Wuque Studio WS Red vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the Wuque Studio WS Red and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between linear and tactile can greatly impact your typing experience. Wuque Studio offers two distinct options to consider: the WS Red, a linear switch, and the WS Silent Tactile, a tactile switch. The WS Red provides a bouncy and responsive typing experience, thanks to its 22mm double-stage spring, while still retaining a familiar sound signature. With a heavier actuation force, each keystroke carries a satisfying weight and substantial feel. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile is crafted specifically for office and work environments, striking a delicate balance between tactility and noise reduction. These switches feature ingenious stem railings with small cutouts, which effectively reduce switch sound while still delivering a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out and responsive return. Unlike conventional silent switches, the WS Silent Tactile skips silicone dampeners, allowing for a typing experience devoid of the usual padded feel found in most silent switches. Both switches offer unique advantages, 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
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Wuque Studio WS Red and the WS Silent Tactile, both featuring nylon top and bottom housings, share similar characteristics. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is due to nylon being a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, users can expect comparable sound qualities from both switches in terms of their depth and richness.
However, despite the similarities in housing materials, the WS Red and the WS Silent Tactile may offer subtle differences in sound and tactile feedback. The variations might arise from the fact that the attributes of the housing materials are split between the top and bottom housings of the switches. When pressing down on either switch, the user will feel the qualities of the bottom housing, which impacts the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will have a more significant influence on the sound produced when releasing a key. Consequently, the switches may exhibit slightly distinct characteristics in terms of their bottom-out and release sounds, providing users with nuanced typing experiences.
In summary, the Wuque Studio WS Red and WS Silent Tactile share the same nylon housing materials, resulting in similar deeper and fuller sound profiles when typing. However, due to the distribution of the housing materials between the top and bottom housings, slight variations can be expected in the bottom-out and release sounds of the switches. Nonetheless, both switches are likely to deliver exceptional typing experiences, showcasing the advantages of nylon as a switch housing material.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. First, it's important to note that the actuation force for both switches is unavailable, meaning we don't have the specific measurement. However, both switches fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of bottom out force.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the WS Red may be the preferable choice, as its bottom out force is slightly heavier at 67 grams compared to the WS Silent Tactile's 63.5 grams. The lighter bottom out force of the WS Silent Tactile allows for a more effortless keystroke, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming.
On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the WS Red switch. With its slightly heavier bottom out force, it provides a satisfying resistance that some typists may find beneficial for increased tactile feedback and accuracy.
While the specific actuation force is unknown for both switches, it's safe to assume that they would likely provide similar results in terms of triggering a keystroke. This means that users can expect a similar level of responsiveness and sensitivity from both switches when it comes to actuation.
In conclusion, the WS Red linear switch leans towards a heavier bottom out force, appealing to those who desire a more substantial typing experience. Meanwhile, the WS Silent Tactile tactile switch offers a lighter bottom out force, making it suitable for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on personal preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch have different travel distances. The WS Red has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the WS Silent Tactile has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In terms of comparison, the WS Silent Tactile has a slightly shorter travel distance than the WS Red. Despite this difference, both switches fall within the shorter range of travel distances, which is preferred by gamers for its faster response times. If you are looking for a switch with a shorter travel distance and increased responsiveness, the WS Silent Tactile would be a suitable choice. However, it's important to note that some individuals may find short travel distances to be too abrupt. In that case, if you prefer a deeper key press experience, the WS Red with its slightly longer travel distance would be a better option. Ultimately, the choice depends on personal preference and the desired level of key press depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Wuque Studio WS Red comes in at $3.50, 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 Red switch offers a familiar sound signature due to its classic material blend. While the exact sound profile is not mentioned, it can be expected to have a moderate level of sound based on the description of being "retaining a familiar sound signature." On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switch is described as having a muted sound profile. This means that it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical keyboard switches. It effectively minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, making it an excellent choice for office and work environments. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the WS Red switch provides a bouncy and responsive typing experience. It features a 22mm double-stage spring, adding a touch of weight to each keystroke. This heavier actuation force delivers a satisfying and substantial typing feel. However, the exact tactile characteristics of the WS Red switch are not mentioned. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switch is described as an accented switch, offering a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. It provides a pronounced amount of feedback, creating an invigorating and immersive typing sensation. With its snappy and reactive feel, this switch ensures a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out and responsive return. Additionally, the WS Silent Tactile switch does not have the usual padded feel found in most silent switches, enhancing its unique blend of tranquility and tactility.
Considering all the available information, the WS Red switch and the WS Silent Tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The WS Red switch provides a familiar sound signature and a bouncy, responsive typing experience with a heavier actuation force. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switch offers a muted sound profile and an invigorating typing sensation with a medium level of tactility. Both switches offer their own unique qualities, and the choice between them ultimately depends on the individual's preference. However, it is worth mentioning that if a quieter typing experience with a medium level of tactility is desired, the WS Silent Tactile switch would be an excellent choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a bouncy and responsive typing experience with a familiar sound signature, then the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch is the choice for you. With its heavier actuation force and substantial typing feel, these switches will provide a satisfying and weighty keystroke. However, if you prioritize a quiet office or work environment without compromising on tactility, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch is the better option. These switches strike a delicate balance, offering a medium level of tactility while minimizing switch sound and providing a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out and responsive return. Their unique design also ensures a typing experience that is devoid of the usual padded feel found in most silent switches, creating an unrivaled blend of tranquility and tactility. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your preferences for sound and feel, as well as the specific environment in which you will be using them.