SP-Star RedBlue vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the SP-Star RedBlue and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the SP-Star RedBlue and the Wuque Studio WS Brown. The RedBlue is a linear switch that offers a medium-light typing experience with a higher-pitched sound profile. It is categorized as low-pitched, neutral, mild, thocky, and polished. On the other hand, the WS Brown is a tactile switch that strikes a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort with its medium-light actuation force. It offers a familiar and delightful auditory experience thanks to its nylon housing and POM stem combination. While both switches offer their own unique benefits, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star RedBlue and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The RedBlue utilizes a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The relatively stiffer polycarbonate plastic enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound, making it ideal for those who prefer a more precise typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate top housing allows for the effective use of RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switch.
In contrast, the WS Brown features a nylon top and bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer plastic absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. For those who enjoy a more mellow typing experience, the WS Brown's nylon housing offers a satisfyingly smooth and muted sound, perfect for long typing sessions where a quieter environment is desired.
While the RedBlue and WS Brown differ in their choice of housing materials, they both provide unique sound profiles that cater to specific preferences. The polycarbonate housing in the RedBlue offers a sharper and more resonant sound, while the nylon housing in the WS Brown produces a fuller and deeper tone. However, it's important to note that the top and bottom housings contribute differently to the overall typing experience. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the materials may vary, users can expect similar results in terms of overall performance and feel when typing on either switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, it is important to consider weight as a factor. The RedBlue switch has an actuation force of unavailable grams, while the WS Brown switch's actuation force is also unavailable. This means that it is difficult to directly compare the two in terms of actuation force. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the RedBlue switch requiring 57 grams and the WS Brown switch requiring 55 grams. Therefore, if one prefers a lighter typing experience, they may opt for either switch, as they have similar bottom out forces. On the other hand, if someone prefers a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience, they may consider options with heavier forces, as both of these switches fall within the medium-light range. Overall, while the actuation forces are unknown, the bottom out forces of both switches are comparable.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch is 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In terms of which one is shorter, the WS Brown has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the RedBlue. Despite the small difference, both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, making the WS Brown a popular choice among them. However, those who prefer a deeper and more pronounced key press might find the RedBlue more to their liking due to its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference for either a shorter and more responsive feel or a slightly longer and more tactile experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star RedBlue has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the RedBlue for $5.40.
The Wuque Studio WS Brown comes in at $3.50 per 10 switches.
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
In terms of sound, the RedBlue linear switches are known for their relatively higher-pitched profile. This means that they produce a sound that is more on the treble side, giving a bright and crisp auditory experience. On the other hand, information regarding the sound of the WS Brown tactile switches is not provided. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps being used. With that being said, if you were to use similar boards and keycaps with both switches, you can expect to achieve similar results in terms of sound, as they both fall within the medium-light actuation force range.
When it comes to feel, the RedBlue linear switches are described as providing a mild typing experience. This means that they offer a more gentle and approachable feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Additionally, the RedBlue switches are also mentioned to have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, information regarding the feel of the WS Brown tactile switches is not provided. However, it can be assumed that they also offer a medium-light actuation force, similar to the RedBlue switches, providing a balance between responsiveness and comfort for fatigue-free typing during extended sessions.
In conclusion, the RedBlue linear switches are best suited for those who prefer a medium-light typing experience with a relatively higher-pitched sound profile. They offer a mild feel with a polished finish, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience. While information regarding the sound and feel of the WS Brown tactile switches is unavailable, it can be expected that they also provide a similar medium-light actuation force for responsive and comfortable typing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend on personal preference in terms of sound and feel characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a medium-light typing experience and enjoy a higher-pitched sound profile, the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch is a great choice for you. These switches offer a neutral sound profile and a mild typing experience, making them suitable for both beginners and advanced users in various settings. With their polished finish, you can also expect a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, if you value a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch is the way to go. With a similar medium-light bottom out force, these switches provide a fatigue-free typing experience during extended sessions. Enthusiasts particularly appreciate the delightful auditory experience of these switches due to their familiar nylon housing and POM stem combination. Considering your preferences and requirements, you can make an informed decision and choose the switch that best suits your needs.
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