Kailh Sage vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the Kailh Sage and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Sage, a clicky switch, and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile, a tactile switch. The Kailh Sage is best known for its distinct clicky typing experience, offering a refreshing sharp clickiness that can enhance the typing experience. With its heavy weight, it provides a satisfying and invigorating sensation with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches are captivating, boasting a profound and pronounced tactile bump. With a tactile force of 70g, typing becomes an engaging and immersive journey with a satisfying resistance. Additionally, the Wuque switches offer a captivating sound profile with their nylon housings producing a "thocky" resonance, making each keystroke audibly satisfying. However, let's dive 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
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.20 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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Sage and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile employ different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Sage utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile features a nylon top housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound profile. Therefore, while the Sage offers a brighter and crisper sound, the WS Heavy Tactile provides a deeper and fuller tone.
The bottom housings of both switches, however, utilize the same material – nylon. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that enhances the depth and fullness of the sound produced. Its softer nature allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. Consequently, both the Kailh Sage and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile will provide a similar deeper and fuller sound experience when typing due to their shared nylon bottom housings.
When considering the overall typing experience, the choice of housing materials for the top and bottom of a switch becomes crucial. When pressing down on a switch, the bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. In this case, the nylon bottom housings of both the Sage and WS Heavy Tactile will contribute to a deep and full tactile experience. On the other hand, the release sound, when letting go of a key, is more affected by the top housing. For the Kailh Sage, the polycarbonate top housing will result in a sharper and crisper sound, while the WS Heavy Tactile's nylon top housing will create a deeper and fuller sound when keys are released. Hence, the choice of housing materials influences not only the sound profiles but also the tactile feedback during typing.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch, there are significant differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The actuation force of both switches is unknown, meaning it is difficult to determine how they compare in this aspect. However, the bottom out force of the Kailh Sage is 70 grams, which can be considered medium-heavy, offering a satisfying resistance when typing. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the WS Heavy Tactile is 45 grams, making it lighter and more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch while typing.
Considering weight as a factor, some individuals may favor a lighter actuation force for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming periods. This would make the WS Heavy Tactile an attractive option for its lighter bottom out force. Others, however, might prefer the stronger push feel provided by a heavier force, seeking a more substantial typing experience. For this group, the Kailh Sage with its medium-heavy bottom out force could be a better choice.
In summary, while the actuation force of both switches is unknown, the Kailh Sage exhibits a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, while the WS Heavy Tactile has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams. This distinction allows individuals to choose between a more substantial typing experience with the Kailh Sage or a lighter touch with the WS Heavy Tactile.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch, it is clear that the Sage has a longer distance at 3.6 mm, while the WS Heavy Tactile has a shorter distance at 3.2 mm. In terms of traditional standards, both switches fall within the range of acceptable travel distances. However, the shorter travel distance of the WS Heavy Tactile may appeal more to gamers who prioritize faster response times. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper typing experience may find the longer travel distance of the Kailh Sage more satisfactory. Ultimately, it is a matter of personal preference and desired level of responsiveness when choosing between the two switches.
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 Heavy Tactile 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
When it comes to sound, the Kailh Sage clicky switch offers a distinctive and refreshing sharp clickiness. These switches have a crunchy sound profile, which is commonly associated with clicky switches and is reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch provides a captivating and familiar sound experience. The nylon housings used in these switches contribute to a "thocky" resonance, resulting in a satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke. The WS Heavy Tactile switch is described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound. Additionally, the sound profile of the WS Heavy Tactile switch is high-pitched, creating a clean and sharp auditory experience. Overall, both switches offer unique sound profiles that can enhance the typing experience. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors, such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Sage switch is described as invigorating and sharp. These switches provide a strong and crisp tactile bump that is felt distinctly with each keypress. The pronounced feedback and moderate to firm actuation force of the Sage switch create an immersive typing sensation. Similarly, the WS Heavy Tactile switch offers an invigorating typing experience with pronounced feedback and a moderate to firm actuation force. Additionally, the switch is described as having an accented tactility, providing a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The bouncy nature of the WS Heavy Tactile switch adds a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel and rebound when pressed. Both switches offer a satisfying and reactive feel, making typing an enjoyable experience.
In conclusion, the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch have unique qualities that contribute to an enhanced typing experience. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles, with the Sage providing a crunchy sound reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves, and the WS Heavy Tactile producing a clacky and high-pitched sound. In terms of feel, both switches offer an invigorating and sharp tactile experience with pronounced feedback and moderate to firm actuation force. The WS Heavy Tactile switch also incorporates an accented tactility and a bouncy sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference, with the Sage offering a heavy and sharp clicky experience, and the WS Heavy Tactile providing an engaging and immersive journey.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are looking for a clicky typing experience with a heavier feel, the Kailh Sage switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 70 grams, these switches provide a refreshingly sharp clickiness and a medium-heavy weight. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a pronounced tactile bump, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch is perfect for you. With a bottom out force of 45 grams, these switches offer a satisfying resistance and an immersive typing journey. In terms of sound, the Sage produces a crunchy sound reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves, while the WS Heavy Tactile has a clacky, high-pitched, and resonant sound profile. When it comes to feel, both switches offer invigorating and sharp tactile feedback, but the WS Heavy Tactile also provides an accented, bouncy, and snappy sensation. Ultimately, your choice between the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch will depend on the weight, clickiness, sound, and feel that you prefer in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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