Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile and the SP-Star Yanyu mechanical keyboard switches, it all comes down to personal preference. The WS Light Tactile is renowned for its smoothness, snappy tactile bump, and neutral sound signature, making it a great option for those who prefer an easy-to-press and stepped typing experience. On the other hand, the Yanyu switches offer a delicate typing experience with a crisp sound profile, ideal for users who type for extended periods of time and appreciate a feathery and polished feel. 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
15.4mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile and the SP-Star Yanyu switches offer distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile and feel of the switches. The WS Light Tactile utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This material's stiffness leads to a clear and resonant sound that is enhanced by its translucency, making it ideal for switches designed for RGB lighting. In contrast, the Yanyu switch features a unique Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing, which produces a pleasant and bright sound profile that is not overly sharp.
In terms of the bottom housing, the WS Light Tactile incorporates nylon, a classic switch housing material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. The absorption of sound by nylon results in a duller and rounder sound during typing. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch utilizes the same Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for its bottom housing, offering a similar pleasant sound profile that leans towards the brighter side. While the top and bottom housing materials vary between the two switches, each contributes to the overall typing experience by influencing the sound and feel of key presses.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches plays a crucial role in determining the sound and feel experienced by users. The WS Light Tactile and the SP-Star Yanyu switches showcase the impact of different materials on the sound profiles they produce. Whether it is the stiffer polycarbonate of the WS Light Tactile's top housing creating a sharp sound or the unique Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend of the Yanyu switch delivering a pleasant and bright sound profile, both switches offer distinct typing experiences based on their housing materials. Despite their differences, both switches aim to enhance the user's typing experience through carefully selected housing materials.
Weight
The Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a relatively light option. In comparison, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch has an actuation force of an unknown amount and a bottom out force of 43 grams, also falling on the lighter side. Both switches are geared towards those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer and more comfortable typing sessions. The WS Light Tactile offers a slightly heavier bottom out force compared to the Yanyu, which could provide a bit more feedback during typing. For those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience, they may prefer switches with heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Overall, both switches cater to users looking for a lighter touch when typing.
Travel distance
Both the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. In terms of travel distance, they are equal and will provide a consistent experience for users. It is worth noting that the travel distance can significantly impact the typing experience by determining the level of feedback and actuation point of the switch. With both switches having the same travel distance, users can expect similar results and performance in terms of keypress feel.
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 Light 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
When it comes to sound, both the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile and the SP-Star Yanyu switches offer a neutral profile, making them suitable for a wide range of users and environments. However, the Yanyu switches also provide a thocky sound profile, which adds a deep and satisfying element to the typing experience. Keep in mind that the overall sound produced will also depend on the keyboard board and keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the WS Light Tactile switches are described as stepped and easy-to-press, offering a smooth and low-impact typing experience. On the other hand, the Yanyu switches provide a mild, feathery, subtle, and polished feel, ensuring a gentle typing sensation with reduced finger fatigue. The Yanyu switches fall in a safe middle-ground zone in terms of tactility, making them approachable to most users for various typing needs.
In conclusion, both the WS Light Tactile and Yanyu switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. If you enjoy a switch with a snappy tactile bump and a neutral sound profile, the WS Light Tactile would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a more delicate and gentle typing experience along with a thocky sound profile, the Yanyu switches would be the way to go. Ultimately, the decision between the two would depend on whether you prioritize the tactile feel or the sound profile in your mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the WS Light Tactile and the SP-Star Yanyu switches, you should consider your typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. If you prefer a switch with a snappy tactile bump and a neutral sound signature, the WS Light Tactile could be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that offers a delicate typing experience with a crisp sound profile and a lighter bottom out force, the Yanyu linear switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches have their unique characteristics, so it's essential to determine which features align best with your typing style and preferences.
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