Cherry MX Black vs. Wuque Studio WS Onion
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Black and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options worth considering are the Cherry MX Black and the Wuque Studio WS Onion. The Cherry MX Black, a linear switch, is highly renowned for its smoothness, thanks to Cherry's new Hyperglide tooling. It offers a familiar deep sound profile, while its low-pitched, textured, and stiff characteristics provide a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Onion, also a linear switch, stands out with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, resulting in a buttery smooth keystroke feel. Its crisp and responsive nature, along with a neutral sound profile, brings an added sense of satisfaction. Both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to various preferences. 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
60g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
WS CL635 Gold Plated Stainless Spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Cherry MX Black and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The MX Black utilizes a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound due to its relatively softer plastic nature. On the other hand, the WS Onion features a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer plastic composition. This difference in housing materials affects the overall sound experience while typing on the switches.
In terms of their bottom housings, both the MX Black and the WS Onion use nylon. This material choice allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon has the ability to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, both switches will have a somewhat duller and rounder sound when bottoming out the keys. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures a comparable typing experience in terms of the sound produced.
It is important to note that when a switch has different top and bottom housings, the qualities associated with each material will be distributed accordingly. While pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. The properties of the nylon bottom housing will be more prominent in this regard. Conversely, the top housing will influence the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, the differences in top housing material, nylon for the MX Black and polycarbonate for the WS Onion, will play a significant role in the sound profile of these switches during the key release.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, there are notable differences. The Cherry MX Black has an actuation force of 60 grams, which means it requires a moderate amount of force to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the WS Onion is unavailable, so it is uncertain how much force is required for it to register a keystroke. Moving on to the bottom out force, the MX Black has a heavier weight with 80 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Onion has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is slightly lighter than the MX Black but still considered medium-heavy.
Considering weight can be advantageous for different preferences and usage scenarios. Those who prefer a lighter actuation force may find it more suitable for prolonged typing sessions or extended periods of gaming, making it ideal for work or gaming keyboards. Conversely, individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel for a more robust typing experience may lean towards options with heavier forces. If someone desires a similar result to the Cherry MX Black but with a lighter actuation force, the specific actuation force of the WS Onion would need to be known. However, based on the provided information, it can be observed that the WS Onion offers a slightly lighter bottom out force compared to the MX Black, potentially providing a more comfortable typing experience while still maintaining a moderate level of force. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Black and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel. Both switches provide a consistent tactile feedback and require the same level of force to actuate. Therefore, whether you choose the Cherry MX Black or the WS Onion linear switch, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Wuque Studio WS Onion has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Onion for $5.53.
The Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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
In terms of sound, the Cherry MX Black switches have a low-pitched profile which results in a bass-heavy and mellow tone when typing. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches have a neutral sound profile, meaning they have a moderate sound that is suitable for most situations. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen. Overall, both switches offer different sound profiles, so the choice between them would depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Black switches are textured, meaning they have noticeable friction when pressed. Some users prefer this subtle texture, while others prefer a smoother typing experience. Additionally, these switches are stiff, requiring more force to actuate and bottom-out. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches are described as buttery and polished. This means they offer a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. This polished finish provides a sleek typing experience. Again, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a textured and stiff feel or a buttery and polished feel.
Taking all the available information into account, it's clear that the Cherry MX Black and Wuque Studio WS Onion switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The MX Black switches provide a deep sound profile with a textured and stiff feel, while the WS Onion switches offer a neutral sound profile with a buttery and polished feel. As an expert, I would recommend considering the desired sound and feel when choosing between these switches. However, keep in mind that individual preferences may vary and it's always a good idea to try out different switches before making a final decision.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a heavy linear switch with a classic textured feel and a deep sound profile, the Cherry MX Black is the way to go. With its 80-gram bottom out force, it offers a satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a heavier switch. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a buttery smooth keystroke feel and a neutral sound profile, the Wuque Studio WS Onion is the better choice. With its 63.5-gram bottom out force and polycarbonate top housing, it provides a crisp and responsive typing experience that is suitable for both beginners and advanced users. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preference for weight, texture, and sound.
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