion switch is known for its buttery smooth keystroke feel, thanks to the polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing. With its crisp and responsive feel, the WS Onion provides a neutral sound profile as well. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities, so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your specific needs and preferences.

By the numbers

Housing materials

The Kailh Plum and the Wuque Studio WS Onion have similar housing materials in terms of their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is known for being a stiffer plastic, leading to a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch with a polycarbonate top housing, both the Plum and WS Onion would provide similar results.

In terms of the bottom housing, both the Plum and the WS Onion utilize nylon. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Therefore, typing on switches that use nylon housing will result in a more pronounced bottom-out sound and feel. Both the Plum and WS Onion offer this quality, ensuring a satisfying typing experience.

It is important to note that if a switch has different housing materials for the top and bottom, the qualities of each material will be split between the two parts. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing's impact will be felt, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound produced when you release a key. Understanding these distinctions allows you to choose a switch that best suits your preferences in terms of sound and typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, it is important to consider their weight. Unfortunately, the specific actuation forces for both switches are unavailable. However, we can compare their bottom out forces. The Plum has a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the WS Onion has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 63.5 grams, also categorized as medium-heavy. While the actuation forces remain unknown, it is safe to assume that both switches provide a similar typing experience in terms of the effort required to trigger a keystroke. For individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, the WS Onion may be a more suitable option, allowing for longer periods of typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, those seeking a more substantial keystroke may find the slightly heavier bottom out force of the Plum to be better suited to their preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's desired typing experience and personal preferences.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, it is clear that there is a difference in their respective distances. The Plum tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Onion linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the WS Onion provides a more traditional travel distance, while the Plum offers a slightly shallower distance. Gamers, who often prioritize quick response times, tend to prefer switches with shorter travel distances like the Plum. On the other hand, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to be too abrupt and may prefer the longer travel distance of the WS Onion for a more satisfying key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for travel distance and desired typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound qualities of both the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch can be described as neutral. This means that they have a moderate sound profile and actuation force requirement, making them suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use them at home or work. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.

When it comes to feel, the Plum tactile switch can be described as mild and stepped. The mild characteristic offers a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users, while the stepped feature gives a two-stage feel, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. On the other hand, the WS Onion linear switch is known for its buttery and polished feel. The buttery characteristic indicates a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The polished aspect suggests a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel, which could be due to the use of high-quality materials or factory lubing.

In conclusion, the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Plum tactile switch provides a unique experience with its weightiness and moderate tactile bump, while having a neutral sound profile. The WS Onion linear switch, on the other hand, offers a buttery smooth keystroke feel and a crisp, responsive sensation, also with a neutral sound profile. Although they differ in characteristics, both switches are suitable for most intents and purposes, providing satisfying experiences to users.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a medium-heavy switch with a unique tactile feel and a neutral sound profile, the Kailh Plum tactile switch would be a great choice. These switches have a bottom out force of 70 grams, making them quite hefty, but without a pronounced tactile bump. Additionally, they offer a mild and stepped feel, providing a gentle typing experience with some pre-travel or post-travel sensation.

On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a buttery smooth keystroke feel and a neutral sound profile, the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch would be a fantastic option. With a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, these exquisite switches offer a crisp and responsive feel, combined with a polished and buttery typing experience. The polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing contribute to their smooth and refined finish.

Both the Plum and WS Onion switches have a moderate actuation force and sound profile, making them suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you're a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use them at home or work. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend on whether you prioritize a unique tactile feel or a smooth linear experience.

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