Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Prepare to be captivated by the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile Switches and the SP-Star Yanyu Switches, two remarkable mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The WS Heavy Tactile, known for its profound and pronounced tactile bump, provides a satisfying resistance of 70g with each keystroke, making typing an engaging and immersive journey. Its nylon housing contributes to a "thocky" resonance, creating a pleasing auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Yanyu switches offer a more delicate typing experience, perfect for those typing for long periods of time. With a crisp sound profile and a material blend that gives them a polished feel, the Yanyu switches provide a subtle and feathery touch to each keystroke. While these general descriptions provide a glimpse into the qualities of each switch, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 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 single-stage spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile and the SP-Star Yanyu switches differ in composition, leading to variations in sound profile. The WS Heavy Tactile utilizes a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound. The nylon material is relatively softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Yanyu switch combines polymer nylon and UHMWPE in its top housing, offering a unique sound profile. This blend creates a pleasant sound that is not particularly sharp but leans towards the brighter side. Therefore, the WS Heavy Tactile will deliver a richer and deeper sound, while the Yanyu switch will provide a brighter and more distinct sound.
Similarly, the bottom housing materials of the two switches also differ in composition and subsequent sound profiles. The WS Heavy Tactile features a nylon bottom housing, which complements its softer top housing. The nylon material absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound upon bottoming out the keys. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch incorporates a blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE in its bottom housing. This unique blend contributes to the switch's overall sound profile, creating a sound that is distinctively pleasant, but not particularly sharp. Thus, the WS Heavy Tactile will offer a deeper and fuller sound upon bottoming out, while the Yanyu switch will provide a more balanced and moderate sound experience.
It is important to note that if the top and bottom housings vary for a particular switch, the qualities associated with each housing material will be divided between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on either of these switches, the properties of the bottom housing material will have a greater impact on the sound and feel during bottoming out. Conversely, the qualities of the top housing material will influence the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, while the specific materials may differ, both the WS Heavy Tactile and the Yanyu switches will provide similar results in terms of their overall sound profiles, with variations in depth, brightness, and roundness.
Weight
When comparing the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. Unfortunately, the specific grams for the actuation force are unavailable for both switches. However, the WS Heavy Tactile has a bottom out force of 45 grams, which can be considered light, while the Yanyu has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 43 grams.
Considering the weight of the switches, it is worth noting that some individuals prefer a lighter actuation force as it allows for longer typing periods, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. In contrast, others prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. For those individuals, choosing options with heavier forces would be more suitable.
Overall, while we cannot compare the actuation forces directly due to the unavailability of the specific grams, we can see that the bottom out force for the Yanyu switch is slightly lighter than that of the WS Heavy Tactile switch. Both switches offer a relatively light typing experience. Therefore, those looking for a similar result in terms of weight and force can expect to achieve a comparable experience with either switch.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch is 3.2 mm, while the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Comparing the two, it is evident that the Yanyu has a longer travel distance. In terms of traditional values, both switches fall within the acceptable range, with the Yanyu being closer to the standard 4.0 mm distance. However, in recent times, shorter travel distances have gained popularity, especially among gamers who value faster response times. For those seeking a more responsive experience, the shorter 3.2 mm travel distance of the WS Heavy Tactile switch would be a preferred choice. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, in which case the Yanyu switch with its longer travel distance would be a better fit for those who prefer a deeper and more substantial keystroke. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
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 Heavy Tactile 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
The WS Heavy Tactile switch is known for its captivating sound profile. It produces a clacky, high-pitched, and resonant sound when pressed. The nylon housings of these switches contribute to a "thocky" resonance, providing a satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch has a more neutral sound profile. It does not have any specific descriptors mentioned, but it is stated to have a crisp sound profile.
In terms of feel, the WS Heavy Tactile switch offers an invigorating and sharp tactile experience. It has an accented tactility that provides a prominent amount of feedback. The tactile bump is strong and crisp, allowing for a distinct feel with each keypress. The switch is also described as bouncy and snappy, giving it a spring-like and responsive sensation. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch has a more mild and feathery feel. It offers a gentle and approachable typing experience, with a light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue. It is also described as having a subtle and polished feel, indicating a smooth and refined typing experience.
In conclusion, the WS Heavy Tactile and SP-Star Yanyu switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The WS Heavy Tactile provides a captivating and immersive sound profile with a clacky, high-pitched, and resonant tone. It offers an invigorating and sharp tactile experience with an accented, bouncy, and snappy feel. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch has a more neutral sound profile and a mild, feathery feel. While they are different in these aspects, they both offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a keyboard switch that provides a tactile typing experience with a satisfying resistance, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch is the ideal choice for you. With its 70g bottom out force and pronounced tactile bump, each keystroke will offer a captivating and immersive journey. Additionally, the Wuque Heavy Tactile Switches have a "thocky" resonance, providing a satisfying auditory feedback with every press.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more delicate typing experience or if you need to type for long periods of time without feeling fatigued, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 43g, these switches offer a lighter typing feel, reducing finger strain and allowing for comfortable extended typing sessions. The Yanyu switches also have a crisp sound profile, perfect for those who prefer a neutral or thocky sound.
Ultimately, the choice between the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile and SP-Star Yanyu switches depends on your preference for typing experience and sound. If you want a heavier and more tactile feel with a "thocky" sound, go for the WS Heavy Tactile. But if you prefer a lighter and more delicate typing feel with a neutral or thocky sound, the Yanyu switches are the better option. Consider your typing needs and personal preferences to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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