Kailh Plum vs. Wuque Studio WS Yellow
An in-depth look at the Kailh Plum and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, there are various options available on the market, each offering a unique typing experience. Two such options are the Kailh Plum, a tactile switch, and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow, a linear switch. The Plum stands out for its hefty feel and absence of a prominent tactile bump, making it quite unique among tactile switches. In contrast, the WS Yellow combines classic materials with cutting-edge engineering, featuring a delightful bounce and a familiar sound signature that enthusiasts adore. While these general pointers may help you narrow down your selection, let's dive deeper into the specifics of each switch so you can make an informed decision based on your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Plum and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow differ in terms of their housing materials. The Plum features a polycarbonate top housing, while the WS Yellow utilizes a nylon top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Plum creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the WS Yellow produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound. So, while the Plum offers a crisp and resonant sound, the WS Yellow focuses more on depth and fullness in terms of sound quality.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Kailh Plum and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow employ nylon as their material of choice. This common housing material provides similar sound qualities in both switches. The use of nylon in the bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound compared to harder plastics. The bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, which remains consistent for both the Plum and the WS Yellow. Therefore, when it comes to the bottom housing, the sound experience will be quite similar between these two switches.
In summary, the housing materials of the Kailh Plum and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow influence their sound profiles in different ways. The polycarbonate top housing of the Plum creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound, while the nylon top housing of the WS Yellow produces a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, resulting in a consistent deeper and fuller sound experience. Understanding the impact of top and bottom housing materials is essential for selecting a switch that aligns with your desired sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, it is important to consider the weight of each switch. The Plum has an actuation force of unavailable grams, making it difficult to determine how it compares to the WS Yellow. However, the Plum does have a bottom out force of 70 grams, which falls on the medium-heavy side. On the other hand, the WS Yellow has an actuation force of unavailable grams, so it is unclear how it compares to the Plum in terms of triggering a keystroke. However, the WS Yellow does have a bottom out force of 53 grams, which is considered medium-light.
Weight is an important factor to consider when choosing switches, as it can greatly impact the typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter feel may opt for the WS Yellow, as its lower bottom out force allows for longer typing periods without inducing fatigue. This would be beneficial for individuals who use their keyboard extensively for work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Plum, with its higher bottom out force. This force would provide a more satisfying tactile experience for those who enjoy the feeling of fully pressing down on the keys. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on the individual's preferences and typing style.
Travel distance
The Kailh Plum tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. Choosing the shorter travel distance option, such as the Plum switch, can enhance responsiveness. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial keypress feel, the WS Yellow switch with its slightly longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired sensation when pressing down on a key.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Plum comes in at $6.25, whereas the Wuque Studio WS Yellow comes in at $3.50.
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 Kailh Plum tactile switch is known for its neutral sound profile, which is highly enjoyable. It doesn't have a distinctive loud or soft sound, making it suitable for most purposes and environments. On the other hand, there is no specific information available about the sound of the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch. However, 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 used, so results may vary depending on those choices.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Plum tactile switch is described as providing a mild and stepped experience. The mild feel of these switches offers a more gentle typing experience without any pronounced characteristics, making them approachable to most users. Additionally, the stepped design of the switch means that it has two stages of tactility, providing a more subtle tactile response compared to switches with a pronounced bump. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch is described as offering a creamy and mild typing experience. The creamy sensation is achieved through factory lubrication or specific materials, resulting in a smooth and buttery typing feel. The mild characteristic of these switches ensures a comfortable and gentle typing experience for most users. Moreover, the WS Yellow switch is also described as polished, which means it has a refined finish that reduces friction and enables smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Kailh Plum tactile switch offers a unique combination of weightiness without a pronounced tactile bump, neutral sound profile, mild feel, and a stepped design. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch provides a delightful typing experience with its blend of classic materials and cutting-edge engineering. It offers a familiar sound signature, a creamy and mild typing feel, and a polished finish for reduced friction. Both switches provide enjoyable and approachable typing experiences, although they have their distinct qualities. Depending on personal preferences, you can select either switch to achieve similar results in terms of overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you're looking for a tactile switch that offers a medium-heavy bottom out force and a unique tactile experience without a pronounced bump, the Kailh Plum would be a great choice. Its neutral sound profile and mild feel make it suitable for both beginners and advanced users in various environments. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a smooth and buttery typing experience, the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switch is perfect for you. With its creamy and polished characteristics, these switches provide a delightful typing experience with effortless keystrokes. Whichever switch you choose, both the Plum and the WS Yellow offer their own set of qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles.
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