TTC Gold Red vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a plethora of options available to cater to various typing preferences. Two popular choices in the market are the TTC Gold Red and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches. The Gold Red switches are known for their buttery smooth linear typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. They offer a snappy sound profile that adds a subtle touch of personality to your keyboard without being too ostentatious. On the other hand, the WS Brown switches strike a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort with their medium-light actuation force. They provide a delightful auditory experience that enthusiasts cherish, thanks to the familiar nylon housing and POM stem combination. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Red and the Wuque Studio WS Brown reveals some notable differences. The Gold Red utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the WS Brown employs a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The polycarbonate housing of the Gold Red is especially advantageous for RGB lighting due to its translucency. While both materials are classic options, they offer distinct sound profiles and aesthetic benefits.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both switches feature nylon as the material of choice. This common material choice for switch housing retains its advantages across both models. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, in terms of bottom-out sound and feel, both the Gold Red and WS Brown provide a similar experience due to their shared nylon bottom housing.
It's important to note that the qualities of the top and bottom housings will be divided for a switch when they differ. So, when pressing down on either the Gold Red or the WS Brown, the qualities of the respective bottom housing will be felt. Conversely, the sound when releasing a key will be more influenced by the properties of the top housing. Although the materials differ between the two models, the division of sound qualities according to the top and bottom housing remains consistent.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces and bottom out forces. The Gold Red switch has a relatively light actuation force of 43 grams, meaning it requires a gentle push to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the WS Brown switch is unavailable, so we can't directly compare the two in this aspect. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Gold Red switch has a slightly heavier force of 50 grams, indicating that it requires a bit more pressure to fully press down. On the other hand, the WS Brown switch has a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, which falls between the light and heavy categories.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer a lighter switch to enable prolonged typing or gaming sessions, making the Gold Red switch a favorable choice for them. The lighter actuation force allows for easier triggering of keystrokes, potentially reducing fatigue over time. However, there are those who prefer a more substantial typing experience and a stronger push feel. For such individuals, a switch with a heavier force would be more suitable. In this case, while the WS Brown switch does not have its actuation force specified, its slightly heavier bottom out force of 55 grams may provide a more satisfying typing sensation compared to the Gold Red switch.
In summary, the TTC Gold Red linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a slightly heavier bottom out force of 50 grams. Meanwhile, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch has an undisclosed actuation force and a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams. Hence, depending on personal preferences, one can select either switch to achieve similar results, with the Gold Red offering a lighter typing experience and the WS Brown providing a slightly heavier and more tactile feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, the Gold Red has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the WS Brown's 3.8 mm. The Gold Red provides a more traditional travel distance, while the WS Brown offers a slightly shallower experience. Both options fall within the range of travel distances commonly found in switches.
If you are a gamer looking for a faster response time, the WS Brown's shorter travel distance may be more appealing. It allows for quicker key presses and can enhance your gaming performance. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel and depth when typing or using your keyboard, the Gold Red's longer travel distance might be the better choice. The added distance can provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke.
Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of the user. It's important to consider factors such as typing style, comfort, and desired typing experience when selecting a switch with an optimal travel distance. Both the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch offer distinct characteristics, and choosing between them will ensure that you get the desired results for your typing or gaming needs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red 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 Red for $3.28.
The Wuque Studio WS Brown 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 linear switch is characterized as having a thocky sound profile. This means that when the key is pressed and released, it produces a deep, rich sound similar to a "thud" or a soft "knock". The sound is low-pitched, which gives it a bass-heavy and mellow tone. Overall, the sound of the Gold Red switch is described as neutral, which means it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile suitable for most users and purposes. On the other hand, there is no specific information available about the sound profile of the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Red linear switch offers a mild and gentle typing experience. It falls within a safe, middle-ground zone with qualities that are approachable to most users. The switch is described as silky, meaning it provides an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. It also has a subtle resistance that is not feather-light but still maintains a light typing feel. Additionally, the sound signature of the Gold Red switch is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces. Unfortunately, there is no information available about the specific feel of the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch.
In conclusion, based on the available information, the TTC Gold Red linear switch is known for its buttery smooth typing experience, low-pitched thocky sound profile, and mild, silky feel. It offers a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort, ensuring fatigue-free typing during extended sessions. On the other hand, there is limited information available about the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, making it difficult to directly compare the two switches. However, if you are looking for a smooth and gentle typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Gold Red switch may offer similar results. Keep in mind that the overall sound and feel of the switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a light-medium level of resistance and a buttery smooth typing experience, the TTC Gold Red linear switch is the way to go. These switches offer a snappy sound profile that adds a subtle touch of personality to your keyboard without being too ostentatious. On the other hand, if you prefer a harmonious blend of familiarity and innovation, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch is the perfect choice. With a medium-light actuation force, these switches strike a balance between responsiveness and comfort, ensuring fatigue-free typing during long sessions. The WS Brown switches also provide a familiar and delightful auditory experience that enthusiasts cherish, thanks to its familiar nylon housing and POM stem combination. Ultimately, the decision between the TTC Gold Red and WS Brown switches comes down to your personal preferences for actuation force, sound, and feel. Both switches offer their own unique qualities, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing preferences.
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