TTC Flame Red vs. Wuque Studio WS Onion
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The TTC Flame Red and Wuque Studio WS Onion are two mechanical keyboard switches that both offer a linear typing experience. The Flame Red is best known for its stunning visuals, boasting a dazzling light diffuser that makes it the perfect choice for those who enjoy backlit and RGB keyboards. When typing on the Flame Reds, users will experience a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the WS Onion stands out with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, providing a buttery smooth keystroke feel that is deeply satisfying. The WS Onion also offers a crisp and responsive feel, accompanied by a neutral sound profile. While these generalities give us a glimpse into the characteristics of these switches, let's dive a bit deeper and explore their unique features to help you make the best decision for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
54g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Spring
WS CL635 Gold Plated Stainless Spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and the Wuque Studio WS Onion differ significantly. The Flame Red uses a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing. On the other hand, the WS Onion features a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for users who plan to use RGB lighting. So, while both switches have different top housing materials, they will provide distinct sound experiences.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Flame Red and the WS Onion use nylon. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, regardless of the switch model. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. Therefore, regardless of the switch model, users can expect similar sound characteristics in terms of the bottom housing material.
The distinction between the top and bottom housing materials means that the qualities each material brings to the switch are divided between the two parts. When pressing down on a key, the bottom housing's qualities will be more noticeable, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will have a greater influence on the sound produced when a key is released. So, while the Flame Red and the WS Onion may share similarities in terms of bottom housing materials, the choice of top housing material will determine the overall sound experience of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Flame Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a medium-light touch for typing. In contrast, the actuation force for the WS Onion switch is unavailable. However, the Flame Red does have a slightly lighter bottom out force of 54 grams, offering a smoother typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Onion switch has a higher bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which gives a more substantial and satisfying push feel. For those who prefer a keyboard with a lighter touch, the Flame Red would be a suitable choice. However, individuals seeking a heavier and more pronounced typing experience might lean towards the WS Onion switch. Ultimately, the Flame Red would be considered lighter in comparison to the WS Onion, offering a medium-light actuation force and a slightly lighter bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the key travel a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of the travel distance when using either of these switches. Neither one is shorter or longer than the other, as they both have the same travel distance of 4 mm.
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 Onion has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Onion for $5.53.
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 and WS Onion switches both have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for a wide range of users and environments. However, it is important to note that the sound of the switches is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used. The Flame Red switches have a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile, providing a distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Onion switches offer a crisp, responsive feel and a more neutral sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the Flame Red switches are described as mild and polished. This means that they offer a gentle typing experience with a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of sound and feel. The polished finish of the Flame Red switches ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel, resulting in a sleek typing experience. Similarly, the WS Onion switches are described as buttery and polished. This implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Like the Flame Red switches, the WS Onion switches also feature a polished finish, offering reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, both the TTC Flame Red and Wuque Studio WS Onion switches have their own unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Flame Red switches provide a weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile, the WS Onion switches offer a crisp, responsive feel and a more neutral sound profile. However, it is important to consider other factors such as keycaps and keyboard design when determining the overall sound and feel of the switches. Ultimately, both switches are suitable for most intents and purposes, making them a great choice for beginners and advanced users alike, whether using them at home or work.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize visual aesthetics and want a switch that will enhance the backlighting of your keyboard, the TTC Flame Red linear switch is the ideal choice. These switches have a weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile that adds to the typing experience. On the other hand, if you value a buttery smooth keystroke feel and a crisp, responsive typing experience, the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch is the way to go. Both switches have a moderate actuation force requirement, making them suitable for beginners and advanced users alike, whether you plan to use them at home or work. Additionally, both switches offer a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal preferences and priorities in terms of visuals, feel, and sound.
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