Kailh Sage vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the Kailh Sage and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, you might find yourself torn between the Kailh Sage, a clicky switch, and the Wuque Studio WS Brown, a tactile switch. The Sage switches are well-known for their distinct clicky typing experience, with a weight that provides a satisfying and sharp clickiness. On the other hand, the WS Brown switches offer a harmonious blend of familiarity and innovation. With a medium-light actuation force, these switches strike a balance between responsiveness and comfort, ensuring a fatigue-free typing experience. You'll also find a delightful auditory experience with the WS Brown switches, thanks to their familiar nylon housing and POM stem combination. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Sage and the Wuque Studio WS Brown have different materials for their top housing. The Sage features a polycarbonate top housing, while the WS Brown uses a nylon top housing. The polycarbonate material in the Sage creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a clearer and more resonant sound. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the WS Brown elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, while the Sage provides a clearer and more resonant sound, the WS Brown offers a deeper and fuller sound.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Kailh Sage and the Wuque Studio WS Brown use nylon. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. As a result, both switches will have a similar impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when you press down on a key. The nylon bottom housing contributes to the overall sound profile of the switches, creating a deeper and fuller sound when typing.
When it comes to the overall sound experience of these switches, the qualities of the housing materials are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will affect the sound when you release a key. The polycarbonate top housing of the Kailh Sage will contribute to a sharper and crisper sound when letting go of a key, while the nylon top housing of the Wuque Studio WS Brown will result in a slightly duller sound. However, both switches still offer a satisfying sound profile due to their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The actuation force of both switches is unavailable, meaning we do not have specific information on the force required to trigger a keystroke for either switch. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Kailh Sage has a heavier force of 70 grams, which can provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Brown has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing them to type for longer periods of time without fatigue. It is worth noting that without information on the actuation force, it is difficult to make a direct comparison between the two switches in terms of how their weights may affect typing performance. However, based on the available information, users seeking a heavier switch may find the Kailh Sage more suitable, while those looking for a lighter option may prefer the Wuque Studio WS Brown.
Travel distance
The Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch have different travel distances. The Sage has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Brown has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. In terms of traditional standards, both switches fall within the acceptable range of travel distances. However, the Sage offers a shorter travel distance, which is often preferred by gamers who prioritize faster response times. On the other hand, the WS Brown provides a slightly deeper feel due to its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference. If you prefer a more responsive and quicker feel, the shorter travel distance of the Sage would be suitable. However, if you enjoy a deeper and more pronounced key press, the WS Brown with its longer travel distance would be a better option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Sage comes in at $6.25, whereas the Wuque Studio WS Brown comes in at $3.50.
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
The Kailh Sage clicky switch is known for its distinct clicky typing experience, offering a refreshing and sharp clickiness. The sound produced by these switches can be described as crunchy, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the sound produced by the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch is unknown. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Sage switch is described as invigorating, offering pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. This creates an immersive typing sensation for users. Additionally, the Sage switch has a sharp tactile bump, providing a prominent and distinct tactile feedback with each keypress. Conversely, the feel of the WS Brown switch is not described in the provided information.
In conclusion, the Kailh Sage clicky switch is known for its heavy weight, sharp clickiness, invigorating feel, and sharp tactile bump. It offers a crunchy sound experience. On the other hand, information about the WS Brown tactile switch's sound and feel is not available. However, based on the provided information, the Sage switch seems to provide a unique and satisfying typing experience, while the WS Brown switch aims to strike a balance between responsiveness and comfort without providing a specific description of its qualities.
Conclusion
Ultimately, whether you choose the Kailh Sage clicky switch or the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a heavy and sharp clicky typing experience, with a distinct and crisp tactile feedback, then the Sage switch would be a great choice for you. The medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams offers a satisfying level of resistance while typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a more comfortable and fatigue-free typing experience without compromising on responsiveness, the WS Brown switch is ideal. With a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, these switches strike a balance between typing effort and comfort. Additionally, the WS Brown switch offers a familiar and delightful auditory experience due to its nylon housing and POM stem combination. Consider your typing preferences and needs when making a decision between these two switches.
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