No buffer setup is going to reduce recoil. Recoil is strictly a function of conservation of momentum. I can close my gas block so that the action doesn't cycle at all. Recoil is the same. The sound is certainly different because the action does make a lot of noise.
In terms of "felt recoil", the mass of the reciprocating parts is the major factor. The bolt carrier (and buffer) put energy into the spring while compressing it. Then the spring energy is used to push the carrier back into battery. This system works inside the rifle. That makes describing the action on the shooter a bit tricky.
I cut 2 1/4" off my stock carbine spring.With subloads using bluedot and 2400 the action will cycle enough to eject the spent case,but wont strip the new round from the mag.I guess I will get a wolff reduced power spring and try again.