TTC Gold Brown vs. Wuque Studio WS Red
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the TTC Gold Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Red. These switches offer distinct features and benefits that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Gold Brown is best known for its balanced nature, providing a slight, satisfying bump and a moderate weightiness. It boasts a rounded sound profile that is softer than most switches, without being completely silent. On the other hand, the WS Red stands out with its 22mm double-stage spring, offering a bouncy and responsive typing experience. It retains a familiar sound signature due to its classic material blend. Additionally, it has a heavier actuation force, adding a touch of weight to each keystroke and delivering a satisfying and substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference and typing requirements. However, let's dive deeper into their characteristics to help you make an informed decision.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Red differ in their housing materials. The Gold Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, while the WS Red utilizes a nylon top housing. In terms of sound profile, the polycarbonate top housing of the Gold Brown creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the WS Red elicits a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, giving it a duller and rounder sound.
Both switches share the commonality of using nylon for their bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing in both the Gold Brown and the WS Red contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, both switches will provide a similar acoustic experience when it comes to bottom-out sound and feel.
When it comes to the impact on sound after releasing a key, the top housing plays a more significant role. With the polycarbonate top housing of the Gold Brown, the sound upon key release will have a sharper and crisper quality. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the WS Red will create a sound that is deeper and fuller when a key is released. This difference in top housing materials contributes to distinct sound profiles when it comes to key release sounds.
In summary, the TTC Gold Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Red differ in their housing materials. The Gold Brown utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper and higher-pitched sound, while the WS Red uses nylon for its top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound. However, both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, creating a similar deep and full sound when keys are pressed down. The top housing material also influences the sound upon releasing a key, with the polycarbonate top housing of the Gold Brown producing a sharper sound and the nylon top housing of the WS Red producing a deeper sound.
Weight
When considering weight, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch offer different options. The Gold Brown has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, which is considered medium. On the other hand, the WS Red does not specify the actuation force, but it has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. If a lighter switch is preferred for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Gold Brown might be a better choice. However, for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the WS Red provides a heavier option. Despite the unknown actuation force of the WS Red, the bottom out force suggests that it is indeed heavier than the Gold Brown. Ultimately, the choice depends on the desired typing experience and personal preference.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch have slight differences in their travel distances. The Gold Brown has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Red has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Gold Brown's 4.0mm travel distance is considered more traditional, while the WS Red's 3.8mm is slightly shallower. The shorter travel distance of the WS Red may be preferable for gamers and those seeking faster response times. On the other hand, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to feel too abrupt, and may prefer the slightly longer travel distance of the Gold Brown for a more satisfying depth. Overall, both switches offer similar results, but choosing between them will depend on personal preference for either a quicker response or a more substantial tactile 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 Red comes in at $3.50 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
In terms of sound, the Gold Brown switch offers a balanced and rounded sound profile that is generally softer than most switches while still providing a satisfying typing experience. This makes it suitable for various settings, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or using it at home or work. On the other hand, the sound profile of the WS Red switch is unknown as it is not specified in the provided information. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gold Brown switch provides a mild and approachable typing experience with its qualities all standing in a safe middle-ground zone. It is described as buttery, implying a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, resulting in a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Additionally, it is considered as an accented switch, which means it offers a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or too subtle. Furthermore, the Gold Brown switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that reduces friction and provides smooth key travel. Unfortunately, the feel of the WS Red switch is not provided in the given information.
Overall, the Gold Brown switch offers a balanced and satisfying typing experience with a slight bump, moderate weightiness, and a softer sound profile. It provides a comfortable and gentle feel that is approachable for most users. While the sound and feel of the WS Red switch are unknown, based on the available information, it is expected to offer a bouncy and responsive typing experience with a heavier actuation force, adding weight to each keystroke. Although the specific characteristics of the WS Red switch are not mentioned, a user can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel to the Gold Brown switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a balanced switch with a moderate actuation force, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch is a great choice. These switches have a satisfying bump and a moderate weightiness, providing a pleasant typing experience. They also have a rounded sound profile that is softer than most switches, making them suitable for various environments. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier actuation force and a bouncy typing experience, the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch is the way to go. With its double-stage spring and classic material blend, these switches offer a substantial and satisfying typing feel. Ultimately, your decision depends on your personal preferences and typing style.
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