Wuque Studio WS Onion vs. SP-Star Yanyu

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Wuque Studio WS Onion and the SP-Star Yanyu. The WS Onion is well-regarded for its buttery smooth keystrokes and satisfying feel. With a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, these switches offer a crisp and responsive typing experience while maintaining a neutral sound profile. On the other hand, the Yanyu switches are ideal for those seeking a delicate and comfortable typing experience, especially during long periods of use. They feature a material blend that produces a crisp sound profile and are categorized as neutral, mild, thocky, feathery, subtle, and polished. However, let's explore further beyond these general attributes to help you make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Wuque Studio WS Onion and the SP-Star Yanyu differ significantly. The WS Onion utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which produces a clear and resonant sound. Moreover, the translucency of the polycarbonate top housing enhances the effects of RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Yanyu features a unique Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing. This blend produces a pleasant sound profile that is not particularly sharp, but leans towards the brighter side. While both switch housings offer distinct sound characteristics, they create different auditory experiences for users.

In terms of the bottom housing, the WS Onion employs a nylon material. Nylon is a traditional switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its softer nature allows for enhanced sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the Yanyu utilizes a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for its bottom housing. This blend offers a unique sound profile, which we find to be pleasant and slightly brighter. Although both materials result in a deeper sound experience compared to the top housing, the blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in the Yanyu contributes to a different tonal quality.

When considering the overall sound and feel of the switches, it is important to note that the qualities brought by the housing materials are divided between the top and bottom housings. The bottom housing of a switch, such as the WS Onion's nylon or the Yanyu's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend, primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down. Conversely, the top housing, with its distinct material properties, has a greater impact on the sound produced when a key is released. Despite these differences, it is clear that both the WS Onion and Yanyu pay careful attention to the unique qualities of their housing materials to deliver specific sound profiles and experiences to the user.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, there are notable differences. The actuation force of the WS Onion switch is currently unknown, while the Yanyu switch also has an unavailable actuation force. However, in terms of bottom out force, the WS Onion requires 63.5 grams, which can be categorized as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Yanyu switch has a lighter bottom out force of 43 grams.

Considering weight, it is important to note that lighter switches can be beneficial for individuals who prefer extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions. This lightness allows for reduced hand fatigue and increased comfort during prolonged usage. Hence, those who bring their keyboards to work or engage in extensive gaming might find lighter switches, such as the Yanyu, more suitable for their needs.

However, there are also individuals who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. These individuals may find heavier switches preferable as they provide a tactile response and a sense of stability. The medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams in the WS Onion switch would cater to this desire for a more pronounced keystroke sensation.

Although the specific actuation forces for both switches are currently unknown, it is reasonable to assume that they vary given the different bottom out forces mentioned. As a result, the actuation forces of the WS Onion and Yanyu switches may also offer contrasting experiences. However, without this specific information, we can only speculate.

In summary, the WS Onion linear switch appears to have a heavier bottom out force compared to the lighter bottom out force of the Yanyu switch. These differences in force can affect the typing experience, with lighter switches being preferred for longer typing sessions and heavier switches offering a more substantial feel.

Travel distance

The travel distance of a switch is an important factor to consider when choosing a keyboard. In the case of the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance as the switch travels from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, you can expect similar results with both the WS Onion and the Yanyu switches.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The WS Onion linear switch is best known for its buttery smooth keystroke feel. This switch provides a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation, thanks to its buttery and polished feel. Additionally, the sound profile of the WS Onion is described as neutral, meaning it doesn't have any particularly distinctive or loud sound characteristics. This makes it suitable for various environments, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use the switch at home or work.

On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch offers a more delicate typing experience, making it ideal for those who type for extended periods of time. The Yanyu has a mild and feathery feel, which means it is exceptionally light to press and provides little finger strain. This can be particularly comfortable during long typing sessions for gaming, school, or work. The Yanyu also has a subtle and polished feel, similar to the WS Onion, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.

In terms of sound, both the WS Onion and the Yanyu have a neutral sound profile. This means that they produce a moderate sound when pressed, without any distinctive loudness or resonance. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, so your choice of those elements will also play a role in the overall sound produced.

Overall, the WS Onion and the Yanyu switches offer different experiences in terms of feel, with the WS Onion providing a buttery and polished typing sensation, and the Yanyu offering a mild and feathery feel. However, both switches share a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for a wide range of purposes. Whether you choose the WS Onion or the Yanyu, you can expect similar results in terms of sound comfort and versatility, while their individual feel characteristics provide a nuanced typing experience to cater to different preferences.

Conclusion

In closing, when choosing between WS Onion and Yanyu linear switches, consider the specific qualities you are looking for in your typing experience. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a buttery smooth keystroke feel, then the WS Onion switches would be a great choice for you. With their polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, you can expect a crisp and responsive feel, along with a neutral sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a more delicate typing experience, the Yanyu switches would be ideal. These switches offer a gentle typing feel and a crisp sound profile, making them suitable for long periods of typing. Additionally, both switches have a neutral sound profile, making them versatile for various settings. Ultimately, the decision between WS Onion and Yanyu switches depends on your personal preferences for bottom out force and typist feel.

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