SP-Star RedBlue vs. Wuque Studio WS Jade
An in-depth look at the SP-Star RedBlue and the Wuque Studio WS Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the SP-Star RedBlue and Wuque Studio WS Jade offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The RedBlue stands out for its medium-light typing experience and low-pitched sound profile, making it ideal for those looking for a subtle and polished feel. On the other hand, the WS Jade features a metallic insert for a bright and resonant sound, as well as a light diffuser for an enchanting RGB display. Its creamy and smooth typing experience, coupled with a rock-solid bottom-out, sets it apart from the rest. While these general descriptions provide a glimpse into the qualities of each switch, diving deeper into their features will help you make an informed decision on which one suits your needs best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The SP-Star RedBlue and Wuque Studio WS Jade both feature unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The RedBlue utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances clarity and resonance. In contrast, the WS Jade utilizes POM for both the top and bottom housing, creating a deeper and more muted sound profile. While both housing materials offer distinct sound characteristics, the choice between polycarbonate and POM ultimately depends on personal preference for sound profile.
One key difference between the RedBlue and WS Jade is the material used for the top housing. The RedBlue features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a more resonant and clear sound profile. In comparison, the WS Jade utilizes a POM top housing, contributing to a deeper and more muted sound profile. This contrast highlights how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall sound experience of a switch. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, more muted sound will ultimately influence your decision between the RedBlue and WS Jade.
When it comes to the bottom housing material, both the RedBlue and WS Jade maintain their unique sound profiles. The RedBlue's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to its sharp and crisp sound profile, while the WS Jade's POM bottom housing creates a more muted and deeper sound. This distinction showcases how even subtle differences in housing materials can significantly impact the sound and feel of a switch. Ultimately, whether you prefer the distinct qualities of polycarbonate or POM will determine which switch is the better fit for your preferences.
Weight
The SP-Star RedBlue linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch both offer different levels of actuation and bottom out forces. The RedBlue has an actuation force of None grams, meaning it requires no specific force to trigger a keystroke, while its bottom out force is 57 grams, considered medium-light. In contrast, the WS Jade has an actuation force of 50 grams and a slightly heavier bottom out force of 60 grams, which is also categorized as medium. These differences in force can affect typing experiences, with the RedBlue being lighter and potentially more suitable for longer typing sessions, while the WS Jade provides a slightly heavier push feel for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer their own unique benefits, so the choice ultimately depends on personal preference.
Travel distance
The SP-Star RedBlue linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional distance. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the WS Jade slightly shorter in travel distance compared to the RedBlue. Gamers may prefer the WS Jade for its faster response times due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more pronounced key press may opt for the RedBlue with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key feel.
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 Jade comes in at $4.30 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
When it comes to sound, the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral tone, providing a bass-heavy and mellow sound suitable for various settings. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch is known for its clacky and resonant sound profile, thanks to the metallic insert in the stem base creating a bright and percussive sound. If you prefer a deep "thocky" sound, the RedBlue switch is the way to go, while the WS Jade switch will give you a clean and sharp typing experience with its marbly and resonant characteristics. Remember that the sound of a switch is also influenced by your choice of keyboard and keycaps, so keep that in mind when making your decision.
In terms of feel, the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch is described as mild and polished, offering a more gentle typing experience with a smooth and refined finish. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch provides a silky and creamy typing sensation, giving you an exceptionally smooth and buttery feel. With reduced friction and smooth key travel, the RedBlue switch gives a safe and approachable typing experience, while the WS Jade switch offers a uniquely creamy and smooth feel with a rock-solid bottom-out. Whether you prefer a mild and polished experience or a silky and creamy sensation, both switches have their own distinct qualities for you to enjoy.
In conclusion, the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The RedBlue switch provides a low-pitched and mild typing experience with a polished finish, while the WS Jade switch gives a bright and clacky sound paired with a silky and creamy feel. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so ultimately the choice between the two will depend on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or both in your mechanical keyboard setup. Rest assured, with either switch, you can expect a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience tailored to your preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a medium-light typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile that is relatively neutral and thocky, the RedBlue switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a bright metallic and resonant sound profile with a light diffuser for an enchanting RGB display, along with a creamy and smooth typing experience that feels silky and creamy, the WS Jade switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for typing feel and sound profile to ensure the best experience with your mechanical keyboard.