KTT Ash Gray vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the KTT Ash Gray and the Wuque Studio WS Brown. Both switches offer a tactile typing experience, but there are some key differences to consider. The Ash Gray switch is designed to provide a tactile response that is substantial yet unobtrusive, combining a light touch with a crisp actuation. On the other hand, the WS Brown switch strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort with its medium-light actuation force. Additionally, the WS Brown switch offers a delightful auditory experience that enthusiasts appreciate. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide which switch is the right fit for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Ash Gray and the Wuque Studio WS Brown differ in terms of their top housing material. The Ash Gray features a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is a stiff plastic that produces a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, its translucency allows for better RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the WS Brown uses a nylon top housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of their bottom housing material, both the Ash Gray and the WS Brown utilize nylon. This classic switch housing material also contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Since nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs sound, it produces a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, both switches offer similar qualities in terms of their bottom-out sound and feel.
However, the differences between the top housing materials of the Ash Gray and the WS Brown highlight their unique sound characteristics. The polycarbonate top housing of the Ash Gray generates a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon top housing of the WS Brown produces a deeper and fuller sound. These differences can have an impact on the overall typing experience and the desired sound profile.
Overall, while both the KTT Ash Gray and the Wuque Studio WS Brown utilize nylon for their bottom housing, their top housing materials differ significantly. The Ash Gray's polycarbonate top housing brings out a sharper and higher-pitched sound, whereas the WS Brown's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound. These distinctions in the housing materials contribute to the switches' overall sound profiles and can cater to different preferences for keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. In terms of weight, the Ash Gray is lighter than the WS Brown. This lighter weight of the Ash Gray switch makes it ideal for those who value extended typing periods or long gaming sessions, as it requires less force to activate the keystroke. On the other hand, the WS Brown switch offers a slightly heavier bottom out force compared to the Ash Gray, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. It is worth noting that although the actuation force of the WS Brown switch is unavailable, its bottom out force of 55 grams falls within the medium-light range, similar to the Ash Gray. Therefore, although the exact actuation force may differ, both switches would deliver similar results in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on whether one desires a lighter or heavier tactile experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, we can see some differences. The Ash Gray has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the WS Brown has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both of these distances are within the range of shorter travel distances, which have gained popularity in recent years. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances as they offer faster response times. If responsiveness is a priority for you, the Ash Gray would be the better choice. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt. In that case, the WS Brown, with its slightly longer travel distance, would provide a more satisfying depth. It's important to consider personal preferences when selecting a switch, as the travel distance can greatly impact the overall typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
The Wuque Studio WS Brown 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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch is known for its neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate sound level that is suitable for both beginners and advanced users, as well as for use in various environments such as home or work. However, it's worth noting that the sound of the switch can also be influenced by other factors like the keyboard and keycaps used. On the other hand, the sound characteristics of the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch are not provided in the given information. Therefore, it is unknown how the WS Brown switch compares to the Ash Gray in terms of sound.
In terms of feel, the Ash Gray tactile switch is described as both easy-to-press and mild. It offers gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Overall, the Ash Gray switch provides a responsive and low-impact typing feel that enhances the overall typing experience. Similarly, the WS Brown switch's feel is not described in the provided information, so it is unknown how it compares to the Ash Gray switch in terms of feel.
Based on the available information, both the Ash Gray and WS Brown tactile switches offer desirable qualities. The Ash Gray switch provides a tactile response that is substantial yet unobtrusive, with a light touch and crisp actuation. It offers a blend of tactile feedback that is not overwhelming but still noticeable. On the other hand, the WS Brown switch strikes a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort with its medium-light actuation force. It provides a familiar typing experience with a delightful auditory feedback.
Although specific information about the WS Brown switch is lacking, based on the given descriptions, it is reasonable to expect that it may have some similarities to the Ash Gray switch in terms of sound and feel. However, without further details, it is not possible to make a direct comparison between the two switches. Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Ash Gray and Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switches will depend on personal preferences and requirements.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, it ultimately depends on your preferences and priorities. If you value a light touch with a crisp actuation, along with a tactile feedback that is substantial yet unobtrusive, the Ash Gray switch would be an excellent choice for you. Its medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams ensures a comfortable typing experience that minimizes fatigue during extended sessions. Additionally, the Ash Gray switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various environments.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort, the WS Brown switch would be a great fit for you. With a slightly higher bottom out force of 55 grams, the WS Brown switch still maintains a medium-light touch, allowing for fatigue-free typing. These switches are known for their familiar and delightful auditory experience, thanks to their nylon housing and POM stem combination. However, further information is needed to provide an accurate description of the WS Brown's sound and feel characteristics.
In the end, it's essential to consider your personal preferences and needs when making a decision. Whether you prioritize a light touch with a crisp actuation (Ash Gray) or a harmonious blend of responsiveness and comfort (WS Brown), both switches offer their unique strengths. By understanding the descriptions and characteristics of each switch, you can make an informed choice that enhances your typing experience. Overall, both the KTT Ash Gray and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches are excellent options for mechanical keyboards, delivering a blend of tactile feedback, responsiveness, and comfort.
Mentioned in this article
