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TTC Gold Red vs. Wuque Studio WS Yellow

An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

The TTC Gold Red and Wuque Studio WS Yellow are two popular mechanical keyboard switches that offer their own unique advantages and characteristics. The Gold Red linear switches are renowned for their buttery smooth typing experience and light-medium level of resistance. These switches have a snappy sound profile that adds a touch of personality to your keyboard without being too flashy. On the other hand, the WS Yellow linear switches combine classic materials with cutting-edge engineering to create a timeless fusion. With a 22mm double-stage spring, these switches provide a delightful typing experience with a satisfying bounce. The material blend of the WS Yellow switches also contributes to a familiar sound signature that enthusiasts adore. Crafted to be lightweight, they offer effortless keystrokes and ensure a smooth and fluid typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your specific needs.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

43g

Actuation force

N/A

Bottom-out force

50g

Bottom-out force

53g

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

The housing materials of the TTC Gold Red and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches provide distinct differences in sound profiles and aesthetics. The Gold Red utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which contributes to a clear and resonant sound. In addition, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the WS Yellow features a nylon top housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. While both top housings provide unique characteristics, they differ in terms of pitch and resonance.

When it comes to the bottom housings, both the Gold Red and the WS Yellow switches incorporate nylon. This shared material choice contributes to a similar sound profile for the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when typing. Therefore, regardless of the switch brand, users can expect a similar experience in terms of sound quality and tactile feedback during keystrokes.

However, it should be noted that if a switch utilizes different housing materials for the top and bottom components, the qualities of each material will be split between the two halves. The bottom housing primarily influences the sound when pressing down on the switch, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing has more influence on the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, the combination of different housing materials can create a more balanced and varied sound experience, with each component contributing its distinct characteristics to overall switch performance.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, several differences emerge. Firstly, the actuation force of the Gold Red is 43 grams, whereas the exact actuation force of the WS Yellow is unknown. This implies that if a lighter actuation force is preferred for an extended typing period, the Gold Red would be the more suitable choice. Secondly, in terms of bottom out force, the Gold Red requires 50 grams of force, while the WS Yellow demands 53 grams. Thus, individuals seeking a slightly more substantial typing experience might lean towards the WS Yellow. Overall, the Gold Red can be considered lighter in terms of actuation force, while the WS Yellow falls into the medium-light category. Regardless of these distinctions, individuals who desire a similar experience can still achieve comparable results by selecting either switch, as both offer smooth linear action with minimal resistance.

Travel distance

In comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, we find that the Gold Red has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Yellow has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the WS Yellow the shorter option when it comes to the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. While 4 mm is considered a more traditional travel distance, the WS Yellow's 3.8 mm falls into the category of shorter travel distances which have become increasingly popular, particularly among gamers looking for faster response times. Choosing a switch with a shorter travel distance can result in a more responsive keyboard. However, it's important to note that some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt. For those who prefer a deeper, more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, the Gold Red's longer travel distance may be the preferred option. It ultimately depends on personal preference and the specific needs of the user.

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 Yellow 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 Gold Red switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched characteristics. When pressed, it produces a deep and satisfying "thud" or "knock" sound. This switch also has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes and environments. On the other hand, the WS Yellow switch's sound qualities are unknown. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen. However, if you are looking for a switch with a similar sound to the Gold Red, the WS Yellow may provide a familiar and adored sound signature, though this cannot be confirmed without further information.

Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gold Red switch offers a mild, silky, subtle, and polished typing experience. It falls into a safe and middle-ground zone, providing a gentle resistance without being feather-light. The smooth and refined finish of the switch ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel, resulting in a sleek typing experience. Similarly, the WS Yellow switch is also described as mild and polished. It offers a smooth and buttery typing experience, akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. This sensation is achieved through lubrication applied at the factory or specific materials used. Both switches provide a gentle typing experience suitable for most preferences.

In conclusion, as an expert in mechanical keyboard switches, it can be said that the Gold Red switch is best known for its thocky sound profile, light-medium resistance, mild feel, and polished finish. The WS Yellow switch, on the other hand, offers a delightful bounce, creamy typing experience, and polished feel. While the subjective qualities of the WS Yellow switch are not explicitly mentioned, it is likely that they provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. As with any switch, it is essential to consider other factors such as keyboard board and keycaps to achieve the desired sound and feel.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are 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. With a bottom out force of 50 grams, it offers effortless keystrokes and a pleasant sound profile described as thocky, low-pitched, and neutral. The Gold Red switch provides a mild, silky, subtle, and polished feel, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience.

On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams, the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch might be more suitable for you. These switches offer a delightful typing experience with a satisfying bounce, thanks to their 22mm double-stage spring. They have a creamy and mild feel, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience. The WS Yellow switch is also described as polished, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Gold Red and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches depends on your personal preferences. Both switches offer a smooth and fluid typing experience, with the Gold Red leaning towards a lighter and more neutral sound and feel, and the WS Yellow offering a creamier and slightly heavier feel. Consider your typing preferences and choose the switch that suits your needs best.

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