TTC Gold Red Pro vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When navigating the diverse landscape of mechanical keyboard switches, two notable contenders stand out: the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Dash. The Gold Red Pro, a linear switch, is celebrated for its versatility and ease of press, providing a fluid typing experience that caters to various user preferences without imposing auditory distractions. With its mild, neutral sound signature, it seamlessly integrates into any environment, making it an excellent choice for gaming, office work, or casual typing. On the other hand, the WS Dash, a Hall Effect switch, offers a more specialized typing experience characterized by its bright and clacky sound profile. This switch provides a silky smooth keystroke, appealing especially to those who appreciate pronounced feedback during their typing sessions. While the Gold Red Pro thrives on versatility and adaptability, the WS Dash focuses on delivering a unique auditory and tactile experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on which switch suits your typing style and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
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
18.5mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Dash utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which contributes to their sound profiles in similar ways. The polycarbonate material is inherently stiffer, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound that is desirable for many users. This characteristic is accentuated by the translucency of polycarbonate, making it a perfect choice for switches designed to accommodate RGB lighting. As both switches feature clear polycarbonate tops, users can expect consistent sound clarity and visual appeal when using RGB lights, resulting in an enhanced aesthetic experience.
In contrast to their top housings, both the Gold Red Pro and WS Dash are equipped with nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is celebrated for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer texture, which tends to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. This property leads to a duller and rounder sound, enriching the overall typing experience. In both switches, this combination of materials helps create a balanced auditory experience—the nylon bottom housing helps to mellow out the sharper tones produced by the polycarbonate top, resulting in a harmonized sound profile with depth and clarity.
Ultimately, while the top housings of the Gold Red Pro and WS Dash are identical in material, their contrasting bottom housings serve a shared purpose in attaining a well-rounded sound profile. The interplay of the stiffer polycarbonate on top and the softer nylon on the bottom ensures that when a key is pressed, the deep, full sound from the nylon complements the crisp notes from the polycarbonate. This leads to a consistent and enjoyable typing experience across both models, allowing users to achieve similar results even when utilizing different designs from each brand.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, we can see some notable differences in their actuation forces. The Gold Red Pro features an actuation force of 43 grams, making it the heavier option, while the WS Dash has a significantly lighter actuation force of 30 grams. This difference means that users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions will find the WS Dash more suitable, as its lower actuation force requires less energy to trigger keystrokes. However, the bottom out force of the Gold Red Pro is unknown, while the WS Dash boasts a bottom out force of 55 grams, which contributes to a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, those who favor a firmer typing experience may lean towards the heavier feel of the WS Dash, whereas the light actuation of the WS Dash could appeal to those seeking a more effortless typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, the former features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the latter has a slightly shorter distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Gold Red Pro offers more depth and a more pronounced keypress experience, which may appeal to users who prefer a substantial actuation feel. Conversely, the WS Dash, with its shorter travel distance, provides a quicker response time, making it potentially suitable for gamers seeking swift actions. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences: if you favor a more responsive and rapid typing experience, the WS Dash would be the better option, while those who appreciate a more substantial feedback during key presses may gravitate towards the Gold Red Pro.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red Pro for $2.90.
The Wuque Studio WS Dash has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Dash for $7.49.
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 TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch has a neutral, low-pitched profile that delivers a thocky sound characterized by a deep, rich thud when pressed. This provides a more subdued auditory experience that is suitable for a variety of environments—be it an office or during gaming sessions. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch produces a bright and clacky sound that is crisp and percussive. While both switches offer pleasant auditory feedback, the Gold Red Pro is more about a refined, muted presence, whereas the WS Dash brings an energetic and lively sound that may be more suited for those who enjoy auditory feedback.
When evaluating the feel of these switches, both the Gold Red Pro and WS Dash are noted for their polished finishes, which contribute to smooth and refined key travel. The Gold Red Pro offers a mild and subtle typing experience, making it approachable and comfortable for both new and experienced users. On the other hand, the WS Dash provides a silky feel, enhancing the overall smoothness and minimal resistance during key presses. While both switches share a high level of smoothness, the Gold Red Pro leans towards an easygoing typing experience, while the WS Dash may appeal more to those who appreciate precision and fluidity in their keystrokes.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Red Pro and Wuque Studio WS Dash switches cater to distinct preferences while sharing some similarities. The Gold Red Pro is all about versatility with its neutral sound and mild feel, making it adaptable for any user or setting. The WS Dash, with its vibrant clacking sound and silky feel, targets those who appreciate a more dynamic typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your individual priorities in sound and tactile experience, as both can provide satisfying results depending on your typing style and environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch ultimately hinges on your specific typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you're someone who values versatility and ease of use across various contexts—whether you're gaming, working at the office, or engaging in casual typing—the TTC Gold Red Pro's smooth, polished feel and neutral sound signature make it an excellent choice. Its mild characteristics create a comfortable experience that caters to different skill levels, ideal for shared environments where noise level matters. Conversely, if you're drawn to a more tactile sensation with a pronounced auditory feedback, the WS Dash's clacky and bright sound combined with its silky smooth keystroke presents a compelling option. This switch is particularly suited for those who enjoy a more vibrant typing experience, perhaps in a personal space where the sharper auditory element can be appreciated. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your desire for either a balanced, adaptable typing experience or a more distinctive and expressive feel, ensuring that your mechanical keyboard setup aligns perfectly with your needs.
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