TTC Flame Red vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options worth comparing are the TTC Flame Red and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear. The Flame Red stands out for its stunning light diffuser, making it the ideal choice for anyone who wants a backlit, RGB keyboard. It offers a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile when typing, categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear from Wuque Studio is perfect for those looking to elevate their office and work experience. These switches feature ingeniously designed stem railings with discreet cutouts, reducing switch noise while providing exceptional responsiveness and a satisfying bottom-out. With its unique approach that omits silicone dampeners, the WS Silent Linear offers a distinct typing experience that seamlessly blends tranquility and precision. It falls under the category of 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Muted', and 'Subdued'. 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
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
3.50 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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The TTC Flame Red and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear both use nylon as the material for their top and bottom switch housings. This choice of material creates a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Therefore, both switches offer a similar sound experience when it comes to their top and bottom housing materials.
However, it is important to note that if the top and bottom housings differ for a switch, the qualities of the housing materials will be divided between the two. In this case, the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This means that even if the Flame Red and WS Silent Linear both use nylon for their top and bottom housings, there might be slight variations in the sound profiles due to other factors such as the design of the housings or the overall construction of the switches.
Overall, the housing materials used in the TTC Flame Red and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches provide similar results in terms of creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Both switches utilize nylon, a softer plastic that absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While there may be slight differences in the sound profiles due to variations in the top and bottom housing designs, users can expect a comparable typing experience from these two switches.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch, the actuation forces and bottom out forces differ. The Flame Red requires 45 grams to trigger a keystroke, while the exact actuation force for the WS Silent Linear is unknown. However, the Flame Red has a bottom out force of 54 grams, whereas the WS Silent Linear has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it slightly heavier.
Weight is an important factor to consider when choosing a switch. Some individuals prefer lighter switches, like the Flame Red, as it allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. This lighter actuation force is particularly appealing for those who use their keyboard extensively at work or during long gaming sessions. On the other hand, those seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for switches with heavier forces, like the WS Silent Linear. The heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams in the WS Silent Linear provides a stronger push feel, offering a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer resistance.
Although the exact actuation force for the WS Silent Linear is unknown, it's important to note that both switches fall within the medium range in terms of actuation force. Therefore, individuals seeking a similar result in terms of actuation force between these two switches may find that they provide a comparable typing experience.
In summary, the Flame Red and WS Silent Linear switches differ in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Flame Red has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the possibly heavier WS Silent Linear. The weight of the switches is an important consideration, as it affects typing comfort and the overall typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing and contrasting the travel distance of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch, it is evident that the Flame Red has a longer travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the WS Silent Linear has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Flame Red falls into the category of a more traditional travel distance, providing a deeper and more reassuring key press. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear offers a shallower travel distance, which is favored by gamers seeking faster response times. Essentially, if one prefers a more responsive typing experience, the WS Silent Linear would be the suitable choice due to its shorter travel distance. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial and satisfying key press, the Flame Red with its longer travel distance would be the ideal selection.
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 Silent Linear comes in at $4.20 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
When it comes to sound, the Flame Red and the WS Silent Linear switches both fall into the category of neutral switches, meaning they have a moderate sound profile. This makes them suitable for a wide range of users, whether beginners or advanced, and for use in various settings, be it at home or in a work environment. However, the WS Silent Linear switches have additional qualities in terms of sound. They are described as muted, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. They also offer a more subdued sound signature, providing a dampened and more subtle sound when pressed. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, both the Flame Red and WS Silent Linear switches fall into the mild category, offering a gentle and approachable typing experience. This means that the switches have a more subtle and less pronounced tactile feedback compared to switches with more distinct characteristics. The Flame Red switches are also described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. This can be attributed to the materials used and possibly factory lubrication, which reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel. The WS Silent Linear switches do not have any specific descriptors in terms of feel, but they share the same mild qualities as the Flame Red switches.
Considering the available information, the Flame Red and WS Silent Linear switches offer similar subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. Both are neutral switches with a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making them versatile and suitable for most intents and purposes. They provide a weighty smoothness in feel and a clacky sound profile for the Flame Red, while the WS Silent Linear switches prioritize reducing switch noise without the use of silicone dampeners, resulting in a more tranquil and precise typing experience. If you are looking for a backlit, RGB keyboard, the Flame Red switches are the choice to go for, as they feature a dazzling light diffuser. Overall, both switches offer a satisfying and reliable typing experience, allowing you to find the perfect balance between sound and feel for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering the choice between the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch, there are a few factors to consider.
If you prioritize visual aesthetics and are looking for switches that will enhance the look of your backlit, RGB keyboard, the Flame Red switches are the ideal choice. These switches feature a dazzling light diffuser that beautifully illuminates your keyboard. In terms of feel, the Flame Red switches offer a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile, providing a satisfying typing experience.
On the other hand, if noise reduction is a top priority for you, the WS Silent Linear switches by Wuque are the perfect option. These switches boast ingeniously designed stem railings with discreet cutouts, effectively reducing switch noise while still maintaining excellent responsiveness. Unlike traditional silent switches, they don't use silicone dampeners, resulting in a typing experience that is free from the usual cushioned sensation. The WS Silent Linear switches offer a seamless blend of tranquility and precision.
In terms of sound, both switches are described as neutral, meaning they have a moderate sound profile suitable for most purposes. However, the WS Silent Linear switches have additional descriptors of muted and subdued, indicating that they produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches, offering a more tranquil typing experience.
In terms of feel, both switches are described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience. However, the Flame Red switches have an additional descriptor of polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch depends on your priorities. If you value visual aesthetics and a clacky sound profile, the Flame Red switches are the way to go. If you prioritize noise reduction and a tranquil typing experience, the WS Silent Linear switches are the perfect choice. Consider your preferences and needs to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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