TTC Gold Red Pro vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch that enhances your typing experience, the choice often boils down to personal preferences between linear and tactile feedback. The TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch is celebrated for its versatility, offering a near-effortless pressing action that appeals to users across various settings, from competitive gaming to busy office environments. Its neutral sound signature strikes a balance that makes it suitable for any auditory backdrop, allowing users to enjoy a silky and mild typing experience without overwhelming noise. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch offers a distinct tactile response that provides both smoothness and a satisfying bump, perfect for those who appreciate feedback with each keystroke. This switch also maintains a neutral sound profile, making it equally adaptable for diverse environments. While the Gold Red Pro shines in seamless operation and adaptability, the WS Light Tactile promises an engaging sensation for those who thrive on tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Red Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile both feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to their sound profiles in strikingly similar ways. The use of polycarbonate, known for its stiffness, results in a sound that is sharp, high-pitched, and crisp, enhancing the clarity and resonance of the switch. This is beneficial for users seeking a clear auditory feedback while typing, especially when the switch is designed to accommodate RGB lighting. The translucency of polycarbonate in the top housing not only elevates the aesthetic appeal but also allows light to pass through effectively, creating vibrant lighting effects that enhance the overall experience. Consequently, both switches will produce a comparable sound profile due to their identical top housing material.
On the contrary, the bottom housings of both switches are made from nylon, which introduces a contrasting sound dynamic. Nylon as a housing material is characterized by its softer texture, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Its ability to absorb sound results in a more muted and rounded auditory experience, which complements the crisper tones generated by the polycarbonate top. This combination means that when key presses occur, the impact of the nylon bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel, providing a tactile and satisfying experience as the fingers engage with it. Thus, while the top housings harmonize to create clarity, the bottom housings work to balance and diffuse that sound.
In terms of overall performance, both the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile exhibit complementary behavior due to their material choices. With polycarbonate reinforcing the highs and nylon providing fullness in lows, users can expect a distinct typing experience that benefits from both clarity and depth. The significance of each material becomes prominent during usage, where the polycarbonate top enhances the release sound, while the nylon bottom enriches the impact feel. The combination of these two high-quality materials not only contributes to a unique auditory experience but also ensures that users enjoy a cohesive and dynamic typing sensation, resulting in similar performance characteristics across both switches.
Weight
The TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch offer a distinct typing experience due to their differing actuation forces. The Gold Red Pro has an actuation force of 43 grams, whereas the WS Light Tactile requires a slightly heavier 45 grams to register a keystroke. However, the bottom out force for the Gold Red Pro is unknown, while the WS Light Tactile has a defined bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that it provides more resistance when fully pressed down. This makes the WS Light Tactile a heavier switch overall, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing sensation. In contrast, the Gold Red Pro, with its lighter actuation force, may be more suitable for users who type for extended periods, as it requires less effort to engage keys. Overall, if you prioritize a lighter feel for longer usage, the Gold Red Pro may be the better choice, while the WS Light Tactile offers a stronger push for those seeking a more tactile experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This small difference in travel distance can significantly influence the typing experience. The Gold Red Pro offers a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more responsive feel. In contrast, the WS Light Tactile’s 4 mm travel distance provides a deeper, more pronounced keystroke that some users may find more satisfying and less abrupt. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your preference for responsiveness versus a hearty keystroke.
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 Light Tactile comes in at $4.20 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, both the TTC Gold Red Pro and the WS Light Tactile switches feature a neutral sound profile, making them versatile options for various environments. The Gold Red Pro has a thocky and low-pitched quality, producing a deep and satisfying sound that many users find appealing. This quality makes it less intrusive, fitting comfortably in either gaming or office settings. Meanwhile, the WS Light Tactile also maintains a neutral sound signature, but lacks the low-pitched thockiness of its linear counterpart. While both switches are suited to most uses, the subtle differences in sound may appeal to users who prefer a deeper auditory experience versus a more muted one.
In terms of feel, the Gold Red Pro excels with a polished and silky finish that provides an exceptionally smooth typing experience. Its mild and subtle characteristics ensure that the switch is approachable for most users, reducing any potential friction or resistance during key presses. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile offers a distinct tactile bump, described as stepped, which introduces a multi-stage feel during actuation. This switch provides an easy-to-press experience that requires less force, making it comfortable for long typing sessions. While the tactile feedback in the WS Light Tactile sets it apart from the smooth linear action of the Gold Red Pro, both switches prioritize ease of use and comfort.
Overall, both the TTC Gold Red Pro and the WS Light Tactile switches have their unique strengths. The Gold Red Pro is perfect for users seeking a smooth, linear experience paired with a pleasing sound profile, while the WS Light Tactile is ideal for those who appreciate tactile feedback without sacrificing comfort. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preferences regarding sound and feel; however, both switches promise a satisfying typing experience regardless of the task at hand.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch largely depends on your specific typing needs and preferences. If you value a smooth, effortless typing experience that is versatile and adaptable to various tasks such as gaming, office work, or casual typing, the Gold Red Pro is an excellent choice. Its delightful polished and silky feel, coupled with a neutral sound signature, makes it perfect for the user who seeks an unobtrusive and satisfying keystroke. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile feedback in your typing—without a hefty bottom-out force—the WS Light Tactile switch may be more suited to your style. Its gentle tactile bump provides a satisfying sensation while still being easy to press, making them ideal for those who appreciate a hint of feedback without sacrificing comfort, especially for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, both switches cater to different typing experiences, so consider your personal preferences in sound, feel, and application when making your choice.
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