SP-Star Duck vs. Wuque Studio WS Jade
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Duck and the Wuque Studio WS Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the SP-Star Duck tactile switch to the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, it's evident that both offer distinct features that cater to different preferences. The Duck switch is ideal for those seeking a gentler tactile typing experience, with a clean and crispy sound profile. On the other hand, the WS Jade stands out with its metallic stem insert that creates a bright and resonant sound, along with a creamy and smooth typing feel. While the Duck switch is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Buttery', and 'Polished', the WS Jade is labeled as 'Clacky', 'Marbly', 'Resonant', 'Silky', and 'Creamy'. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the SP-Star Duck and the Wuque Studio WS Jade, we find that both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This choice allows for a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate plastic. However, the WS Jade differs with a POM top housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound profile. While both materials offer unique sound characteristics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Duck may be more suitable for those looking for a clearer and resonant sound, especially when integrated with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the POM top housing of the WS Jade provides a different auditory experience with its deeper tones.
Moving on to the bottom housing, we see similar characteristics between the switches. Both the Duck and the WS Jade feature a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to the clear and resonant sound profile associated with this material. The impact of the bottom housing is felt during the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. While the WS Jade's POM bottom housing offers a unique sound experience with its deeper and more muted tones, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Duck provides a sharper and crisper feedback. Despite this slight difference, both switches offer a high-quality housing material for users to enjoy.
Overall, the choice between the SP-Star Duck and the Wuque Studio WS Jade may come down to personal preferences in sound profiles. The use of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housings of the Duck provides a consistent and clear sound profile throughout the key press. On the other hand, the WS Jade offers a more varied auditory experience with the use of POM in the top and bottom housings, resulting in deeper and more muted tones. Whether you prefer a sharper, higher-pitched sound or a deeper, more pleasing tone, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
Both the SP-Star Duck tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch fall within the medium weight category in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Duck has a bottom out force of 58 grams, slightly lighter than the WS Jade's 60 grams bottom out force. However, the WS Jade has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Duck's non-specified actuation force. The lighter bottom out force of the Duck may appeal to those looking for an easier typing experience, while the WS Jade's higher actuation force may provide a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with the Duck offering a lighter touch and the WS Jade providing a slightly heavier feel.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Duck tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, we can see that the Duck has a travel distance of 4 mm while the WS Jade has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Duck has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the WS Jade, making it the longer option of the two. The WS Jade, on the other hand, offers a slightly shorter travel distance. For those who prefer a more responsive typing experience, the WS Jade may be the better option due to its shorter travel distance. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial keypress with a bit more depth, the Duck with its longer travel distance may be the preferred choice. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Jade comes in at $4.30 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 neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch provides a clacky and resonant sound, creating a sharp and percussive typing experience. Depending on personal preference and the setup of your keyboard, both switches can deliver satisfying auditory feedback, but the Duck leans towards a cleaner and crispier sound, while the WS Jade offers a brighter and more resonant typing sound.
When it comes to feel, the SP-Star Duck switch provides a mild and approachable typing experience, with a gentle tactility that appeals to a broad audience. The WS Jade switch, in contrast, offers a silky and creamy feel, ensuring smooth and buttery key presses. The creamy sensation of the WS Jade switch, paired with its rock-solid bottom-out, creates a unique and satisfying typing experience. Both switches offer a comfortable feel for extended typing sessions, but the Duck aims for a more subtle tactile feedback compared to the smooth and effortless keystrokes of the WS Jade.
Overall, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. While the Duck provides a clean and subtle tactile typing experience, the WS Jade offers a bright and resonant sound profile with a creamy and smooth feel. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches can enhance your typing experience, providing a satisfying and enjoyable input method on your mechanical keyboard. If you prioritize a softer and gentler typing experience, the Duck may be more suitable, whereas the WS Jade is ideal for those who prefer a more pronounced and creamy feel. Ultimately, experimenting with both switches can help you determine which one best suits your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a more subtle tactile typing experience with a clean and crispy sound profile, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a uniquely creamy and smooth typing experience with a bright metallic and resonant sound profile, the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch would be a better fit for you. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will come down to your preference for tactility, sound profile, and overall typing feel. Consider what aspects are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch and select accordingly.
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