SP-Star Duck vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Duck and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the SP-Star Duck tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch. The Duck switches are perfect for those seeking a more subtle tactile typing experience. With a gentle tactility and a clean and crispy sound profile, these switches offer a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switches by Wuque are designed with an office and work environment in mind. They strike a delicate balance between tactility and noise reduction, providing a medium level of tactility without compromising on quietness. Crafted with precision, these switches feature ingenious stem railings with small cutouts, minimizing switch sound while delivering a crisp bottom-out and responsive return. Unlike conventional silent switches, the WS Silent Tactile switches forgo the use of silicone dampeners, ensuring a typing experience that is not padded but still silent. Both switches offer unique advantages, 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
58g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Duck and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile differ in terms of their impact on the sound profile. The Duck utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiff plastic that creates a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile opts for nylon for both its top and bottom housings, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
Furthermore, while both switches feature translucent top housings, their composition affects their aesthetic and functionality. The polycarbonate top housing of the Duck is particularly advantageous for those planning to use RGB lighting. Its translucency allows for better showcasing of the lighting effects. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the WS Silent Tactile lacks this translucency, potentially making it less suitable for RGB lighting enthusiasts.
When comparing the bottom housings of both switches, polycarbonate is sturdier and provides a sharper sound profile when bottoming out a key. Conversely, the nylon bottom housing of the WS Silent Tactile delivers a deeper and fuller sound upon key press. This demonstrates how the qualities of the housing material are split between the top and bottom housings, influencing the overall sound and feel of typing on each switch.
In summary, while both the SP-Star Duck and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile offer unique qualities in their respective housing materials, they differ in terms of their sound profiles and aesthetic capabilities. The Duck's polycarbonate housing creates a sharper sound with the advantage of showcasing RGB lighting, while the WS Silent Tactile's nylon housing provides a deeper and fuller sound. Nonetheless, both switches demonstrate the impact that top and bottom housing have on the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Duck tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, it is important to note that the exact values for the actuation force are unknown for both switches. However, the Duck has a bottom out force of 58 grams, which can be considered medium, while the WS Silent Tactile has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is slightly heavier, falling into the medium-heavy range.
Considering weight as a factor, the lighter actuation force allows for a more effortless and prolonged typing experience, making it suitable for individuals who type for extended periods, such as for work or during long gaming sessions. In contrast, some users prefer a stronger push feel, seeking a more substantial typing experience. Such individuals may favor options with heavier actuation and bottom out forces.
While we don't have the specific actuation force values for the Duck and WS Silent Tactile switches, it can be inferred that both switches fall within a relatively similar range, as they are both categorized as medium or medium-heavy for bottom out force. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of tactile feedback and typing experience with both switches, albeit with slight variations in the force required for triggering keystrokes and bottoming out.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Duck tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, it is clear that there is a difference. The Duck has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered to be a more traditional distance, while the WS Silent Tactile has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Duck provides a slightly deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on the key, which can be preferred by those who enjoy a more hearty depth in their typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile's 3.5 mm travel distance offers a slightly shallower feel, which can be favored by gamers for its faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.
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 Silent Tactile comes in at $4.20 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 is known for its clean and crispy sound profile, which provides a more subtle tactile typing experience. The sound is described as neutral, meaning it has a moderate sound profile suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you are using it at home or work. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch is designed to strike a delicate balance between tactility and noise reduction. These switches are crafted with precision and feature stem railings with small cutouts, effectively minimizing switch sound. The sound profile of the WS Silent Tactile switch is also described as neutral, similar to the Duck switch, making it suitable for various use cases. Additionally, the WS Silent Tactile switches offer a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out and responsive return, creating an impressive silent profile. These switches stand out from conventional silent switches as they do not use silicone dampeners, providing a typing experience that is free from the usual padded feel found in most silent switches.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Duck switch offers a mild and buttery typing experience. It provides a gentle tactile feedback and a smooth, effortless keystroke. The switch is described as polished, indicating a refined finish that offers reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switch provides an accented and invigorating feel. It offers a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming, creating a medium tactile experience. The switch also offers a snappy and reactive feel, providing an immersive typing sensation. Additionally, similar to the Duck switch, the WS Silent Tactile switch is also described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience.
Considering all the available information, both the SP-Star Duck tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch offer desirable qualities for users seeking a tactile typing experience. Both switches have a moderate sound profile and actuation force requirement, making them suitable for most users and environments. The Duck switch provides a more subtle tactile experience with a clean and crispy sound, while the WS Silent Tactile switch strikes a balance between tactility and noise reduction, providing an impressive silent profile. The feel of the switches differs slightly, with the Duck switch offering a mild and buttery typing experience, while the WS Silent Tactile switch provides an accented and invigorating feel. However, users can expect a similar level of quality and satisfaction from both switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the SP-Star Duck tactile switch or the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience and noise level. If you're looking for a more subtle tactile typing experience, the Duck switches would be perfect for you. They offer a gentle tactility and a clean, crispy sound profile. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter environment in your office or work setting, the WS Silent Tactile switches by Wuque would be an excellent choice. These switches strike a delicate balance, providing a medium level of tactility while minimizing switch sound. They do not use silicone dampeners, ensuring a typing experience devoid of the usual padded feel found in most silent switches.
In terms of sound, both switches have a moderate sound profile, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. However, the WS Silent Tactile switch is described as "muted," producing a softer and quieter sound compared to the Duck switch.
In terms of feel, the Duck switch offers a mild and buttery typing experience with a polished finish. It provides a gentle and uniform keystroke sensation. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switch is described as accented and invigorating, offering a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming. It provides a snappy and reactive feel.
Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for typing experience and noise level. If you prioritize a more subtle tactile typing experience, choose the Duck switch. If noise reduction is your priority, opt for the WS Silent Tactile switch.
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