TTC Gold Brown vs. Wuque Studio WS Onion
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two standout options are the TTC Gold Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Onion. While both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, they differ in their specific characteristics. The Gold Browns are known for their balanced nature, featuring a slight but satisfying bump and a moderate weightiness. With a softer sound profile, these switches are neither overwhelming nor completely silent. On the other hand, the WS Onions stand out with their polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, resulting in a buttery smooth keystroke feel that is deeply satisfying. These switches also deliver a crisp and responsive feel, combined with a neutral sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities, so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63g
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
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
WS CL635 Gold Plated Stainless Spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Onion both utilize polycarbonate as their top housing material. This means that they will share similar sound profiles, characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound output. Visually, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the effective use of RGB lighting. In terms of functionality, both switches benefit from the use of polycarbonate in their top housing.
In contrast, the Gold Brown and the WS Onion differ in their choice of bottom housing material. The Gold Brown features a nylon bottom housing, while the WS Onion also employs nylon as its bottom housing material. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing in both cases will result in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon as a plastic contributes to better sound absorption, creating a duller and rounder sound overall. Thus, both switches share the same acoustic qualities created by their nylon bottom housing.
When analyzing the impact of the housing materials, it is noteworthy that their distribution between the top and bottom housings affects the overall typing experience. The qualities brought by the bottom housing, such as impact and bottom-out sound, will be felt more prominently when pressing down on the switch. Conversely, the characteristics of the top housing, such as sound when releasing a key, will have a more noticeable influence on the overall sound output. Therefore, while both switches feature similar top housing materials, the distribution of the housing materials between the top and bottom housing creates subtle differences in their typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, there are noticeable differences in both the actuation force and bottom out force. The Gold Brown requires an actuation force of 55 grams, while the WS Onion's actuation force is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare the two. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 63 grams, putting them in the medium range.
Considering weight, the Gold Brown is lighter in terms of actuation force, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a lighter touch while typing for extended periods. This switch would be ideal for individuals who use their keyboards for work or engage in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the WS Onion's actuation force is unknown, but it has a slightly heavier bottom out force compared to the Gold Brown, at 63.5 grams. This heavier force provides a more substantial and satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel.
In summary, while the actuation force of the TTC Gold Brown and the WS Onion may differ, the bottom out force remains the same. This means that, in terms of the overall typing experience, users can expect similar results when using both switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences and whether a lighter or heavier touch is desired.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you'll get similar results in terms of the distance you feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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
When it comes to sound, both the TTC Gold Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches can be categorized as neutral. This means that they have a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile. This makes 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. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gold Brown switch offers a mild and buttery typing experience. The switch has a slight, satisfying bump, providing a gentle tactile feedback that is approachable to most users. It also has a rounded sound profile that is generally softer than most switches without being completely silent. Additionally, the Gold Brown switch is described as accented, meaning it provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. The switch has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the WS Onion switch offers a similar buttery and polished typing experience. Its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing contribute to a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. The switch provides a crisp and responsive feel without significant tactile feedback, making it a linear switch. Its sound profile is neutral, meaning it has a moderate sound without being too loud or too soft.
In conclusion, both the TTC Gold Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches offer desirable qualities for different preferences. The Gold Brown switch provides a balanced and satisfying typing experience with a mild tactile feedback, while the WS Onion switch offers a smooth and responsive feel without significant tactile feedback. Both switches have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various users and environments. Overall, if you enjoy a more tactile typing experience, the Gold Brown switch would be a great choice, while the WS Onion switch would be ideal for those who prefer a smooth and effortless keystroke.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering the choice between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, it is important to take into account your personal preferences and typing style. The Gold Brown is a well-balanced switch, with a slight bump and a moderate weightiness. It offers a rounded sound profile that is softer than most switches. On the other hand, the WS Onion provides a buttery smooth keystroke feel, with a crisp and responsive touch. It has a neutral sound profile and is known for its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing.
Both switches have a medium actuation force requirement and a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. In terms of feel, the Gold Brown offers a mild, buttery, accented, and polished experience, providing a gentle typing sensation with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the WS Onion delivers a buttery and polished feel, ensuring a seamless and effortless typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on your personal preferences. If you value a balanced and slightly tactile experience with a softer sound, the TTC Gold Brown may be the ideal choice for you. However, if you prioritize a smooth and fluid keystroke feel with a neutral sound, the Wuque Studio WS Onion could be the perfect fit. Consider trying out both switches and see which one resonates with your typing style and preference.
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