Kailh Sage vs. Wuque Studio WS Onion

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a variety of options available, each with its own unique characteristics. Two switches that stand out in the market are the Kailh Sage and the Wuque Studio WS Onion. The Kailh Sage is known for its distinct clicky typing experience, offering an invigorating and sharp sensation with a satisfyingly crunchy feel. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Onion presents a buttery smooth keystroke feel, thanks to its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing. This switch provides a crisp and responsive touch, accompanied by a neutral sound profile. Both switches have their own appeal and choosing between them depends on personal preference. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Housing materials

The Kailh Sage and the Wuque Studio WS Onion both feature polycarbonate top housings. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The stiffness of polycarbonate lends itself to a more clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a distinct auditory experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to be showcased effectively in both switches. Therefore, if you are seeking a switch with a polycarbonate top housing that offers excellent sound quality and the option for RGB lighting, both the Kailh Sage and the Wuque Studio WS Onion are viable options that will yield similar results.

In terms of the bottom housing material, the Sage and the WS Onion both utilize nylon. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Due to the softer nature of nylon, it absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This creates a unique typing experience, giving users a satisfying auditory feedback when using the switches. Therefore, whether you choose the Kailh Sage or the Wuque Studio WS Onion, you can expect a similar deep and full sound profile due to the shared nylon bottom housing material.

While the top and bottom housings of the Kailh Sage and the Wuque Studio WS Onion differ, it's important to understand their respective impacts on the overall switch performance. The bottom housing, which is made of nylon in both switches, primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel. Pressing down on the switch will allow users to experience the qualities of the bottom housing, such as its ability to create a deeper and rounder sound. Conversely, the top housing plays a greater role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Since both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, the crisp and clear characteristics of this material will be noticeable when you let go of a key. Thus, while the top and bottom housings may differ in material, the overall experience of using these switches will share similar attributes in terms of sound profile and feedback.

Weight

When comparing the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, it is important to consider their actuation force and bottom out force. Unfortunately, the specific actuation force for both switches is unavailable. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Kailh Sage has a heavier force of 70 grams, which falls under the medium-heavy category. On the other hand, the WS Onion has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 63.5 grams, also categorized as medium-heavy.

Considering weight as a deciding factor, those who prefer a lighter typing experience might lean towards the WS Onion switch. The lighter force allows for longer periods of typing without experiencing fatigue, making it ideal for work or long gaming sessions. Alternatively, individuals who desire a more substantial typing feel may gravitate towards the Kailh Sage switch, with its heavier bottom out force. This provides a stronger push feel, adding a sense of solidity to the typing experience.

While the actuation force remains unknown for both switches, it is worth noting that a similar actuation force between the two switches would yield comparable results. Whether it is a lighter or heavier actuation force, the overall typing experience may still offer similarities in terms of triggering a keystroke.

In conclusion, the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch differ in their bottom out force. The WS Onion offers a slightly lighter typing experience with its 63.5-gram bottom out force, while the Kailh Sage provides a heavier feel at 70 grams. The choice between the two switches ultimately depends on the individual's preference for lighter or more substantial typing experiences.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, it is clear that there is a difference. The Sage has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Onion has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Sage falls more towards the shorter end of the spectrum, which is favored by gamers who prioritize faster response times. On the other hand, the WS Onion offers a slightly deeper key press experience with its longer travel distance. However, it is worth noting that both switches still fall within the range of what is considered to be a typical travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness or a more substantial key press feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Kailh Sage clicky switch is best known for its crunchy and distinct clicky typing experience. This switch produces a sound similar to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch has a neutral sound profile. It offers a moderate sound that is suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or an advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

Moving on to feel, the Kailh Sage switch is described as invigorating and sharp. It offers a pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. This creates an immersive typing sensation. The tactile feedback of this switch is strong and crisp, providing a distinct sensation with each keypress. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Onion switch provides a buttery and polished feel. It offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, resulting in a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The switch is designed with a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.

In conclusion, the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Sage switch provides a distinct and crunchy clicky sound, along with an invigorating and sharp feel. On the other hand, the WS Onion switch has a neutral sound profile and offers a buttery and polished feel. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, but with different characteristics. In terms of sound and feel, these switches are distinct and will provide different results. It's important to consider these qualities when choosing between them based on your personal preferences and typing style.

Conclusion

In closing, if you're looking for a distinct clicky typing experience with a heavier touch, the Kailh Sage switch would be a great choice for you. With a bottom out force of 70 grams, these switches offer a refreshingly sharp clickiness that can provide an invigorating and sharp tactile feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth keystroke feel, the Wuque Studio WS Onion switch would be more suitable. With a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, these switches offer a crisp and responsive feel with a neutral sound profile. The polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing also contribute to a polished and smooth typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these switches depends on your personal preference for clickiness and typing feel.

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