TTC Gold Red Pro vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch stand out as popular options with distinct characteristics. The Gold Red Pro is a model of versatility, offering a seamless typing experience with its ease of press and neutral sound signature. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch provides a profound tactile experience with a 70g bump, immersive resistance, and a captivating "thocky" sound. While the Gold Red Pro excels in adaptability for various settings such as gaming, office work, and typing, the WS Heavy Tactile switch offers a more engaging and satisfying typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
NPI
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
18.5mm spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile, it's clear that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound and results in a rounder sound. This similarity in bottom housing material suggests that both switches may offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel when pressed down.
However, the key point of differentiation between the two switches lies in their top housing materials. The Gold Red Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This is contrasted with the WS Heavy Tactile's nylon top housing, which creates a duller and rounder sound due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. These differences in top housing material suggest that the sound profile and typing experience of the two switches will vary significantly when releasing a key.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gold Red Pro and the WS Heavy Tactile will depend on the individual's preference for sound and feel. If a crisper and higher-pitched sound is desired, the Gold Red Pro with its polycarbonate top housing may be the better option. On the other hand, if a deeper and fuller sound profile is preferred, the WS Heavy Tactile with its nylon top housing may be more suitable. Both switches maintain a similar typing experience due to their shared nylon bottom housing, but the top housing materials offer distinct differences in sound profile that cater to different preferences.
Weight
The TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. The bottom out force for the Gold Red Pro is unknown, while the WS Heavy Tactile has a bottom out force of 70 grams, indicating a medium-heavy resistance. The lighter actuation force of the Gold Red Pro may make it more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions where fatigue may be a concern. On the other hand, the heavier actuation force and bottom out force of the WS Heavy Tactile may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Overall, the choice between these two switches will ultimately depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it slightly longer than the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. While both switches fall within the range of modern travel distances and offer a balance between responsiveness and depth, the Gold Red Pro provides a slightly deeper feel compared to the WS Heavy Tactile. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the WS Heavy Tactile for quicker response times, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the Gold Red Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Heavy Tactile 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 TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch offers a neutral and low-pitched typing experience with a thocky sound profile that provides a deep and satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch delivers a high-pitched and resonant sound with a clacky profile that is sharp, crisp, and percussive. The Gold Red Pro's sound is more mellow and moderate, while the WS Heavy Tactile's sound is more vibrant and sharp, catering to different auditory preferences.
Moving on to feel, the Gold Red Pro switch provides a polished and silky typing experience that is smooth, refined, and gentle. The switch offers a mild and subtle resistance, ensuring a comfortable and approachable tactile feedback. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile switch offers an accented and sharp tactile sensation that is bouncy, invigorating, and snappy. With a more pronounced feedback and firm actuation force, the WS Heavy Tactile switch provides a lively and immersive typing experience for users who prefer a more tactile feel.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Gold Red Pro provides a neutral and polished typing experience with a subtle tactile feedback, the WS Heavy Tactile offers a high-pitched and resonant sound with an accented, sharp, and bouncy tactile sensation. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the smoother and gentler typing experience of the Gold Red Pro or the more vibrant and tactile feedback of the WS Heavy Tactile to enhance their typing sessions.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when it comes to choosing between the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, it ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you value a versatile switch that offers a neutral sound profile, smooth keypresses, and adaptability across various settings, then the Gold Red Pro may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a pronounced tactile bump, immersive resistance, and a "thocky" sound for a more engaging typing experience, then the WS Heavy Tactile switch could be the one for you. Consider the type of typing experience you seek, whether it be seamless and gentle or tactile and invigorating, to make an informed decision that best suits your individual preferences and usage scenarios. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so choose wisely based on what matters most to you.
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