TTC Gold Brown vs. Wuque Studio WS POM+
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly impact your typing experience, and two compelling options are the TTC Gold Brown and the Wuque Studio WS POM+. The TTC Gold Brown is celebrated for its balanced performance, offering users a slight tactile bump that enhances feedback without overwhelming the senses. Its moderate weightiness and rounded, softer sound profile make it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a blend of tactile sensation and a quieter operation. In contrast, the WS POM+ shines as a linear switch crafted entirely from POM, providing an exceptionally smooth keystroke with a deep and satisfying "thock" sound. This switch appeals to typists and gamers who prefer a seamless, unhindered press with minimal resistance. While the Gold Brown may cater to those seeking a tactile sensation during their typing experience, the WS POM+ targets users who prioritize smoothness and auditory feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown and the Wuque Studio WS POM+, the distinctions in the top housing are particularly noteworthy. The Gold Brown employs a polycarbonate top housing, celebrated for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to polycarbonate's relatively stiffer structure, which enhances clarity and resonance. In addition, its translucency offers an aesthetic advantage for users who enjoy RGB lighting, allowing illumination to shine through and create visually striking effects. Conversely, the WS POM+ utilizes a POM top housing, which yields a deeper and more muted sound profile. While both materials affect acoustics differently, they can both produce satisfactory results depending on user preferences; quality sound can be achieved through careful engineering and design, regardless of the material used for the top housing.
In the bottom housing, both the TTC Gold Brown and Wuque Studio WS POM+ are constructed with different materials that nonetheless offer some similar sound attributes. The Gold Brown incorporates nylon, a classic and softer plastic that results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This material absorbs more sound waves than harder plastics, giving it a duller and rounder auditory character. On the other hand, the WS POM+ utilizes POM for its bottom housing, which, while delivering a sound that is classified as unique and pleasing, also trends towards the deeper and more muted side. Both materials work to absorb vibrations and sounds differently, but they serve a similar purpose by creating a rich auditory experience; thus, the muted effect produced by both can equalize the overall sound quality, despite their differing compositions.
Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in the TTC Gold Brown and Wuque Studio WS POM+ demonstrates how the characteristics of each material can influence the overall typing experience. With the Gold Brown, polycarbonate's sharper and crisper notes in the top housing meld with nylon's fuller resonance at the base, resulting in a sound that is both clear and rich. Meanwhile, the WS POM+ melds the deeper tones from its POM top and bottom housings to create a smooth and consistent acoustic environment during use. The role of each housing in shaping sound reinforces the idea that while the materials may differ, thoughtful design and engineering can achieve comparable auditory results, allowing users to select which combination best suits their typing preferences.
Weight
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch exhibit distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, appealing to different user preferences. The Gold Brown switch has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, classifying it as medium in terms of resistance. In contrast, the WS POM+ features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This means that the WS POM+ is easier to press down and will require less force during prolonged typing or gaming sessions, making it suitable for users who prioritize comfort over longer durations. On the other hand, the Gold Brown's heavier forces provide a more substantial push feel, which may appeal to those who prefer a firmer typing experience. Overall, the WS POM+ is the lighter option, while the TTC Gold Brown is the heavier switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Gold Brown features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the traditional preference for a deeper feel when typing or gaming. In contrast, the WS POM+ offers a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, catering to users who favor quicker response times, especially in competitive gaming scenarios. This smaller travel distance can provide a more responsive experience, though some may find it feels too abrupt compared to the more substantial feedback of the Gold Brown. As a result, the Gold Brown switch is the longer option, while the WS POM+ is the shorter one, making them suitable for different user preferences in terms of depth and responsiveness.
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 POM+ comes in at $3.90 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 Gold Brown exhibits a rounded and softer sound that tends to be more neutral, making it quite versatile for various settings, whether at home or in an office environment. The moderate sound profile produces an auditory feedback that is not overly intrusive, allowing for a pleasant typing experience without the clatter of louder switches. While specific information on the sound of the WS POM+ was not provided, it is noted that it delivers a deep, satisfying "thock" sound signature that many users find appealing. This contrast indicates that the WS POM+ leans towards a more resonant sound experience, which may cater to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing.
In terms of feel, the Gold Brown switch offers a tactile experience that is characterized as mild and accented. This means that while it has a slight bump that provides satisfying feedback, it remains approachable and not overwhelming. Its buttery and polished qualities further enhance the typing experience, allowing for smooth keystrokes and refined key travel. On the other hand, the feel of the WS POM+ switch is described as buttery smooth, emphasizing a seamless keystroke experience. This suggests that, while both switches deliver enjoyable typing sensations, the POM+ switch may prioritize an even smoother and uninterrupted action compared to the slightly more tactically pronounced nature of the Gold Brown.
In conclusion, both the TTC Gold Brown and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switches provide unique and satisfying typing experiences, albeit with different sound and feel characteristics. The Gold Brown's rounded, softer sound and mild, tactile feel cater well to users looking for a balanced switch, while the WS POM+ appeals to those who appreciate a deeper sound signature paired with a buttery smooth keystroke. If sound profile and feel are important to you, both switches can deliver enjoyable results, but your choice may ultimately depend on whether you prefer a more neutral, tactically affirming experience or a smooth, resonant typing journey.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and the environment in which you plan to use your keyboard. If you appreciate a tactile experience with a moderate weight that provides a satisfying bump to let you know when you've successfully actuated a key, then the Gold Brown would be an excellent fit. Its neutral sound profile makes it versatile for both work and home settings, offering a gentle and approachable experience that caters well to various typing styles without being intrusive. On the other hand, if you value a smoother keystroke with a deeper, more resonant sound signature, the WS POM+ linear switch might be the better choice for you. With its lighter actuation force and buttery feel, it promises a seamless typing experience that can enhance your enjoyment, especially if you type for extended periods or engage in gaming. Ultimately, assess your priorities—whether it's the balanced tactile feedback of the Gold Brown or the sleek smoothness and satisfying thock of the WS POM+—to determine which switch aligns best with your needs.
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