Wuque Studio WS Yellow vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the Wuque Studio WS Yellow and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Wuque Studio WS Yellow and the SP-Star Yanyu, both of which are linear switches. The WS Yellow is well-known for its combination of classic materials and modern engineering, offering a delightful typing experience with a satisfying bounce. Its lightweight design ensures effortless keystrokes, resulting in a smooth and fluid typing experience. The Yanyu switches, on the other hand, are perfect for those seeking a more delicate typing experience or those who spend extended periods typing. Its material blend gives it a crisp sound profile that is favored by enthusiasts. While these general pointers can help guide your decision, let's dive in deeper to explore the specific characteristics of each switch so you can make the best choice for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
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
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Wuque Studio WS Yellow and the SP-Star Yanyu exhibit both similarities and differences. Both switches utilize nylon in their top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. While the WS Yellow's nylon top housing absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound, the Yanyu's top housing, made of a polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend, offers a pleasant sound profile that leans towards the brighter side.
In terms of bottom housing, both switches incorporate nylon. This classic switch housing material provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. However, the Yanyu's bottom housing is composed of a uniquely blended polymer nylon and UHMWPE. This blend offers a distinct sound profile that the creators find particularly pleasant, characterized by not being overly sharp but rather slightly brighter.
When it comes to the impact on typing experience, the qualities of the top and bottom housing materials are split between the two switches. The bottom housing plays a significant role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down. Meanwhile, the top housing primarily affects the sound experienced when releasing a key. Thus, while they differ in their specific materials, both the WS Yellow and Yanyu switch designs consider the importance of housing materials on the overall typing experience of users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, it is worth noting that the specific force values for actuation are unavailable for both switches. However, in terms of bottom out force, the WS Yellow requires 53 grams, which can be considered medium-light, while the Yanyu requires 43 grams, making it lighter. This difference in bottom out force indicates that the WS Yellow may provide a slightly more substantial typing experience compared to the Yanyu. However, since the actuation force is unknown for both switches, it is difficult to make a direct comparison in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. Overall, if weight is a crucial factor, the lighter bottom out force of the Yanyu may be preferable for those looking for longer typing sessions or extensive gaming. However, those seeking a stronger push feel might find the WS Yellow more suitable. In terms of actuation force, it is difficult to determine the similarities or differences and further investigation may be required for a more comprehensive comparison.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The WS Yellow has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Yanyu has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Yanyu has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the WS Yellow. The WS Yellow is closer to the more traditional 4.0 mm travel distance, while the Yanyu falls just slightly beyond that.
The difference in travel distance between these switches may be a factor to consider depending on your preferences. Gamers, for instance, tend to favor shorter travel distances as they allow for faster response times. In this case, the WS Yellow with its 3.8 mm travel distance would be the preferred choice. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt or lacking depth. For these individuals, the Yanyu with its slightly longer 4 mm travel distance would provide a more satisfying experience.
Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference. If you prioritize responsiveness and a shorter travel distance, the WS Yellow would be the better option. On the other hand, if you prefer a more hearty depth in your key presses, the Yanyu with its longer travel distance would be the preferred choice. Both switches offer their own unique qualities, ensuring that regardless of the choice made, a satisfying typing or gaming experience can be achieved.
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 Yellow comes in at $3.50 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
The WS Yellow linear switch offers a delightful typing experience with a satisfying bounce, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke. It has a familiar sound signature that enthusiasts adore, but the exact description of the sound is not mentioned in the provided information. On the other hand, the Yanyu linear switch has a crisp sound profile, described as neutral and thocky. A neutral switch has a moderate sound profile suitable for most purposes, while a thocky switch produces a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the WS Yellow is described as creamy, mild, and polished. Creamy switches offer a smooth and buttery typing experience, similar to gliding your fingers across the keys effortlessly. Mild switches provide a gentle typing experience, suitable for most users, while polished switches have reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Yanyu switch is also described as mild and polished, offering a safe and approachable typing experience. It is important to note that the Yanyu switch is also described as feathery, meaning it is exceptionally light to press and reduces finger fatigue. Additionally, the Yanyu switch has a subtle resistance and a sound signature that is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces.
Based on the available information, the WS Yellow and the Yanyu switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The WS Yellow provides a delightful typing experience with a satisfying bounce and a familiar sound signature, while the Yanyu offers a more delicate typing experience with a crisp sound profile that is both neutral and thocky. Both switches have a mild and polished feel, providing smooth and refined typing experiences. However, the Yanyu switch has the added quality of being exceptionally light to press, reducing finger fatigue. Therefore, if you are looking for a similar typing experience to the WS Yellow but with a lighter touch, the Yanyu switch can provide similar results. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preferences and the specific requirements of the user.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a classic yet modern linear switch with a medium-light bottom out force, the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switch is a fantastic choice. With its 22mm double-stage spring and lightweight design, it provides a satisfying bounce and effortless keystrokes, resulting in a smooth and fluid typing experience. The WS Yellow also offers a familiar sound signature that enthusiasts adore. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch is perfect for you. It is particularly suitable for those who prefer a more delicate typing experience or need to type for long periods of time. The Yanyu's material blend gives it a crisp sound profile, and it offers a range of feel options, from mild to feathery, ensuring a comfortable and fatigue-free typing session. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to your personal preference in terms of bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel.
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