Kailh Plum vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the Kailh Plum and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, options like the Kailh Plum and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile offer unique features and benefits. The Plum stands out with its hefty feel and a relatively smaller tactile bump, making it a distinct choice among tactile switches. Additionally, its sound profile is neutral and enjoyable, adding to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switches by Wuque strike a delicate balance between tactility and noise reduction. Crafted with precision, these switches feature stem railings with small cutouts, effectively minimizing switch sound while still providing a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out and responsive return. Unlike conventional silent switches, the WS Silent Tactile switches forgo the use of silicone dampeners, resulting in a typing experience that is devoid of the usual padded feel found in most silent switches. 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
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
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 Kailh Plum and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches have distinct differences that affect their sound profiles and typing experiences. The Plum utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, creating a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile features a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound profile.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both switches employ nylon material. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the sound absorption properties of the softer plastic. Both the Plum and the WS Silent Tactile exhibit similar characteristics in this aspect, creating a consistent typing experience.
It's worth noting that the qualities brought by the housing materials are distributed differently between the top and bottom of the switches. When pressing down on a key, the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel is influenced more by the bottom housing. On the other hand, the sound produced when releasing a key is mainly influenced by the top housing. This division allows for a nuanced typing experience, with the specific characteristics of each housing material playing a role in different aspects of the key press.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch, there are some similarities and differences to note. Unfortunately, the specific actuation force for both switches is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare them in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. However, we do know that the bottom out force of the Plum switch is 70 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switch has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 63.5 grams, also falling into the medium-heavy category.
Considering weight, opinions on preference can vary. Some individuals may prefer a lighter actuation and bottom out force, as it allows them to type for longer periods of time without experiencing fatigue. This lighter weight may be particularly desirable for those who use their keyboards extensively for work or engage in prolonged gaming sessions. However, others may favor a heavier force for a more substantial typing experience, providing a stronger push feel. This preference can be subjective and depends on personal typing style and preferences.
In conclusion, while the specific actuation force for each switch may be unavailable, we can determine that both the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch have similar medium-heavy bottom out forces. Therefore, if a user is seeking a typing experience with a slightly lighter force, the WS Silent Tactile switch with its 63.5-gram bottom out force may be a suitable choice. However, if a user prefers a more substantial and weighted feel to their keystrokes, the Plum switch's 70-gram bottom out force may be more preferable. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual typing preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Plum tactile switch is 3.6 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become increasingly popular, especially for gamers seeking faster response times. If you prioritize quick and responsive keystrokes, the WS Silent Tactile switch may be the better option for you. However, some individuals find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt. If you prefer a more substantial keystroke depth, the Kailh Plum tactile switch, with its slightly longer travel distance, may be a better choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Plum comes in at $6.25, whereas the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile 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, both the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch offer a neutral sound profile. This means that they have a moderate sound profile that is suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use them at home or work. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as your choice of keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Plum switches provide a unique experience. They feel quite hefty but lack a pronounced tactile bump, which sets them apart from many other tactile switches. They are described as having a mild feel, which means they offer a gentle typing experience that is approachable for most users. Additionally, Plum switches can be considered stepped switches, meaning that they have two stages of feedback with some pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation.
On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switches by Wuque strike a delicate balance. They are described as accented switches, offering a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. They provide a pronounced amount of feedback without being scratchy. Wuque Studio has managed to achieve a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out and responsive return while maintaining an impressively silent profile. These switches do not use silicone dampeners, making them feel less padded compared to most silent switches.
In conclusion, both the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch have their own unique qualities. While the Plum switches offer a hefty feel without a large tactile bump, the WS Silent Tactile switches strike a balance between tactility and noise reduction. Both switches have a neutral sound profile and can be suitable for various purposes. If you are looking for a similar typing experience, either switch can provide satisfactory results based on your preferences for weightiness or a blend of tranquility and tactility. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a unique tactile feel, the Kailh Plum tactile switch would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a moderate actuation force requirement and a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various purposes, whether you're a beginner or advanced and whether you're planning to use them at home or work. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quiet typing experience without sacrificing tactility, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch is the way to go. With a slightly lighter bottom out force and a muted sound profile, these switches provide a balanced level of tactility and noise reduction. They offer an accented tactile feel, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences and the specific typing environment you'll be using them in.
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