Outemu Brown vs. Wuque Studio WS Onion
An in-depth look at the Outemu Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the Outemu Brown, a tactile switch, and the Wuque Studio WS Onion, a linear switch. The Brown switch is well-known for its tactile feedback, providing a gentle bump when pressed, making it ideal for those who prefer a more pronounced key feel. On the other hand, the WS Onion is famous for its smooth keystroke feel, thanks to its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing. This switch offers a buttery and polished typing experience with a neutral sound profile, making it a favorite among users who value a refined and responsive key press. 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
53g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
WS CL635 Gold Plated Stainless Spring
Housing materials
Both the Outemu Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Onion feature polycarbonate top housings, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended to be used with RGB lighting. The similarities in the polycarbonate top housing of these two switches suggest that users can expect a similar sound experience and visual appeal when typing on either switch.
On the other hand, both switches also utilize nylon bottom housings, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This common feature between the Outemu Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Onion suggests that the typing experience on these switches will have a similar depth and richness to it. Users can expect a tactile and satisfying typing experience with these switches due to the nylon bottom housing's sound-absorbing qualities.
In conclusion, the Outemu Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Onion share similar qualities in their housing materials, with both switches featuring polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings. This leads to a consistent and comparable sound profile when typing on either switch. While the top and bottom housings play different roles in the typing experience, the similarities in material suggest that users can expect a cohesive and enjoyable typing experience with both switches.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch differ in several ways. The Brown has an actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the WS Onion has an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, also falling into the medium-heavy category. Despite the difference in actuation force, both switches offer a similar typing experience due to their comparable bottom out forces. In terms of weight, the Brown is lighter with its actuation force, making it suitable for longer typing sessions, while the WS Onion provides a slightly stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a similar level of travel distance before the key bottoms out. This allows for a consistent typing experience across both switches. Overall, the travel distance of these switches is suitable for those who prefer a moderate amount of key travel in their mechanical keyboards.
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 Outemu Brown comes in at $3.10 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Brown switch does not have a specific descriptor provided, leaving us with little information on its sound profile. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Onion switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound level, making it suitable for various users and settings. Keep in mind that the overall sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Brown switch does not have any specific descriptors given. In comparison, the Wuque Studio WS Onion switch is described as having a buttery and polished feel. A buttery switch offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, a polished switch indicates a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. This combination of qualities makes the WS Onion switch a delight to type on.
In conclusion, while the specific sound and feel qualities of the Outemu Brown switch remain unknown, the Wuque Studio WS Onion switch is praised for its neutral sound profile and buttery, polished feel. If you are looking for a switch that offers a crisp and responsive feel with a satisfying keystroke experience, the WS Onion might be the better choice. Remember that personal preference plays a significant role in selecting the right switch for your needs, so it's essential to test out different options to find the one that suits you best.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and are looking for a versatile switch that can be used for a variety of tasks, the Outemu Brown may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a buttery smooth keystroke feel and a neutral sound profile, the Wuque Studio WS Onion switch would be a great option. Ultimately, the decision depends on your personal preferences and typing style. Choose the switch that best suits your needs and enjoy the satisfying typing experience it brings.
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