Kailh Sage vs. Wuque Studio WS Red

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Sage and the Wuque Studio WS Red. The Kailh Sage is a clicky switch known for its distinct clicky typing experience and heavy weight, providing a refreshing sharpness in each keystroke. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Red is a linear switch that offers a bouncy and responsive typing experience, thanks to its 22mm double-stage spring. While the WS Red retains a familiar sound signature due to its classic material blend, it also has a heavier actuation force, adding a touch of weight to each keystroke and delivering a satisfying and substantial typing feel. These general points about each switch can help you narrow down your choices; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Kailh Sage Clicky

Wuque Studio WS Red Linear

$6.25 per 10

$3.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The Kailh Sage and Wuque Studio WS Red differ in their housing materials, with the Sage featuring a polycarbonate top housing while the WS Red has a nylon top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Sage creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. It also allows for RGB lighting to shine through, making it aesthetically pleasing. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the WS Red elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.

In terms of the bottom housing, both the Sage and the WS Red utilize nylon. Nylon is known as a classic switch housing material and it contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its softer texture absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel.

It is important to note that the top and bottom housing materials play a significant role in the overall sound produced by a switch. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing are more prominent. The bottom-out sound and feel will be affected by the material used in the bottom housing. Conversely, when letting go of a key, the sound will be influenced more by the material used in the top housing. So, while the Sage and WS Red have different top and bottom housings, each will contribute to a unique sound profile and tactile experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, it is important to consider their weight for different preferences. The Sage switch has an actuation force of unavailable grams, while the WS Red's actuation force is also unknown. Both switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force, with the Sage at 70 grams and the WS Red slightly lighter at 67 grams.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the WS Red may be a favorable choice as it has a slightly lower bottom out force. This lighter weight can be beneficial for extended typing sessions, making it ideal for work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, if a stronger push feel is desired for a more substantial typing experience, individuals may opt for the Kailh Sage. With its heavier bottom out force, it provides a greater tactile response and may be preferred by those who enjoy a more forceful typing sensation.

Since the actuation force for both switches is unknown, it is difficult to compare them directly in terms of force required to trigger a keystroke. However, it can be assumed that the actuation and bottom out forces of the Kailh Sage and the WS Red are relatively similar since they both fall under the medium-heavy category. Therefore, one can expect similar results in terms of the typing experience, assuming the actuation forces are comparable.

Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on personal preference. Whether an individual values a lighter or heavier typing experience, both the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch offer options for different preferences.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, we can see that the Sage has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Red has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the realm of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. For those seeking a more responsive typing experience, the Sage would be the preferred option due to its slightly shorter travel distance. However, individuals who prefer a deeper and more substantial keystroke may find the WS Red to be a better fit, with its slightly longer travel distance providing a more satisfying depth. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Kailh Sage clicky switch is best known for its distinct clicky typing experience. This switch produces a sound that can be described as crunchy, similar to the sound of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the sound signature of the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch is not specified in the given information. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used. With that said, if you choose a board and keycaps that are compatible with clicky switches, you can expect similar results with the Sage switch.

Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Kailh Sage is described as invigorating and offers a pronounced feedback. It has a moderate to firm actuation force, providing a snappy and reactive feel that creates an immersive typing sensation. Additionally, the Sage switch has a sharp tactile bump, which means that the feedback intensity is high, and the tactile bump can be distinctly felt with each keypress. On the other hand, the feel of the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch is not mentioned in the provided information. Therefore, we do not have details about its specific tactile feel and feedback.

In conclusion, the Kailh Sage clicky switch stands out for its distinct clicky typing experience, heavy weight, and refreshingly sharp clickiness. It produces a crunchy sound, and its invigorating and sharp tactile feel provides a satisfying and substantial typing experience. Although the specifics of the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch's sound and feel are unknown, it is important to consider the overall factors such as personal preference, keyboard compatibility, and keycaps to choose the switch that best suits your individual typing style and preferences.

Conclusion

All in all, when deciding between the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style.

If you enjoy a distinct clicky typing experience with a heavier actuation force, then the Sage switch is a great choice. The medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams provides a weighty feel to each keystroke, and the sharp clickiness adds a refreshing touch to your typing. The crunchy sound of the Sage switch, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves, adds to the overall immersive experience.

On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy and responsive typing experience with a satisfying and substantial feel, the WS Red switch is worth considering. The double-stage spring and classic material blend contribute to the switch's unique sound signature, which retains a familiar sound while offering a touch of weight to each keystroke. Although the specific sound description is not provided, it is important to note that linear switches like the WS Red typically do not produce audible clicks.

In terms of feel, the Sage switch offers an invigorating and sharp tactile experience. The pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and snappy, reactive feel create an immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the specific feel description of the WS Red switch is not provided.

Ultimately, the decision between the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch depends on whether you prioritize a distinct clicky typing experience with a heavier actuation force (Sage) or a responsive typing experience with a satisfying and bouncy feel (WS Red). Consider your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing style to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Sage Clicky

$6.25 per 10

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Wuque Studio WS Red Linear

$3.50 per 10

Learn more