KTT Darling vs. Wuque Studio WS Jade
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the Wuque Studio WS Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Darling and the Wuque Studio WS Jade are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Darling stands out for its chewy and substantial feel, accompanied by a pronounced bounciness that adds a springy responsiveness to each keystroke. This switch also produces a high-pitched and resonant sound when bottoming out, providing a blend of tactile and auditory feedback. On the other hand, the WS Jade features a metallic insert in its stem base, creating a bright and resonant sound profile, along with a light diffuser for an enchanting RGB display. The typing experience with the WS Jade is described as creamy and smooth with a rock-solid bottom-out. Each switch has its own set of characteristics that may appeal to different preferences. 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
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
UPE
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Darling showcases a combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile with clear and resonant characteristics, ideal for users looking for a switch with RGB lighting capabilities. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing.
On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Jade features POM material for both the top and bottom housing. POM is known for producing an incredibly pleasing and unique sound profile that leans towards the deeper side and is relatively more muted compared to polycarbonate. As a result, users can expect a consistent sound experience with the WS Jade switch, both when bottoming out a key and when releasing it.
In terms of similarities, both switches incorporate materials that cater to a specific sound profile desired by users. The polycarbonate and POM top housings of the Darling and WS Jade, respectively, both contribute to a distinctive sound experience when typing. Additionally, the nylon and POM bottom housings of the Darling and WS Jade, respectively, offer a deeper and fuller sound profile, albeit with varying levels of muting. Overall, while there are differences in material composition between the two switches, users can expect similar results in terms of sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the KTT Darling linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, it is evident that the Darling has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the WS Jade's 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Darling also has a lighter force of 53 grams, whereas the WS Jade requires a heavier force of 60 grams. This means that the Darling is lighter both in terms of actuation and bottom out force, making it a more suitable option for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Jade offers a slightly heavier typing feel, which may be preferred by those looking for a more substantial keypress. Both switches fall into the medium-light and medium categories respectively when comparing actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and desired force requirement.
Travel distance
The KTT Darling linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. Those who prefer a more abrupt key press may lean towards the Darling, with its slightly shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the WS Jade. Ultimately, the difference of 0.1 mm between the two switches may not be noticeable to the average user, and both will provide a similar experience in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Darling has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Darling for $3.90.
The Wuque Studio WS Jade comes in at $4.30 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
In terms of sound, the KTT Darling linear switch is described as delivering a high-pitched, resonant sound that is engaging and tactile, creating a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch also offers a resonant sound profile, with a bright metallic note due to the metallic insert in the stem base. Both switches provide a clacky sound, which is sharp and percussive. The choice between the two would depend on whether you prefer a higher-pitched sound (Darling) or a brighter metallic sound profile (WS Jade).
When it comes to feel, the KTT Darling linear switch is praised for its bouncy and springy responsiveness, giving each keystroke a lively feel with a pronounced rebound. Meanwhile, the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch is known for offering a creamy and smooth typing experience, with a rock-solid bottom-out that is uniquely smooth and buttery. Both switches provide unique tactile sensations, with the Darling excelling in bounciness and the WS Jade in smoothness.
Overall, both the KTT Darling linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Darling provides a chewy and substantial typing sensation with a bouncy response and high-pitched, resonant sound, while the WS Jade offers a creamy and smooth typing experience with a bright metallic sound profile. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience with their unique characteristics.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the KTT Darling linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, it really comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a switch with a medium-light bottom out force and enjoy a typing sensation that is chewy, substantial, and bouncy, then the KTT Darling switch is the way to go. This switch provides a unique blend of tactile and auditory feedback with a high-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, if you appreciate a switch with a medium bottom out force and prefer a typing experience that is smooth, creamy, and rock-solid, then the WS Jade switch might be more to your liking. This switch offers a bright metallic sound profile with a light diffuser for an enchanting RGB display. Both switches have their own distinct characteristics, so it ultimately comes down to what feels and sounds best to you. Choose the one that aligns with your preferences and typing style for the best overall experience.
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