KTT Cream Yellow vs. Wuque Studio WS POM+
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Cream Yellow and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ both offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Cream Yellow switch is celebrated for its distinctive clacky sound, created by a shortened bottom-out distance and a long-pole stem that amplifies audio feedback. Its lengthened spring adds a bouncy feel, making it an appealing choice for those who enjoy energetic and lively keystrokes. On the other hand, the WS POM+ switch stands out with its all-POM construction, providing a deep, satisfying "thock" sound signature that many typists find pleasurable. The buttery-smooth keystroke of the WS POM+ ensures a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience, appealing to users who prioritize a more subdued auditory feedback. Both switches bring something valuable to the table—whether it’s the bouncy clack of the Cream Yellow or the smooth thock of the WS POM+. 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Cream Yellow and the Wuque Studio WS POM+, a distinct difference arises in their respective top housings. The Cream Yellow features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffer plastic composition, which enhances clarity and resonance. In contrast, the WS POM+ utilizes a POM top housing, which yields a different auditory experience characterized by a deeper and more muted sound. While the polycarbonate construction of the Cream Yellow supports RGB lighting due to its translucency, the POM material's unique properties also contribute to the overall sound quality, albeit in a different tonal direction.
Looking at the bottom housings, the KTT Cream Yellow incorporates nylon, a classic material praised for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's relatively softer nature allows it to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. On the other hand, the WS POM+ uses a POM bottom housing, which similarly imparts a pleasing sound characteristic that leans more towards a muted tone. While both switches leverage materials known for their sound-propagating qualities, the contrasting natures of nylon and POM in terms of sound absorption and projection create different auditory experiences when interacting with each switch.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in the KTT Cream Yellow and the WS POM+ showcases how the characteristics of the top and bottom housings can shape the acoustics of a switch. With the Cream Yellow's polycarbonate top and nylon bottom, users can expect a bright and well-defined sound when releasing keys, complemented by a rich bottom-out feel. The WS POM+, utilizing POM for both the top and bottom, offers a consistent and unique sound profile that maintains a deeper resonance throughout the keystroke. Both switches, despite their differing materials, provide enjoyable typing experiences that can appeal to varying preferences in sound and feel, illustrating how different combinations can yield similar overall satisfaction.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch to the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cream Yellow features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, while the WS POM+ has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a slightly lower bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that the WS POM+ is generally easier to press, making it better suited for those who prefer a lighter typing experience and extended use without fatigue. In contrast, the Cream Yellow offers a heavier feel, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial push-back sensation. Overall, while both switches provide a medium or medium-light typing experience, the WS POM+ is the lighter option, making it ideal for extended gaming sessions or work-related tasks, whereas the Cream Yellow caters to those who favor a stronger actuation sensation.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, the Cream Yellow switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, whereas the WS POM+ features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you prefer a quicker response time for gaming, the Cream Yellow is the better option due to its shorter distance. However, if you value a more satisfying, hearty feel with each keypress, the WS POM+ might suit your preferences better because of its longer travel distance. Overall, the difference in travel distances—0.1 mm—reflects a distinction that can influence typing feel and speed, making the Cream Yellow switch the shorter and more responsive choice, while the WS POM+ provides a more traditional, deeper keystroke experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.
The Wuque Studio WS POM+ comes in at $3.90 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 Cream Yellow linear switch delivers a distinctively clacky sound, characterized by its crisp, bright, and percussive quality. This auditory feedback is further enhanced by its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem, which contribute to the resonant sound as each key is pressed. Users can expect a sharp and snappy experience that not only provides satisfying aural feedback but also complements a lively typing atmosphere. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switch offers a deep, satisfying "thock" sound signature, providing a more muted, weighted auditory experience as it engages with the keystroke. This difference can be quite pronounced, leading to varied auditory experiences based on personal preference for either a more clacking or low-end thock sound.
When it comes to the feel, the Cream Yellow switch excels with its bouncy sensation, designed to offer a spring-like feedback that adds a lively character to typing. This feature, coupled with its lengthened spring, ensures that the keys rebound energetically, making each keystroke feel dynamic and engaging. On the other hand, the feel of the WS POM+ switch remains unspecified. However, given that it's constructed entirely from POM, a material known for its smooth and durable properties, it is likely that it offers an equally satisfying tactile experience, even if the specific characteristics remain unknown.
In summary, both the KTT Cream Yellow and Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switches provide unique experiences tailored to different preferences. The Cream Yellow is great for those who enjoy a clacky sound and a bouncy typing feel, while the WS POM+ caters to users seeking a deep thock and potentially smooth keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and tactile feedback, but both can yield a satisfying typing experience with their respective qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback with a distinctly clacky sound that enhances your typing experience, the Cream Yellow is the way to go. Its medium bottom-out force of 58 grams, combined with its bouncy feel and resonant audio feedback, makes it an excellent choice for those who like a lively and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers a smoother, quieter experience with a deep "thock" sound signature, the WS POM+ is a better fit. With a slightly lighter bottom-out force of 55 grams, it provides a velvety keystroke that can be particularly appealing for long typing sessions or for those who favor a more subdued sound profile. Ultimately, your decision should reflect the typing feel and sound that resonate with you most, helping you create the ideal mechanical keyboard setup for your needs.
Mentioned in this article
