TTC Gold Red vs. Wuque Studio WS Onion
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options stand out among the rest - the TTC Gold Red and the Wuque Studio WS Onion. The Gold Red switches are renowned for their buttery smooth typing experience, coupled with a light-medium level of resistance. These linear switches offer a snappy sound profile that adds a subtle touch of personality to your keyboard, without being overly flashy. On the other hand, the WS Onion switches boast a unique construction, with a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. This combination results in a keystroke feel that is deeply satisfying and remarkably smooth. Furthermore, these switches offer a crisp, responsive feel and a neutral sound profile. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
WS CL635 Gold Plated Stainless Spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Red and the Wuque Studio WS Onion both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in switches. This is attributed to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, which results in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Therefore, it can be expected that both the Gold Red and WS Onion switches will offer similar sound profiles and aesthetic appeal due to their shared use of polycarbonate top housing.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Gold Red and WS Onion switches feature nylon as their material of choice. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Compared to harder plastics, nylon is relatively softer and has a greater ability to absorb sound. As a result, switches with nylon bottom housing tend to produce a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, whether it's the Gold Red or the WS Onion, typing on these switches will provide a similar experience with regards to the sound profile elicited by their nylon bottom housing.
It should be noted that the qualities each housing material brings to a switch can be divided between the top and bottom housing when they are different. When pressing down on a switch, the impact and resulting sound will be influenced by the bottom housing. On the other hand, when releasing a key, the sound will be more influenced by the top housing. This means that while the Gold Red and WS Onion share similarities in their housing materials, the overall typing experience and sound profile of each switch may vary based on the way these materials are utilized in their respective top and bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gold Red has an actuation force of 43 grams, making it relatively light in terms of force required to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the WS Onion is unavailable, so it is difficult to directly compare. However, the bottom out force of the WS Onion is 63.5 grams, which falls in the medium-heavy range. This implies that the WS Onion requires a stronger push to fully press down compared to the Gold Red.
Weight can be a significant factor to consider when selecting a switch. Some users prefer lighter switches as it allows them to type for extended periods without experiencing fatigue. This feature is particularly beneficial for individuals using a keyboard for work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, there are those who value a more substantial typing experience and prefer switches with heavier forces, providing a stronger push feel.
In conclusion, while the actuation force of the Gold Red is known to be light at 43 grams, the actuation force of the WS Onion remains unknown. However, the WS Onion does have a higher bottom out force of 63.5 grams, suggesting that it requires a heavier push compared to the Gold Red. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is an important factor to consider when choosing a keyboard. In this case, we are comparing the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch. Both of these switches have a travel distance of 4 mm, which means that pressing down on a key will result in a similar tactile experience for users. The similarity in travel distance ensures that whether you choose the TTC Gold Red or the WS Onion, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. It is worth noting that with the same travel distance, both switches offer a consistent and reliable typing experience for users.
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 Onion has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Onion for $5.53.
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 switch produces a thocky and low-pitched sound. This means that when the key is pressed and released, it produces a deep and satisfying "thud" or a soft "knock". The sound profile of the Gold Red is neutral, offering a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Onion switch also has a neutral sound profile. This means that it produces a sound that is neither too loud nor too quiet, making it suitable for most intents and purposes. It is worth noting that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Therefore, with both switches having a neutral sound profile, you can expect similar sound results.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Red switch offers a mild and silky typing experience. This means that it provides a more gentle typing feel with reduced resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The switch has a subtle resistance which is not too heavy but still maintains a light typing feel. Additionally, the Gold Red switch is polished, resulting in a sleek and smooth typing experience with reduced friction. Similarly, the Wuque Studio WS Onion switch is buttery and polished. This implies that it offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The polished finish of the WS Onion switch ensures smooth key travel and reduced friction. Therefore, both switches provide a buttery smooth typing experience and have a polished finish.
Considering all the available information, both the TTC Gold Red and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches offer a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. They both have a neutral sound profile, suitable for most intents and purposes. When it comes to feel, they are both described as mild, silky, and polished, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. While the Gold Red switch has a slight emphasis on being thocky and low-pitched, and the WS Onion switch is described as buttery, the overall qualities and characteristics of these switches are quite similar. Therefore, if you are looking for a smooth and satisfying typing experience, either switch would be a great choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a light-medium level of resistance and a buttery smooth typing experience, the TTC Gold Red linear switches would be a great choice. These switches offer a gentle typing feel with their mild and subtle characteristics. They produce a thocky, low-pitched sound profile that adds a touch of personality to your keyboard without being too ostentatious. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a deeply satisfying keystroke feel, the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switches are worth considering. These switches have a neutral sound profile and offer a crisp, responsive feel. With their buttery and polished attributes, typing on these switches is smooth, fluid, and effortless. Ultimately, the decision between the TTC Gold Red and WS Onion switches will come down to personal preferences in terms of bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel.
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