TTC Flame Red vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flame Red and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile are two popular options that offer distinct experiences. The Flame Red is known for its dazzling light diffuser, making it the perfect choice for those who prioritize a backlit, RGB keyboard. Beyond its visual appeal, typing on the Flame Reds provides a weighty smoothness accompanied by a clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches offer a remarkable tactile experience. With a tactile force of 70g, each keystroke provides a satisfying resistance, making typing an engaging journey. Additionally, Wuque Studios' unique nylon housings contribute to a "thocky" resonance, resulting in a satisfying auditory feedback. While these general observations paint a picture of each switch, let's dive in deeper beyond these generalities so that you can make the best decision on which switch is perfect for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
54g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile are both made of nylon, which is a classic switch housing material. Typing on switches that use nylon elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile in both cases. This is because nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, when it comes to the sound profile, both the Flame Red and the WS Heavy Tactile will deliver similar results due to their shared use of nylon in the top and bottom housing.
However, one potential difference between the two switches lies in the distribution of the housing materials. If the top and bottom housings are different for each switch, the qualities of the respective housing materials will be split between the top and the bottom of the switch. As a result, when pressing down on the Flame Red switch, the impact and sound during the bottom-out will be influenced more by the bottom housing material. On the contrary, the sound when releasing a key will be more influenced by the top housing material. The same principle applies to the WS Heavy Tactile switch.
Despite these potential differences, it is important to note that both the Flame Red and the WS Heavy Tactile share the same nylon housing material for both the top and bottom sections. This means that the overall typing experience and sound profile should be quite similar. Both switches will offer a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to nylon's sound-absorbing properties. So, whether you choose the Flame Red or the WS Heavy Tactile, you can expect a satisfying and immersive typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Flame Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a medium-light touch to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the WS Heavy Tactile is unavailable, making it difficult to determine the exact level of force required. This lack of information may make it challenging to compare in terms of actuation force.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Flame Red requires 54 grams of force to fully press the switch down, making it slightly heavier than its actuation force. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile has a bottom out force of 45 grams, which aligns with its light actuation force.
Considering the weight aspect, those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions may be inclined to lean towards the Flame Red switch, as it offers a slightly lighter actuation force. This allows for less strain and fatigue over time. However, for individuals who desire a more robust and substantial typing experience, the heavier bottom out force of the Flame Red may be more fitting.
Since the actuation force of the WS Heavy Tactile is unavailable, it is difficult to make a direct comparison in terms of actuation force. However, the light bottom out force suggests that this switch may provide a relatively lighter overall feel compared to the Flame Red.
In conclusion, the Flame Red exhibits a medium-light actuation force and a slightly heavier bottom out force, while the WS Heavy Tactile has an unknown actuation force and a light bottom out force. Those seeking a lighter touch may find the Flame Red more suitable, while the WS Heavy Tactile may offer a lighter overall feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, we can see that the Flame Red has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Heavy Tactile has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. The Flame Red's 4.0 mm travel distance falls into the category of a more traditional distance, providing a sense of familiarity to users. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile's shorter 3.2 mm travel distance caters more towards gamers who prioritize faster response times, as the shorter distance allows for quicker keystrokes. Both options have their advantages; the shorter travel distance results in increased responsiveness, while the longer travel distance offers a more substantial keystroke. Ultimately, the choice in travel distance depends on the individual's preference for either a snappy and efficient response or a deeper and more tactile typing experience.
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 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 Flame Red switch is best known for its weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile. When typing on these switches, you can expect a satisfying resistance and a moderate sound that falls into the "neutral" category. This makes it suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use the keyboard at home or work.
On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch offers a remarkable tactile experience. These switches have a pronounced tactile bump with a tactile force of 70g, providing a satisfying resistance and making typing an engaging and immersive journey. In terms of sound, the Wuque Heavy Tactile switches produce a familiar and captivating "thocky" resonance, creating a clean and sharp sound profile.
To summarize, the Flame Red switch offers a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile, while the WS Heavy Tactile switch provides a pronounced tactile bump and a captivating "thocky" sound. If you are looking for a backlit, RGB keyboard, the Flame Red switches are the best choice, while the WS Heavy Tactile switches offer an exceptional tactile and auditory experience. Both switches offer their unique qualities and can provide a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are someone who prioritizes visual aesthetics and enjoys a weighty smoothness with a clacky sound profile, the TTC Flame Red linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. This switch is especially ideal if you have a backlit or RGB keyboard, as it features a dazzling light diffuser. Additionally, the Flame Red switch offers a neutral sound profile and a mild feel, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users in various settings.
On the other hand, if you crave a more engaging and immersive typing experience with a profound tactile bump and a captivating sound profile, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch is perfect for you. With its tactile force of 70g, each keystroke is imbued with a satisfying resistance that enhances the overall typing journey. The WS Heavy Tactile switch also offers a clacky and resonant sound profile, adding to the immersive auditory experience. Moreover, this switch provides a range of feel options, including accented, bouncy, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, catering to different preferences.
To sum up, the TTC Flame Red linear switch is visually appealing, offers a weighty smoothness, and has a neutral sound profile and a mild feel. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch provides an engaging tactile experience, a captivating sound profile, and a variety of feel options. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on your personal preferences and desired typing experience.
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