TTC Flame Red vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red 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 TTC Flame Red and the Wuque Studio WS Brown. The Flame Red switch stands out with its visually stunning light diffuser, making it the perfect choice for those who prefer a backlit, RGB keyboard. Typing on Flame Reds offers a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile, providing a satisfying tactile experience. On the other hand, the WS Brown switch offers a harmonious blend of familiarity and innovation. With a medium-light actuation force, these switches strike a balance between responsiveness and comfort, ensuring fatigue-free typing during extended sessions. WS Browns are known for their delightful auditory experience, thanks to the familiar nylon housing and POM stem combination. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
54g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the TTC Flame Red and the Wuque Studio WS Brown utilize nylon as the material for their top and bottom housings. This common choice results in similar qualities for both switches. Nylon is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile, making typing on these switches a satisfying experience. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, users can expect a comparable sound profile when using either the Flame Red or the WS Brown switches.
However, despite their similarities, there may be some differences between the top and bottom housings of each switch. If the top and bottom housings vary, the qualities of the housing materials will be split between the two parts of the switch. Pressing down on the switch will reveal the impact of the bottom housing, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel of the key. Conversely, the top housing will have a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while both switches offer similar sound profiles overall, there may be nuanced variations depending on the specific combination of top and bottom housings.
In summary, the TTC Flame Red and Wuque Studio WS Brown switches share the use of nylon as their housing material, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Both switches absorb sound effectively due to the relatively softer nature of nylon, creating a duller and rounder sound overall. However, potential differences may arise in the specific combination of top and bottom housings, where the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Nonetheless, users can expect similar results from both switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, it is important to consider weight. The Flame Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is the force required to trigger a keystroke, and a bottom out force of 54 grams. Similarly, the WS Brown has an actuation force that is currently unavailable and a bottom out force of 55 grams. Both switches can be classified as medium-light in terms of their actuation and bottom out forces.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Flame Red might be the ideal choice as it allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. This makes it well-suited for keyboards that are used extensively for work or for extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for switches with heavier forces. While the WS Brown's actuation force is unknown, its bottom out force of 55 grams suggests a slightly heavier touch compared to the Flame Red.
In summary, while the actuation and bottom out forces of the Flame Red and the WS Brown are similar, with both switches falling into the medium-light range, the Flame Red offers a known actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams. Conversely, the WS Brown has an unavailable actuation force and a slightly heavier bottom out force of 55 grams. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, we find that the Flame Red has a travel distance of 4mm, while the WS Brown has a travel distance of 3.8mm. The Flame Red falls into the more traditional range of travel distances, while the WS Brown is slightly shorter. This shorter travel distance may be appealing to gamers who prioritize faster response times. However, for those who prefer a deeper and more substantial feeling when typing, the Flame Red's longer travel distance may be a better fit. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flame Red has an MSRP of $7.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flame Red for $4.38.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Flame Red linear switch offers a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate sound that is suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or if you are using the switch at home or work. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
On the other hand, the sound profile of the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch is unknown. We do not have specific information about the sound characteristics of this switch. This means that if you are looking for a specific sound profile, it is best to gather more information or try the switch yourself to determine if it meets your preference.
Moving on to feel, the TTC Flame Red linear switch provides a mild and polished typing experience. A mild mechanical keyboard switch offers a gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. This means that the Flame Red switch's feel will be approachable to most users, as its qualities fall in a safe middle-ground zone. Additionally, the polished finish of the Flame Red switch contributes to a sleek typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. It is important to note that this smoothness can be a result of the materials used or factory lubing.
For the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, specific information about its feel is not available. We do not have descriptors or descriptions for the tactile experience provided by this switch. Therefore, for individuals seeking a particular typing feel, further research or personal testing may be required.
To conclude, the TTC Flame Red linear switch offers a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile, making it suitable for those who prefer a neutral sound with a polished typing experience. The WS Brown tactile switch, on the other hand, provides a medium-light actuation force and a familiar auditory experience due to its nylon housing and POM stem combination. While specific information about the sound and feel of the WS Brown switch is not available, it is important to consider the preferences of the individual and potentially try out the switch themselves to determine if it meets their requirements.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking to elevate the visual appeal of your keyboard and prefer a weighty smoothness with a clacky sound profile, the TTC Flame Red linear switch is the one for you. Its dazzling light diffuser makes it the perfect choice for backlit, RGB keyboards. On the other hand, if you value harmony between responsiveness and comfort during extended typing sessions, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch is a great option. With its familiar nylon housing and POM stem combination, it offers a delightful auditory experience that enthusiasts cherish. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences in terms of visuals, sound, and feel.
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