Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile vs. Wuque Studio WS POM+
An in-depth look at the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, finding the perfect match for your typing style can significantly enhance your experience. The Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch stands out for its unique combination of a smooth keystroke and a snappy tactile bump, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate feedback while typing without overwhelming noise, thanks to its neutral sound signature. Alternatively, the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch offers an irresistibly deep "thock" sound and a buttery-smooth feel, appealing to typists who prefer a quieter but equally satisfying experience. While the WS Light Tactile excels in providing tactile feedback that can improve typing accuracy, the WS POM+ is perfect for users who favor a gliding motion with a mellow auditory profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that meets your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.4mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile and the WS POM+, notable differences emerge in their top housings, which significantly influence their sound profiles. The WS Light Tactile features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and translucence, promoting a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This quality is particularly advantageous for users who prioritize RGB lighting, as its clear nature allows for vibrant illumination to shine through. In contrast, the WS POM+ employs a POM top housing, which generates a deeper, more muted sound profile. This distinct sound, characterized by its unique and pleasing qualities, suggests that while both switches effectively produce sound, the WS Light Tactile is engineered for a more pronounced auditory experience, especially conducive to RGB setups.
The bottom housings of the two switches present another area of contrast and similarity. The WS Light Tactile utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound, creating a rounder auditory experience. Conversely, the WS POM+ features a POM bottom housing as well, which also produces a pleasing sound profile but is noted for its deep and muted qualities. This commonality in utilizing POM for the bottom housing strengthens the isolation of sound properties, suggesting that while they share similar materials, the overall auditory outcome will still differ based on the top housing choices, ultimately affecting the sound you observe during key presses.
The dual composition of the top and bottom housings reflects the nuanced relationship between material choice and sound characteristics in both switches. For instance, with the WS Light Tactile, the crispness of the polycarbonate top balances the rounded fullness of the nylon bottom to create a more lively typing experience. Meanwhile, the WS POM+ harmoniously merges the sound qualities of its POM top and bottom housings, resulting in a cohesive depth in sound. Users can expect that while each switch delivers a unique auditory feedback, one can anticipate similar sound characteristics when pressing keys on each model, albeit influenced by the materials used. The combination of each housing's sound properties plays a significant role in defining the switches' ultimate performance in terms of tactile feel and auditory reaction.
Weight
The Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile and WS POM+ linear switches present an interesting comparison in terms of their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches feature the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally responsive to key presses. However, the bottom out forces differ slightly, with the WS Light Tactile toping out at 50 grams, while the WS POM+ goes up to 55 grams. This makes the WS Light Tactile switch the lighter option overall, providing a softer feel that could be preferable for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the heavier bottom out force of the WS POM+ contributes to a more substantial typing experience, appealing to users who enjoy a firmer keystroke. Therefore, while both switches share the same actuation force, their differing bottom out forces cater to distinct preferences in typing feel and overall user experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The WS Light Tactile has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a traditionally deeper switch that offers a more pronounced feel with each keystroke. In contrast, the WS POM+ has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, catering to gamers and users who prefer a quicker and more responsive typing experience. While both switches can offer a satisfying tactile response, the WS Light Tactile is better suited for those who enjoy a more substantial depth, whereas the WS POM+ appeals to those seeking rapid actuation with its shorter distance. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you favor a more robust keystroke or a more snappy response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile comes in at $4.20, whereas the Wuque Studio WS POM+ comes in at $3.90.
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, the WS Light Tactile switch is characterized by a neutral sound signature, providing a moderate sound profile that is suitable for both casual and professional environments. This means that users can enjoy a controlled volume level without any startling noises, making it an excellent choice for those who either work in shared spaces or prefer quieter gameplay. In contrast, the WS POM+ linear switch offers a deeper, more resonant "thock" sound that many enthusiasts find satisfying. This pronounced sound adds a layer of auditory feedback to the typing experience, appealing to those who appreciate a more pronounced acoustic profile. However, as with any switch, the overall sound produced will also depend on factors like the keyboard construction and keycap choice.
In terms of feel, the WS Light Tactile features a stepped tactile response that provides a noticeable bump during activation, yet is milder than certain hypertactile switches. This results in a typing experience with defined stages of travel that can make each keystroke feel more deliberate. Coupled with its easy-to-press design, which allows minimal resistance, it ensures a comfortable experience that's particularly beneficial during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the characteristics of the WS POM+ linear switch remain unknown; however, linear switches typically provide a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke without any tactile feedback, giving it a very different feel compared to the tactile bump of the WS Light Tactile.
Ultimately, the choice between the WS Light Tactile and WS POM+ switches will hinge on personal preference for sound and tactile feedback. The WS Light Tactile offers a balanced auditory experience combined with a gentle tactile response, making it versatile for various typing environments. In contrast, the WS POM+ promises a more pronounced auditory feedback with a smooth keystroke motion, appealing to those who enjoy a satisfying thock sound. If you're after a stealthy but responsive typing experience, the WS Light Tactile is ideal, while the WS POM+ will cater to those who appreciate deeper sounds and a consistent linear feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile and the WS POM+ linear switches should hinge on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you favor a tactile response while enjoying smooth keystrokes, the WS Light Tactile would be ideal. Its lighter actuation force of 50 grams ensures effortless typing, making it especially suitable for long sessions, whether at work or during gaming. The neutral sound signature also makes it a versatile choice for various environments, providing a pleasant tactile feedback that won't disturb others. On the other hand, if you're looking for a deeply satisfying auditory experience combined with a buttery-smooth feel, the WS POM+ is the way to go. Its medium-light actuation force of 55 grams offers a balanced typing experience with a pronounced "thock" sound, great for those who appreciate a richer acoustic feedback during their keystrokes. Ultimately, consider these aspects as you make your choice; whether you value tactile feedback or the acoustic experience can make all the difference in optimizing your keyboard setup.
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