TTC Gold Red vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the TTC Gold Red and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile. The Gold Red switch provides a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance, resulting in a pleasant and effortless typing experience. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile switch offers a profound and pronounced tactile bump, making each keystroke feel engaging and immersive. With a tactile force of 70g, the resistance provided by the WS Heavy Tactile switch adds a satisfying touch to your typing experience. Both switches have their unique sound profiles, with the TTC Gold Red offering a modest and subtle sound, while the WS Heavy Tactile provides a familiar and captivating "thocky" resonance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Red and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile differ in terms of their impact on sound profiles and aesthetics. The Gold Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that allows for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, its translucency makes it suitable for RGB lighting. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile uses a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile.
Similarly, the bottom housings of the Gold Red and the WS Heavy Tactile are made of different materials. The Gold Red utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This characteristic arises from the fact that nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. Meanwhile, the WS Heavy Tactile also incorporates a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar effect on the sound profile. The use of nylon in both switches ensures that users can experience a deeper and fuller sound while typing.
Despite their differences, it should be noted that the top and bottom housings of a switch play distinct roles in shaping the overall sound profile. While the qualities of the bottom housing influence the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down, the top housing has more impact on the sound when the key is released. Therefore, even though the housing materials may vary between the Gold Red and the WS Heavy Tactile, users can expect similar results in terms of the sound profiles produced by the switches.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, one noticeable difference is their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gold Red has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option. Conversely, the WS Heavy Tactile's actuation force is unavailable, but it has a bottom out force of 45 grams, also falling in the light category. In terms of actuation force, both switches are equally light. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Gold Red is the heavier option by 5 grams. Overall, for individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, both switches can provide similar results. However, those seeking a more substantial and forceful keystroke may lean towards the Gold Red for its slightly heavier bottom out force. The weight of a switch is a crucial factor to consider, as lighter switches allow for longer periods of typing comfort, while heavier switches offer a stronger tactile feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, it is evident that the Gold Red has a longer travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the WS Heavy Tactile has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. The Gold Red falls into the category of a more traditional travel distance, providing a deeper feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile offers a shallower travel distance, which is preferred by gamers seeking faster response times. It is important to note that while the Gold Red provides a more responsive experience, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance of the WS Heavy Tactile to be too abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preference and whether a person values a deeper, more tactile feel or a quicker response time.
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 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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Gold Red linear switch offers a neutral sound profile with a low-pitched tone. This means that the sound produced when typing on these switches will have a moderate bass-heavy and mellow quality to it. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch provides a clacky sound profile with a high-pitched, sharp, and percussive tone. This means that when you press a key on the WS Heavy Tactile switch, you can expect a clean and sharp sound that is crisp and bright. The Gold Red switch offers a more neutral and low-pitched sound, while the WS Heavy Tactile switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound experience.
In terms of feel, the Gold Red linear switch provides a mild and silky typing experience. This means that the typing feel is more gentle compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics, and the key travel is exceptionally smooth. The WS Heavy Tactile switch, on the other hand, offers an accented and invigorating feel. This means that the switch provides a moderate to firm actuation force with a pronounced tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with each keypress. The WS Heavy Tactile switch also gives a bouncy and snappy feedback sensation, providing an immersive typing experience.
Based on the available information, the Gold Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities. The Gold Red switch provides a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. Its sound profile is described as neutral and low-pitched, while its feel is characterized as mild and silky. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch offers a profound and pronounced tactile bump with a satisfying resistance. Its sound profile is described as clacky and high-pitched, while its feel is accented, invigorating, bouncy, and snappy. These switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel, allowing users to choose the one that aligns with their typing preferences. However, it's important to note that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch, consider your personal preference for typing experience. The Gold Red offers a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance, providing a gentle and approachable feel. The sound profile of the Gold Red is described as thocky, low-pitched, and neutral, creating a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch presents a remarkable tactile experience with a pronounced tactile bump and a satisfying resistance. The sound profile of these switches is clacky, high-pitched, and resonant, providing a crisp and immersive auditory feedback. Consider if you prefer a mild and silky feel with a neutral sound profile, or if you're looking for an accented and invigorating feel with a clacky and resonant sound profile. Ultimately, your choice should align with your desired typing experience and sound preference.
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