United States: Free shipping on orders over $49

Wuque Studio WS Brown vs. SP-Star Yanyu

An in-depth look at the Wuque Studio WS Brown and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch, there are two options that stand out for their unique features and benefits. On one hand, there's the Wuque Studio WS Brown, a tactile switch that offers a harmonious blend of familiarity and innovation. With a medium-light actuation force, these switches strike a balance between responsiveness and comfort, making them ideal for fatigue-free typing during long sessions. The delightful auditory experience they provide, thanks to the familiar nylon housing and POM stem combination, is something enthusiasts truly cherish. On the other hand, we have the SP-Star Yanyu, a linear switch that caters to those seeking a more delicate typing experience or those who spend extended periods typing. The Yanyu's material blend contributes to a crisp sound profile that enhances the typing experience. While these general pointers provide valuable insights, it's crucial to dive deeper beyond generalities to determine the best switch for your specific needs and preferences.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

N/A

Actuation force

N/A

Bottom-out force

55g

Bottom-out force

43g

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Total travel

3.80 mm

Total travel

4.00 mm

Factory lubed

Yes

Factory lubed

Yes

Stem construction

Partial box

Stem construction

Standard

Stem material

POM

Stem material

POM

Top housing material

Nylon

Top housing material

Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Bottom housing material

Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

22mm double-stage spring

Spring

Gold plated

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Wuque Studio WS Brown and the SP-Star Yanyu switches differ in their composition. The WS Brown features a nylon top housing, which is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon material absorbs more sound due to its softer plastic, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Yanyu switch incorporates a unique blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE in its top housing. This blend offers a sound profile that is pleasant, though it leans more towards the brighter side compared to the WS Brown.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the WS Brown maintains its use of nylon, which contributes to its deeper and fuller sound profile. Similarly, the Yanyu switch utilizes a polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for its bottom housing. This blend's benefits are not explicitly mentioned, but it can be inferred that it contributes to the overall sound profile of the switch. As with the top housing, the bottom housing is crucial in determining the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch.

In terms of similarities, both switches share the use of nylon as the housing material for their top and bottom components, which signifies their classic switch housing nature. The WS Brown and the Yanyu incorporate different materials alongside nylon in their respective top housings, resulting in distinct sound profiles. However, both switches prioritize creating a sound experience that is pleasing to typists, though the WS Brown tends to produce a duller sound while the Yanyu leans towards a brighter tone. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference regarding the sound profile desired.

Weight

When comparing the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role. Unfortunately, the specific actuation force for both switches is unavailable. However, the WS Brown has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which can be considered medium-light. In contrast, the Yanyu has a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it lighter than the WS Brown.

Considering the weight of a switch is important for different reasons. Those who prefer a lighter switch find it beneficial as it allows for longer typing sessions without inducing fatigue. This lightweight characteristic is suitable for a keyboard used in a professional setting or during extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, some individuals enjoy a stronger push feeling when typing, as it provides a more substantial typing experience. For these users, selecting switches with heavier forces would be more suitable.

While the actuation forces for both the WS Brown and Yanyu switches are unknown, their bottom out forces do provide some insight. The WS Brown switch offers a medium-light bottom out force, suggesting a balance between ease of typing and a substantial feel. In comparison, the Yanyu switch has a lighter bottom out force, indicating a preference for a lighter and more effortless typing experience.

In summary, the WS Brown switch is relatively heavier than the Yanyu switch due to its higher bottom out force. However, without concrete information about their actuation forces, it is challenging to provide a comprehensive comparison. Regardless, if the actuation forces turn out to be similar, individuals can expect comparable results in terms of triggering keystrokes. Ultimately, the decision between these switches should be based on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch is 3.8 mm, while the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. These distances indicate that the Yanyu switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the WS Brown switch. The Yanyu switch's 4.0mm travel distance falls within the traditional range, while the WS Brown switch's 3.8 mm distance is slightly shorter. For those who prioritize faster response times, the shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm offered by the WS Brown switch may be more desirable. This is particularly true for gamers who require quick reactions. On the other hand, some individuals may find the shorter distance too abrupt and prefer a switch with a heftier depth like the Yanyu switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the specific requirements of the user.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

The SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu 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 WS Brown switch is known for its familiar and delightful auditory experience. The combination of the nylon housing and POM stem creates a distinct sound that enthusiasts cherish. However, the specific sound descriptor for the WS Brown switch is unknown. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch is described as having a crisp sound profile. While the specific sound descriptor is not mentioned, it is stated that the Yanyu switch produces a satisfying sound when pressed and released, which can be described as "thocky". It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen, so results may vary.

When it comes to feel, the WS Brown switch strikes a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort. With a medium-light actuation force, these switches offer a familiar and comfortable typing experience, ensuring fatigue-free typing during long sessions. However, the specific feel descriptor for the WS Brown switch is unknown. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch offers a more gentle typing experience, making it suitable for those typing for long periods of time. The Yanyu switch is described as mild, feathery, subtle, and polished. These descriptors indicate that the Yanyu switch provides a light typing feel, reduces finger fatigue, and offers a smooth and refined typing experience. The Yanyu switch stands in a safe middle-ground zone in terms of feel, making it approachable to most users.

Based on the available information, we can conclude that both the WS Brown and Yanyu switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The WS Brown switch provides a familiar and delightful auditory experience, while the Yanyu switch offers a crisp sound profile that can be described as "thocky". In terms of feel, the WS Brown switch strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort, while the Yanyu switch offers a more gentle typing experience with qualities such as mildness, feathery lightness, subtlety, and polish. It is important to consider personal preferences and factors such as typing habits, intended usage, and desired sound and feel when choosing between the two switches. Both switches offer their own advantages, and while the specific sound and feel descriptors for the WS Brown switch are unknown, it is safe to assume that they will provide similar results to what is commonly expected from tactile switches.

Conclusion

In closing, when making a decision between the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you value a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort, along with a familiar and delightful auditory experience, the WS Brown may be the ideal choice for you. With its medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams and the familiar nylon housing and POM stem combination, these switches offer a satisfying typing experience that can help minimize fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more delicate typing experience or frequently type for long periods, the Yanyu linear switch could be a better fit. With its light bottom out force of 43 grams and the crisp sound profile it produces, these switches provide a gentle and comfortable typing experience. Additionally, the Yanyu offers different descriptors such as neutral, thocky, mild, feathery, subtle, and polished, allowing you to further tailor your switch choice to your preferences. Consider your typing style, desired sound profile, and overall typing experience when making a decision between these two switches.

Mentioned in this article