SP-Star Duck vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Duck and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a subtle tactile typing experience, two popular options are the SP-Star Duck and the Wuque Studio WS Brown. The Duck switches are known for their gentle tactility and clean, crispy sound profile. They have been categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Buttery', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the WS Brown switches strike a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort with their medium-light actuation force. Typing on them offers a familiar and delightful auditory experience, thanks to their nylon housing and POM stem combination. The WS Brown switches have not been specified with any particular category. However, beyond these generalities, let's dive in a bit deeper to help you decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Duck and the Wuque Studio WS Brown differ in terms of their composition. The Duck utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing, while the WS Brown incorporates nylon for both sections. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, resulting 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 compared to polycarbonate.
In terms of aesthetics, both switches offer distinct visual appeal. The Duck's polycarbonate top housing allows for translucency, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting. This adds a vibrant and colorful touch to the overall design. In contrast, the WS Brown's nylon top housing may not offer the same level of translucency but still provides a classic and understated look.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both switches exhibit similar characteristics due to their respective materials. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Duck and the nylon bottom housing of the WS Brown both contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Therefore, regardless of the switch chosen, users can expect a clear and resonant sound when bottoming out.
However, the key difference lies in the typing experience. The Duck's polycarbonate top housing plays a significant role in the sound when the user releases a key, providing a unique auditory response. In contrast, the WS Brown's nylon top housing creates a duller and rounder sound, contributing to a different typing experience when compared to the Duck.
In conclusion, while both the SP-Star Duck and the Wuque Studio WS Brown utilize housing materials that have distinct characteristics, they ultimately result in different sound profiles and typing experiences. The Duck's polycarbonate housing produces a sharper and crisper sound, while the WS Brown's nylon housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound. Nonetheless, both switches offer their own unique appeal, catering to the preferences of users looking for specific sound profiles and typing sensations.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Duck tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, it is important to consider their actuation force and bottom out force. Unfortunately, the specific actuation force for both switches is unavailable. However, the Duck has a bottom out force of 58 grams, which can be considered medium, while the WS Brown has a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorized as medium-light.
Weight is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a switch, as it can greatly impact one's typing experience. People who prefer lighter switches may opt for the WS Brown, as it allows for longer typing sessions and is suitable for both work and gaming purposes. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Duck, which offers a slightly heavier bottom out force.
Although the actuation forces of both switches are unknown, it can be assumed that they are relatively similar to their respective bottom out forces. Therefore, typing on either switch is likely to yield comparable results in terms of actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Duck tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, we can see that the Duck has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Brown has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches offer a similar experience, with the Duck being slightly longer. A travel distance of 4 mm is considered more traditional, providing a balance of depth and responsiveness. On the other hand, the WS Brown's slightly shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers who prioritize faster response times. It ultimately comes down to personal preference; if you prefer a more responsive feel, the WS Brown with its 3.8 mm travel distance may be the better option. However, if you prefer a deeper keystroke, the Duck's 4 mm travel distance would be more suitable.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck for $5.40.
The Wuque Studio WS Brown comes in at $3.50 per 10 switches.
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
In terms of sound, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch offers a clean and crispy sound profile that is considered neutral. This means that it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for most purposes. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps. On the other hand, there is no specific information available about the sound profile of the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch. However, it is worth noting that the sound of a switch can be subjective and can vary based on personal preference and the specific setup.
When it comes to feel, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch provides a mild and gentle typing experience with a subtle tactility. This makes it approachable to most users and offers a safe middle-ground feel. Additionally, it is described as buttery, which implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, ensuring seamless and effortless typing. The switch is also noted to have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Unfortunately, there is no specific information available about the feel of the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch.
Taking all the available information into account, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch is known for providing a more subtle tactile typing experience with a clean and crispy sound profile. It offers a gentle and mild feel, along with a buttery and polished finish to ensure smooth and effortless typing. On the other hand, information about the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch is limited, but it is highlighted as offering a medium-light actuation force for a balanced combination of responsiveness and comfort during prolonged typing sessions. Although more specific details about its sound and feel are not provided, it can be assumed that it may offer similar characteristics to the Duck switch, such as a familiar and delightful auditory experience. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique qualities, but for those seeking a more subtle and gentle typing experience, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch would be an excellent choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the SP-Star Duck tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, tactile typing experience, sound profile, and feel. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Duck with its 58-gram force may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, the WS Brown with its 55-gram force may be more suitable.
If you value a more subtle tactile typing experience, the Duck switches are perfect. They offer a gentle tactility that results in a clean and crispy sound profile. On the other hand, if you want a harmonious blend of familiarity and innovation, the WS Brown switches provide a medium-light actuation force that strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort. Typing on them offers a familiar and delightful auditory experience due to their nylon housing and POM stem combination.
In terms of sound, the Duck is described as neutral, making it suitable for most intents and purposes. The WS Brown switches, unfortunately, do not have a specific sound description mentioned.
When it comes to feel, the Duck switches are mild, offering a more gentle typing experience. They also provide a buttery and polished feel, ensuring smooth and refined typing. The WS Brown switches do not have specific feel descriptions mentioned.
Consider these factors when making your decision and choose the switch that aligns with your preferences and typing requirements. Ultimately, the choice between the SP-Star Duck tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch will come down to your personal preferences for bottom out force, tactile typing experience, sound profile, and feel.
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