TTC Flame Red vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the Wuque Studio WS Silent 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 Silent Tactile are two popular options to consider. The Flame Red stands out with its stunning light diffuser, making it the ideal choice if you want a backlit, RGB keyboard. Typing on these linear switches offers a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile by Wuque is perfect for those working in an office or quieter environment. These tactile switches strike a delicate balance between tactility and noise reduction, providing a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out and responsive return. Unlike traditional silent switches that use silicone dampeners, the WS Silent Tactile switches deliver tranquility without sacrificing tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
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 housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches are nearly identical, as they both feature nylon top and bottom housings. Both switches utilize the benefits of nylon as a switch housing material, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound.
Despite the similarities in housing materials, there may be slight variations in the sound and feel of the switches due to the combination of the top and bottom housings. The bottom housing, being responsible for the bottom-out sound and feel, will have a greater impact on the overall typing experience when pressing down on the switch. On the other hand, the top housing will influence the sound produced when releasing the key. Therefore, the unique combination of the top and bottom nylon housings may result in slightly different tactile experiences between the Flame Red and WS Silent Tactile switches.
Overall, both the TTC Flame Red and Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches offer comparable results in terms of sound and typing experience. The use of nylon for both the top and bottom housings ensures a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a more satisfying auditory experience when typing. While there may be subtle differences due to the split of qualities between the top and bottom housings, users can expect a similar tactile and acoustic experience from both switches.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, one noticeable difference lies in their actuation forces. The Flame Red requires 45 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, providing a medium-light touch. On the other hand, the actuation force of the WS Silent Tactile is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare with the Flame Red.
Moving on to the bottom out forces, the Flame Red registers a weight of 54 grams, indicating a medium-light bottoming out experience. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile requires 63.5 grams of force for a key to fully bottom out, presenting a medium-heavy feel.
Considering these aspects, those seeking a lighter typing experience for extended periods may find the Flame Red more suitable. This option is ideal for individuals who use their keyboards extensively, such as professionals or avid gamers. Conversely, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience may be drawn to the WS Silent Tactile, which has a heavier force requirement for both actuation and bottoming out.
Overall, while the actuation force of the WS Silent Tactile remains unknown, it is apparent that it exhibits a medium-heavy bottom out force when compared to the Flame Red. By considering the weight of the switch, users can optimize their typing or gaming experience based on their preferences and usage requirements.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, we can see that the Flame Red has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Silent Tactile has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Flame Red's 4.0mm travel distance falls within the traditional range, offering a standard level of depth when pressing down on the key. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile's 3.5 mm travel distance is slightly shorter, making it a favorable choice for gamers who value faster response times. However, it's important to note that some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to be too abrupt or lacking in depth. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference and whether you prioritize a shorter, more responsive experience or a longer travel distance for a more tactile feel.
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 Tactile 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 TTC Flame Red and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches share a similar characteristic of having a neutral sound profile. This means that they have a moderate level of sound, making them suitable for most environments, whether you are using them at home or in a professional setting. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps you use.
In terms of feel, the Flame Red switch offers a mild typing experience. It falls into the category of a mild switch, which means it provides a more gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The Flame Red switch also has a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switch provides an invigorating typing experience. It belongs to the category of accented switches, which means it offers a medium level of tactility without being overwhelming or too subtle. This switch provides pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. Like the Flame Red, it also falls into the category of mild switches, offering a typing experience that is approachable to most users.
Taking all the available information into consideration, both the Flame Red and WS Silent Tactile switches have their own unique qualities. If you're looking for a visually appealing switch with a weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile, the Flame Red would be a great option, especially if you have a backlit RGB keyboard. On the other hand, if you prioritize a balance between tactility and noise reduction, along with a crisp bottom-out and responsive return, the WS Silent Tactile would be an excellent choice for office and work environments. While their sound and feel may differ, both switches offer a moderate actuation force requirement and can be suitable for beginners and advanced users alike.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the TTC Flame Red linear switch or the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, it ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize a visually stunning keyboard with backlit RGB effects, then the Flame Red is undoubtedly the best choice for you. Its dazzling light diffuser enhances the overall aesthetic of your keyboard. Additionally, the Flame Red offers a weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile that many users find satisfying.
Alternatively, if you require a switch that is more suitable for office and work environments, the WS Silent Tactile is the ideal companion for you. These switches strike a delicate balance between tactility and noise reduction. With precision craftsmanship and ingenious stem railings, the WS Silent Tactile switches provide a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out and responsive return. Unlike conventional silent switches, they do not utilize silicone dampeners, resulting in a typing experience free from the usual padded feel.
In terms of sound, both switches offer a neutral profile, making them suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or if you plan to use them at home or work. However, the WS Silent Tactile has the additional advantage of being described as muted, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical keyboard switches.
When it comes to feel, the Flame Red is characterized as mild and polished. It offers a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel, thanks to its smooth and refined finish. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile is described as accented, invigorating, and mild. It provides a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, resulting in an immersive typing sensation.
In summary, the TTC Flame Red and Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches cater to different preferences. If you prioritize visual aesthetics, satisfying clacky sound, and a polished feel, the Flame Red is the perfect choice. However, if you require a switch suitable for office environments with a softer and quieter sound, while still providing a satisfyingly crisp tactile experience, the WS Silent Tactile is the ideal option. Ultimately, the decision rests on your personal preferences and the specific requirements of your keyboard usage.
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