TTC Gold Brown vs. Wuque Studio WS Yellow
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow are two popular options with distinct qualities. The Gold Brown is best known for its balanced nature, offering a slight, satisfying bump and a moderate weightiness. The rounded sound profile of these switches is softer compared to most switches, while still being audible. On the other hand, the WS Yellow is a linear switch that combines classic materials with cutting-edge engineering. With a 22mm double-stage spring, these switches provide a delightful typing experience with a satisfying bounce. Their lightweight design ensures effortless keystrokes and a smooth, fluid typing experience. The sound signature of the WS Yellow is beloved by keyboard enthusiasts. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision about which switch suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
53g
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 Yellow switches differ in their choice of housing materials. The Gold Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, while the WS Yellow uses a nylon top housing. The polycarbonate housing of the Gold Brown creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. This makes it ideal for users who prioritize a clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the WS Yellow produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound profile.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Gold Brown and the WS Yellow utilize nylon as their material of choice. This means that both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Consequently, users of both switches can enjoy a satisfying auditory experience while typing.
It's worth noting that when a switch has different top and bottom housings, the qualities brought by each housing material will be divided between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when you press down on a key, whereas the top housing influences the sound when you let go of a key. Therefore, while the Gold Brown and the WS Yellow share similarities in their nylon bottom housing, the choice of top housing material will result in different sound profiles for each switch.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, their actuation and bottom out forces display some similarities and differences. The actuation force of the Gold Brown is 55 grams, while the WS Yellow's actuation force is unavailable. However, both switches fall within the medium range for actuation force. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the Gold Brown is slightly heavier at 63 grams, whereas the WS Yellow has a lighter bottom out force of 53 grams, which is considered medium-light.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer a lighter switch like the WS Yellow as it allows for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming. This lighter option is beneficial for those who bring their keyboards to work or engage in lengthy gaming sessions. Conversely, others may prefer a stronger push feel to enhance the typing experience. For these individuals, the Gold Brown switch might be more suitable due to its heavier bottom out force.
While the actuation force of the WS Yellow is currently unknown, it is important to note that both switches fall within the medium range for actuation force, suggesting that they would provide similar results in terms of triggering a keystroke. Ultimately, the decision between these switches depends on individual preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch have different travel distances. The Gold Brown has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Yellow has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm.
The Gold Brown's travel distance of 4 mm falls within the traditional range for switch travel distances. This makes it a popular choice for those who prefer a more standard typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Yellow's slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm can provide a faster response time, which is favored by gamers who require quick and precise inputs.
It is important to note that personal preference plays a significant role in determining the optimal travel distance for an individual. Some may find the shorter travel distance of the WS Yellow to be more responsive and suited to their needs, while others may find it too abrupt and prefer the more substantial travel distance of the Gold Brown.
Ultimately, whether one chooses the TTC Gold Brown or the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switch depends on their specific preferences and requirements. If a shorter, more responsive travel distance is desired, the WS Yellow would be the preferred option. However, for those who enjoy a deeper and more substantial key press, the Gold Brown with its slightly longer travel distance would be the better choice.
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 Yellow 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
The Gold Brown switch offers a balanced sound profile that is generally softer than most switches, creating a rounded sound that is not completely silent. On the other hand, the sound profile of the WS Yellow switch is not provided in the 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 chosen.
When it comes to feel, the Gold Brown switch is described as mild, buttery, accented, and polished. The mild characteristic means that it offers a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. The buttery aspect indicates a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing seamless and effortless typing sensations. The accented quality suggests that the switch provides a medium level of tactility, neither overwhelming nor subtle. Finally, the polished attribute indicates a switch with a sleek typing experience due to a smooth and refined finish, which reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel.
Similarly, the WS Yellow switch is described as creamy, mild, and polished. The creamy characteristic also points to a smooth and buttery typing experience, possibly due to factory lubrication or specific materials used. Typing on a creamy switch is compared to gliding fingers effortlessly across the keys, with a silky sensation for each keystroke. The mild quality ensures a gentle typing experience, and the polished feature indicates smooth and refined typing, reducing friction and ensuring smooth key travel.
Based on the available information, the Gold Brown switch provides a balanced sound profile and a mild, buttery, accented, and polished feel. Comparatively, the WS Yellow switch has unknown sound characteristics but offers a creamy, mild, and polished feel. In terms of feel, both switches provide a gentle typing experience and a polished finish, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel. While the specific qualities may differ, overall, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel from both switches.
Conclusion
In closing, if you're looking for a balanced switch with a moderate weightiness and a slight satisfying bump, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch would be a great choice. These switches offer a soft and rounded sound profile without being completely silent. They have a neutral sound profile and a mild feel, providing a gentle and approachable typing experience. The Gold Browns are also described as buttery and polished, ensuring smooth and seamless key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lightweight switch with a delightful typing experience and a satisfying bounce, the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch would be a great option. These switches are crafted to be lightweight, offering effortless keystrokes and a smooth and fluid typing experience. With a creamy and mild feel, typing on the WS Yellow switches feels like effortlessly gliding your fingers across the keys.
Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch depends on your personal preferences. If you value a balanced switch with a slight bump and moderate weightiness, go for the Gold Brown. If you prefer a lightweight switch with a satisfying bounce, opt for the WS Yellow. Both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience. Choose the one that aligns with your preferences and typing style.