Kailh Sage vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Kailh Sage and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch, you might be torn between the Kailh Sage and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear. On one hand, the Sage switches offer a distinct clicky typing experience with a refreshing sharpness and satisfying weight. These switches are categorized as invigorating, sharp, and crunchy, making them a great choice for those who prefer a tactile and audible feedback while typing. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear switches by Wuque elevate your office and work experience by reducing switch noise with ingeniously designed stem railings and discreet cutouts. These linear switches offer unparalleled responsiveness and a satisfying bottom-out without the usual cushioned sensation. They are categorized as neutral, mild, muted, and subdued, which makes them an excellent option for those seeking tranquility and precision. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Sage and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches differ in terms of their composition. The Sage features a polycarbonate top housing, whereas the WS Silent Linear incorporates a nylon top housing. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness and translucency, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Therefore, the Sage's polycarbonate top housing would produce a clearer and more resonant sound, while the WS Silent Linear's nylon top housing would generate a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Sage and the WS Silent Linear utilize a nylon material. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics. As a result, the bottom housing of both switches would provide a similar dull and round sound profile. This similarity is attributed to the fact that nylon has the same sound-absorbing properties regardless of the switch it is used in.
When it comes to the overall sound experience, the qualities brought by the housing materials are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. Pressing down on either the Sage or the WS Silent Linear will emphasize the qualities of the bottom housing, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the sound profile when releasing a key will be predominantly influenced by the top housing. Therefore, while the Sage's polycarbonate top housing would create a more distinct sound when disengaging a key, the WS Silent Linear's nylon top housing would contribute to a rounded sound when releasing the key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch, it can be noted that the actuation force for both switches is unknown. However, the Sage has a bottom out force of 70 grams, which is considered medium-heavy, while the WS Silent Linear has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, also falling into the medium-heavy category.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer lighter switches as it allows them to type for longer durations, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience opt for switches with heavier forces.
Although the actuation force is unknown for both switches, their similar bottom out forces suggest that individuals using either switch will achieve similar results in terms of the strength required to fully press a key. However, the Kailh Sage may provide a slightly heavier typing experience due to its higher bottom out force of 70 grams, while the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear offers a slightly lighter experience with its 63.5 grams bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch, we can see that the Sage has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Silent Linear has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances, which are preferred by gamers seeking faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may result in a slightly quicker response from the WS Silent Linear switch. Additionally, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance of the WS Silent Linear switch to feel more abrupt, while others may prefer the hearty depth provided by the slightly longer travel distance of the Kailh Sage clicky switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the level of responsiveness desired.
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 Silent Linear comes in at $4.20.
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 best known for its distinct clicky typing experience. The weight of the Sage switch is described as quite heavy, providing a refreshingly sharp clickiness. When it comes to sound, the Sage switch has a crunchy sound profile, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves.
On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch is designed to elevate office and work experiences with its exceptional performance. These linear switches feature ingeniously designed stem railings with discreet cutouts, resulting in reduced switch noise while maintaining excellent responsiveness. The WS Silent Linear switches offer a typing experience that is devoid of the usual cushioned sensation found in traditional silent switches, ensuring a seamless blend of tranquility and precision.
In terms of sound, the Sage switch provides a distinct clicky experience with a crunchy sound profile. In contrast, the WS Silent Linear switch has a more neutral sound profile with a quieter and softer sound compared to regular switches. It can be described as muted and subdued, offering a more subtle sound signature. However, it should be noted that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Sage switch offers an invigorating and sharp tactile experience. It provides pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, resulting in an immersive typing sensation. The WS Silent Linear switch, on the other hand, offers a more mild and gentle typing experience. It falls into a safe, middle-ground zone, making it approachable to most users in terms of both sound and feel.
In conclusion, the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch offer different subjective qualities. The Sage switch provides a distinct clicky typing experience with a crunchy sound and an invigorating feel. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear switch offers a quieter and softer sound with a more mild and gentle typing feel. Depending on your preferences, either switch can provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a clicky typing experience with a heavier weight and a refreshingly sharp clickiness, the Kailh Sage switches would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you're after a seamless blend of tranquility and precision in your office or work environment, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches would be the way to go. The Sage switches offer an invigorating and sharp tactile feel, while the WS Silent Linear switches provide a more mild and gentle typing experience. In terms of sound, the Sage switches have a crunchy nature associated with clicky switches, while the WS Silent Linear switches have a more neutral and muted sound profile, minimizing noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your preference for a distinct clicky typing experience with a heavier weight and sharp feedback or a quieter, more seamless typing experience that offers tranquility and precision.
Mentioned in this article
