SP-Star Duck vs. Wuque Studio WS Onion
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Duck and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a tactile typing experience, the SP-Star Duck switches are worth considering. These switches provide a more subtle tactility, resulting in a gentle and satisfying typing experience. The sound profile of the Duck switches is clean and crispy, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable typing session. On the other hand, if a smooth and satisfying keystroke feel is what you're after, the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches may be the ones for you. With a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, these switches offer a buttery smooth keystroke feel that is deeply satisfying. Additionally, the WS Onion switches provide a crisp and responsive typing experience while maintaining a neutral sound profile. However, let's delve deeper into these switches' characteristics to help you make the best decision for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
WS CL635 Gold Plated Stainless Spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the SP-Star Duck and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches share several similarities. Both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Due to the translucency of polycarbonate, it is especially beneficial for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. Additionally, if a switch features a clear housing, it is more likely to be made of polycarbonate. This means that both the Duck and the WS Onion will offer similar sound characteristics and aesthetic appeal when it comes to the top housing.
However, a notable difference arises when considering the bottom housing of these switches. The Duck employs polycarbonate for its bottom housing, which complements the characteristics of the top housing. The relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience. Conversely, the WS Onion utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This results in a slightly duller and rounder sound when compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Duck. Thus, the bottom housing of each switch adds its distinct qualities to the typing sound and feel.
When pressing down on either the Duck or the WS Onion switch, the qualities of their respective bottom housing materials will become apparent. The impact on the bottom-out sound and feel will be influenced more by the bottom housing, which means that the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Duck will offer a crisper and more resonant bottom-out experience compared to the nylon bottom housing of the WS Onion. Conversely, when releasing a key, the sound characteristics will be dominated by the top housing. Hence, the polycarbonate top housing of both switches will contribute to a similar sound profile during key release, resulting in a consistent experience in this aspect.
In summary, the choice of housing materials in the SP-Star Duck and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches leads to some similarities and differences in their sound profiles. Both switches benefit from the use of polycarbonate for their top housing, providing a sharper and more resonant sound. However, the bottom housing brings distinct qualities to the typing experience, with the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Duck delivering a crisper bottom-out sound and the nylon bottom housing of the WS Onion offering a deeper and fuller sound. Ultimately, whether it's the top or bottom housing, both switches offer unique and appealing features that cater to different preferences in typing sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Duck tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, it is important to note that the specific values for the actuation force are unavailable for both switches. However, when looking at the bottom out force, we can see that the Duck has a bottom out force of 58 grams, which can be considered medium, while the WS Onion has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is slightly heavier and falls into the category of medium-heavy.
Considering weight as a factor, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Duck switch, as it may enable them to type for longer periods without fatigue. This lightweight characteristic can be beneficial for those who bring their keyboards to work or engage in prolonged gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who seek a more substantial and pronounced keystroke may opt for the WS Onion switch, with its slightly heavier bottom out force. The additional push force can provide a more satisfying tactile feedback and enhance the typing experience for those who prefer a stronger actuation.
Although the specific actuation forces are unknown, it is safe to assume that both switches are likely to deliver similar results due to their comparable bottom out forces. While the Duck switch remains lighter and the WS Onion switch is slightly heavier, individuals seeking a medium to medium-heavy typing experience can find suitable options in either switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
Both the SP-Star Duck tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel. This ensures consistency in typing or gaming experiences for users who prefer a 4 mm travel distance. Whether you choose the Duck or the WS Onion, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom.
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 Onion has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Onion for $5.53.
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
When it comes to sound, both the SP-Star Duck tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch have a neutral sound profile. This means that they have a moderate sound level and can be suitable for most users, whether they are beginners or advanced, and whether they will be using the switches at home or in a work environment. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Duck switch offers a mild and approachable typing experience. It has a gentle tactility and provides a smooth and fluid keystroke, leading to a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The switch is also described as polished, which means it has a refined finish resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the WS Onion switch is also described as buttery and polished, offering a smooth and satisfying keystroke experience with reduced friction.
Overall, both the Duck tactile switch and the WS Onion linear switch provide similar qualities in terms of sound and feel. They both have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for most users. They also offer a buttery and polished feel, providing a smooth and satisfying typing experience. While each switch may have its own unique attributes, such as the Duck's subtle tactility and the WS Onion's specific materials used in its housing, both switches can deliver comparable results in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a more subtle tactile typing experience, the SP-Star Duck switches are perfect for you. These switches offer a gentle tactility when typing and have a clean and crispy sound profile. Additionally, they provide a mild typing experience, with a smooth and refined finish that results in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches are ideal if you prefer a buttery smooth keystroke feel that is deeply satisfying. These switches offer a crisp and responsive feel, with a neutral sound profile. They also provide a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation, thanks to their smooth and polished finish. Ultimately, both switches have a moderate actuation force requirement and are suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you're a beginner or advanced and whether you plan to use them at home or work.
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