TTC Gold Red vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the TTC Gold Red and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile. The Gold Red is known for its buttery smooth typing experience and light-medium resistance. With a snappy sound profile, it adds a modest touch of personality to your keyboard without being too ostentatious. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile by Wuque is designed for an office and work environment, striking a delicate balance between tactility and noise reduction. Crafted with precision, these switches feature ingenious stem railings that effectively minimize switch sound while delivering a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out and responsive return. What sets them apart from conventional silent switches is the absence of silicone dampeners, resulting in a typing experience devoid of the usual padded feel. Both switches offer their own unique qualities, making them ideal for different preferences and use cases. 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Red and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches differ, with the former utilizing a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the latter uses a nylon top and bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Gold Red offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic that creates a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the WS Silent Tactile produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite the differences, both switches have translucent top housings suitable for RGB lighting.
In terms of the bottom housings, both the Gold Red and the WS Silent Tactile use nylon material. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound than harder plastics. The nylon bottom housing of both switches helps create a duller and rounder sound when typing. Therefore, in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switches, users can expect similar results from both the Gold Red and the WS Silent Tactile.
It is important to note that the housing materials of the switches significantly influence the sound produced when using them. While polycarbonate in the Gold Red's top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound when releasing a key, the nylon top housing of the WS Silent Tactile induces a deeper and fuller sound. These variations demonstrate how different housing materials can impact the sound experience. Overall, whether using the Gold Red or the WS Silent Tactile, the combination of their respective top and bottom housing materials ensures a satisfying and unique typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, there are noticeable differences in actuation force and bottom out force. The Gold Red has a relatively light actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile's actuation force is unavailable. However, its bottom out force is significantly heavier at 63.5 grams.
Considering weight, the Gold Red switch is lighter overall, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. This can be advantageous for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile offers a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force. This can appeal to individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel while typing.
If both the actuation force and bottom out force of the switches are the same, users can expect to achieve similar results in terms of key response and typing experience. However, it should be noted that the weight of the switches can still make a difference in terms of comfort and ergonomics during prolonged use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, it is clear that the Gold Red has a longer travel distance at 4 mm compared to the WS Silent Tactile's 3.5 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with the Gold Red switch, you will feel a slightly deeper travel distance compared to the WS Silent Tactile. The 4 mm travel distance of the Gold Red is more in line with traditional switch travel distances, while the 3.5 mm of the WS Silent Tactile is slightly shallower. However, it is worth noting that shorter travel distances have become more popular, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel, the WS Silent Tactile's shorter travel distance may be more suitable for you. On the other hand, some individuals find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt, and if you prefer a deeper feel, the longer travel distance of the Gold Red may be more to your liking. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference and the specific typing experience you are seeking.
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 Silent 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
In terms of sound, the TTC Gold Red linear switches are best described as having a thocky sound profile. When pressed and released, these switches produce a deep and satisfying "thud" or a soft "knock" sound. The low-pitched nature of these switches adds a bass-heavy and mellow tone to the typing experience. Overall, the Gold Red switches offer a neutral sound profile that is suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use them at home or in a work environment. It is important to note that the sound of these switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps.
On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches are designed to prioritize noise reduction without compromising on tactility. These switches are crafted with precision and feature ingenious stem railings with small cutouts to effectively minimize switch sound while delivering a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out and responsive return. Compared to conventional silent switches that often have a padded feel, these unique tactile switches forgo the use of silicone dampeners, resulting in a typing experience that is not only silent but also maintains a good level of tactility. The WS Silent Tactile switches can be described as having a neutral sound profile that is muted, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical keyboard switches.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Red linear switches offer a mild and silky typing experience. These switches have a gentle resistance, providing a light-medium level of typing force required. The smooth and refined finish of the Gold Red switches, attributed to either the choice of materials or factory lubrication, ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel, resulting in a polished typing experience. The overall feel of these switches stands in a safe, middle-ground zone, making them approachable to most users.
On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches offer an accented and invigorating typing experience. These switches provide a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, creating a medium-tactile feel. The WS Silent Tactile switches offer moderate to firm actuation force, snappy and reactive feel, and pronounced feedback, resulting in an immersive typing sensation. Similar to the Gold Red switches, the WS Silent Tactile switches also fall under the mild category in terms of typing experience, offering a gentle and approachable feel for most users.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Red switches excel in sound with their thocky and low-pitched sound profile, while the WS Silent Tactile switches prioritize noise reduction without compromising on tactility. Both switches offer a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various environments and user preferences. In terms of feel, the Gold Red switches are mild and silky, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switches are accented and invigorating, offering a medium-tactile feel with pronounced feedback. Overall, while each switch has its unique qualities, they both provide a satisfying typing experience, and users can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel depending on their preferences and other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you're looking for a switch with a light-medium level of resistance and a buttery smooth typing experience, the TTC Gold Red linear switch would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a snappy sound profile that adds a modest touch of personality to your keyboard without being too ostentatious. Additionally, the Gold Red has a thocky and low-pitched sound, perfect for those who enjoy a deep and rich tone. In terms of feel, the Gold Red offers a mild and silky typing experience, with a smooth and refined finish. These switches have a gentle resistance and a polished key travel, ensuring a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, if you're in need of switches that strike a balance between tactility and noise reduction, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches are an excellent choice. These switches offer a medium level of tactility without compromising on noise reduction. They feature stem railings with small cutouts, minimizing switch sound while delivering a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out and responsive return. Unlike most silent switches, the WS Silent Tactile switches do not rely on silicone dampeners, ensuring a typing experience that is devoid of the usual padded feel. These switches are described as neutral and muted in terms of sound, making them suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you're a beginner or advanced user and whether you plan to use them at home or in a work environment. In terms of feel, the WS Silent Tactile switches are described as accented and mild, offering a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or too subtle. Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch will depend on your preferences for resistance, sound, and feel.
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