Wuque Studio WS POM+ vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the Wuque Studio WS POM+ and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact your typing experience, and two standout options from Wuque Studio are the WS POM+ and the WS Silent Tactile. The WS POM+, celebrated for its all-POM construction, offers a linear typing experience characterized by a satisfying "thock" sound and buttery-smooth keystrokes, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a seamless and uninterrupted typing flow. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile switch is designed with office environments in mind, balancing medium tactility with exceptional noise reduction. Its innovative design pairs silent operation with tactile feedback, ensuring each keystroke remains both quiet and responsive, perfect for professionals who need to maintain focus without disturbing others. While the WS POM+ caters to users seeking an engaging auditory experience, the WS Silent Tactile focuses on a muted yet satisfying 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
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Wuque Studio WS POM+ and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile, both switches exhibit materials that contribute to a distinctive sound profile, though they utilize different plastics. The WS POM+ employs POM (Polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings. This material is renowned for producing a unique audio experience characterized by a muted, deeper sound profile. Conversely, the WS Silent Tactile utilizes nylon for its top and bottom housings. Nylon is recognized as a classic switch housing material, noted for imparting a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer composition, which absorbs more sound than the harder POM plastic.
While the distinct materials create variations in the auditory characteristics, they also share similarities in their overall performance outputs. Both POM and nylon contribute to a rounded, subdued sound, which can lead to a highly pleasant typing experience. The muted qualities of the POM housing in the WS POM+ create a unique sound that many users appreciate, whereas the WS Silent Tactile's nylon also offers a duller and rounder sound profile due to its softer nature. This suggests that regardless of the differing housing materials, users can achieve a similar typing ambiance that emphasizes a lower tone and pleasant auditory feedback when typing.
It’s important to note that the differentiation in materials breaks down the auditory experience into two distinct components. For both switches, the bottom housing greatly influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound upon releasing the keys. Therefore, even though the distinctions between POM and nylon lend each switch its character, the overlapping aspects of their sound profiles enable typists to enjoy comparable auditory experiences across different tactile designs. In essence, while the WS POM+ and WS Silent Tactile offer different material compositions, they deliver a harmonious balance of muted tones and enjoyable feedback in the typing experience.
Weight
The Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch and the WS Silent Tactile tactile switch exhibit distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The WS POM+ has a measured actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorized as medium-light, making it suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile switch lacks an explicitly stated actuation force but features a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy range. This design may appeal to users who favor a more substantial push feel while typing, as it provides a firmer resistance upon bottoming out, enhancing the tactile experience. As such, the WS POM+ is the lighter option between the two, while the WS Silent Tactile is the heavier choice, offering different preferences based on users' typing habits and experiences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, there is a slight difference to note. The WS POM+ has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the longer of the two, while the WS Silent Tactile has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter. This means that if you prefer a more responsive feel, the WS Silent Tactile might be advantageous due to its shorter travel distance, while the WS POM+ could offer a more satisfying depth for those who enjoy a fuller keystroke experience. Overall, both switches cater to different preferences in travel distance, allowing users to choose based on their tactile and responsive needs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Wuque Studio WS POM+ comes in at $3.90, whereas the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile comes in at $4.20.
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 POM+ switch is characterized by a deep, satisfying "thock" that contributes to a more resonant and enjoyable typing experience. This sound profile is appealing to those who appreciate auditory feedback in their keystrokes and can make the experience more engaging, particularly in a personal or gaming setup. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile switch emphasizes a muted sound signature that is less intrusive, making it an excellent choice for office environments where noise reduction is paramount. Its design minimizes the typical clack associated with mechanical switches while still providing a neutral auditory experience, allowing for extensive typing without drawing attention.
When it comes to feel, the WS POM+ excels in providing a buttery-smooth keystroke that many typists find invigorating and responsive. This switch is engineered to deliver a fluid typing experience, ensuring that each stroke feels seamless without any hindrance. Conversely, the WS Silent Tactile switch offers medium tactility without being overwhelming, making it comfortable for extended use without fatigue. Its tactile feedback is designed to be prominent yet well-balanced, providing the user with a satisfying response with each key press without the scratchiness common in some tactile switches. This makes the Silent Tactile a delight for those who appreciate tactile cues but prefer a more refined and moderate feel.
In summary, while both switches serve distinct purposes, they cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The WS POM+ offers an engaging auditory experience with a smooth tactile sensation, appealing to users who enjoy pronounced feedback. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile provides a quieter yet tactility-rich experience, perfect for office settings or shared environments. Choosing between these two ultimately depends on whether you prioritize auditory enjoyment and smoothness or if you prefer a muted, tactile response that maintains a comfortable sound level.
Conclusion
To conclude, the decision between the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch and the WS Silent Tactile tactile switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and the environment where you'll be using your keyboard. If you favor a smooth, linear keystroke with a satisfying "thock" sound, the WS POM+ is your go-to option, particularly for a more enthusiastic typing experience. Its medium-light 55-gram bottom-out force allows for effortless key presses, making it ideal for extended typing sessions where speed and fluidity are paramount. Conversely, if you find yourself in a more subdued setting—like an office or a shared workspace—the WS Silent Tactile switch is tailored for discretion without sacrificing feedback. Offering a tactile bump with a 63.5-gram force, this switch delivers a muted, yet invigorating typing feel, blending a subtle tactile response with exceptional noise reduction, thanks to its innovative design. In essence, choose the WS POM+ for a dynamic and audible typing experience and opt for the WS Silent Tactile when you need to maintain a quieter atmosphere while still enjoying the benefits of tactile feedback.
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