KTT Ash Gray vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Ash Gray and Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct and unique features for keyboard enthusiasts. The Ash Gray switch is designed to provide a tactile response that is both substantial and unobtrusive. With a light touch and crisp actuation, it offers a delightful blend of tactile feedback without being overwhelming. Categorized as 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', and 'Neutral', this switch provides a comfortable and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch from Wuque Studio is a remarkable addition to their esteemed WS series. With a tactile force of 70g, this switch offers a profound and pronounced tactile bump, making each keystroke satisfyingly resistant. It is categorized as 'Accented', 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Invigorating', 'Resonant', 'Sharp', and 'Snappy'. Additionally, the nylon housings of the Wuque Heavy Tactile Switches contribute to a "thocky" resonance, enhancing the auditory feedback with each keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Ash Gray and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Ash Gray features a polycarbonate top housing, which offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's relatively stiffer nature, which enhances clarity and resonance. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile boasts a nylon top housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. While both materials have their distinct acoustic qualities, those seeking a brighter and clearer sound may prefer the Ash Gray's polycarbonate top housing, while those desiring a deeper and fuller sound may opt for the WS Heavy Tactile's nylon top housing.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Ash Gray and the WS Heavy Tactile utilize nylon as their base material. This choice of material allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile on both switches when typing. Nylon's softness facilitates the absorption of sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone. Therefore, both switches share similar sound characteristics with their nylon bottom housings. If maximizing sound depth and resonance is a priority, both the Ash Gray and the WS Heavy Tactile will deliver similar results due to the shared material in their bottom housings.
It is important to note that the top and bottom housings play different roles in the overall sound experience of a switch. The bottom housing, being responsible for the bottom-out sound and feel, impacts the overall tactile experience when pressing down on a key. In contrast, the top housing affects the sound produced when releasing a key. As such, the use of different materials for the top and bottom housings allows each switch to exhibit a unique combination of sound qualities based on their respective materials. The Ash Gray's polycarbonate top housing emphasizes clarity and resonance upon key release, while the WS Heavy Tactile's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch, we can see some notable differences. The Ash Gray has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, placing it in the medium-light category. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile's actuation force is unknown, but it has a bottom out force of 45 grams, which is considered light.
For those seeking a lighter typing experience, the WS Heavy Tactile switch would be the better option. Its lighter bottom out force allows for smoother and quicker keystrokes, making it suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, the KTT Ash Gray offers a slightly more substantial typing experience due to its higher actuation force and bottom out force. This characteristic may be preferred by individuals who desire a stronger push sensation when typing.
Considering weight is crucial because it directly impacts the typing experience. Some users may prefer a lighter switch to minimize finger fatigue and increase their typing speed, making it ideal for professional settings or long gaming sessions. However, others may prefer a heavier switch to provide a more pronounced and satisfying tactile feedback, enhancing their typing experience.
Although the actuation force of the WS Heavy Tactile is unknown, we can deduce that it is lighter than the KTT Ash Gray due to its lower bottom out force. If a user prefers the typing experience provided by the Ash Gray but desires a lighter actuation force similar to the WS Heavy Tactile, they should opt for a custom spring replacement to achieve their desired result. Similarly, if a user prefers the lighter bottom out force of the WS Heavy Tactile but desires a stronger actuation force similar to the Ash Gray, they can also change the spring to achieve a similar effect.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Ash Gray has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the WS Heavy Tactile has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both distances fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are gaining popularity, especially among gamers who favor quicker response times. If you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the WS Heavy Tactile would be the better option due to its shorter travel distance. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial feeling when pressing down on a key, the Ash Gray's slightly longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a shorter or longer travel distance.
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 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
The KTT Ash Gray switch is best known for its tactile response that strikes a perfect balance between being noticeable but not overwhelming. It offers a light touch with a crisp actuation, creating a delightful blend of tactile feedback that is far from the unnoticed "sandy" sensation. The sound profile of the Ash Gray is described as neutral, which means it has a moderate sound level suitable for various environments and users. It is a versatile switch that works well for both beginners and advanced users, making it suitable for use at home or work.
On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch stands out for its profound and pronounced tactile bump. With a tactile force of 70g, each keystroke provides satisfying resistance, creating an engaging and immersive typing experience. Additionally, the WS Heavy Tactile switch has a captivating sound profile described as clacky, high-pitched, and resonant. It produces a sharp, snappy, and crisp sound that is clean and sharp. The nylon housings used in these switches contribute to a "thocky" resonance, adding to the overall satisfaction of auditory feedback with each keystroke.
Comparing both switches, the Ash Gray offers a more neutral sound profile that suits most users and purposes, while the WS Heavy Tactile switch provides a more pronounced and engaging sound experience. In terms of feel, the Ash Gray offers an easy-to-press sensation with minimal force required for activation, making it effortless and comfortable to type on. It falls under the mild category, offering a safe and approachable typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch provides an invigorating and accented typing sensation, with a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. It offers a bouncy and snappy feel, enhancing the typing experience with its reactive feedback.
In conclusion, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch have distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ash Gray offers a neutral sound profile and an easy-to-press, mild typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch provides a clacky, high-pitched, and resonant sound profile, along with an invigorating and accented feel. Depending on personal preferences, the Ash Gray switch is suitable for those looking for a more understated typing experience, while the WS Heavy Tactile switch is ideal for users seeking a more engaging and pronounced sensory feedback. Regardless of the choice, both switches provide a satisfying tactile response.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are seeking a switch with a light touch and a subtle yet noticeable tactile feedback, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch would be a suitable choice for you. With its medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams, it offers a delightful blend of tactile response that is not overwhelming but still satisfying. Additionally, the Ash Gray switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various environments and purposes.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that provides a more pronounced tactile bump and a higher degree of resistance, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch would be a better fit. With its light bottom out force of 45 grams, each keystroke offers a satisfying level of resistance and engagement. The WS Heavy Tactile switch also generates a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, creating a crisp and immersive auditory experience.
Ultimately, your decision between the Ash Gray and WS Heavy Tactile switches will depend on your preference for typing feel and sound. If you prioritize a lighter touch and a more subtle tactile feedback, along with a neutral sound profile, the Ash Gray switch would be the way to go. However, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile bump, a higher degree of resistance, and a clacky, high-pitched sound profile, the WS Heavy Tactile switch would be the better option for you. Consider your typing style and preferences to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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