Cherry MX Silent Red vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile mechanical keyboard switches, we encounter two distinct options catering to different preferences. The MX Silent Red offers a smooth and linear typing experience while maintaining a slightly heavier feel than its predecessor, the MX Red, all while operating silently to suit noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch provides a pronounced tactile feedback with a 70g bump, immersive resistance, and a captivating "thocky" sound, making typing engaging and satisfying. Each switch has its unique characteristics and appeals to different typing styles and 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile utilize nylon as the material for their switch housings. This choice of material allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. The result is a duller and rounder sound compared to switches made from harder materials. This similarity in housing material means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel when using either of these switches.
Despite both switches using nylon for their housing material, there are slight differences in how the material is utilized. The MX Silent Red features nylon top and bottom housings, meaning that the qualities of nylon are distributed evenly throughout the switch. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile also utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housings, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel. However, the distribution of these qualities may vary slightly between the two switches, leading to subtle differences in the typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile may come down to personal preference in terms of typing experience. Both switches offer a deep and full sound profile thanks to their nylon housing material, but the distribution of these qualities within the switches may vary slightly. Whether you prefer a switch with a more uniform distribution of sound and feel or one with slight variations in typing experience, both the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile are solid options for those looking for a quality typing experience.
Weight
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of the force needed to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, they differ significantly. The MX Silent Red has an unknown bottom out force, while the WS Heavy Tactile has a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it heavier than the MX Silent Red. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the MX Silent Red for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may enjoy the more substantial typing experience provided by the heavier bottom out force of the WS Heavy Tactile switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, it is evident that the WS Heavy Tactile has a shorter travel distance at 3.2 mm compared to the 3.7 mm travel distance of the MX Silent Red. The MX Silent Red falls closer to the traditional 4.0 mm travel distance, while the WS Heavy Tactile leans towards the shallower 3.0 mm end of the spectrum. Gamers seeking faster response times may opt for the shorter travel distance of the WS Heavy Tactile, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress experience may prefer the longer travel distance of the MX Silent Red. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for keypress depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
The Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile 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
In terms of sound, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch offers a muted, thocky, and low-pitched sound profile, providing a quieter typing experience suitable for noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch produces a clacky, high-pitched, and resonant sound, creating a more sharp and immersive auditory experience. While the MX Silent Red focuses on minimizing noise, the WS Heavy Tactile switch delivers a more engaging and prominent sound with its nylon housing.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is described as having a textured feel, providing a slightly different tactile sensation compared to its sound profile. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch offers an accented, bouncy, invigorating, sharp, and snappy tactile experience, showcasing a range of feedback intensities and responsiveness in each keypress. The WS Heavy Tactile switch provides a more dynamic and lively typing feel compared to the textured feel of the MX Silent Red.
Overall, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a slightly textured feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch would be ideal. Conversely, if you enjoy a more engaging and dynamic tactile sensation with a clacky and resonant sound profile, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch would be the suitable choice. Both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience tailored to individual needs.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, consider your priorities. If you value a quieter typing experience in a noise-sensitive environment, the MX Silent Red would be an excellent choice with its muted, thocky sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a more engaging and satisfying typing experience with a pronounced tactile feedback and immersive "thocky" sound, the WS Heavy Tactile switch with its medium-heavy 70g bump would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you prioritize silence or tactility in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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