TTC Gold Silver vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Silver and the WS Light Tactile stand out as popular choices for different reasons. The Gold Silver switch is praised for its rapid responsiveness, providing a satisfyingly solid bottom-out with each keystroke and accompanied by a resonant sound signature. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile offers a smooth experience with a noticeable tactile bump and a neutral sound profile. While the Gold Silver focuses on speed, sound, and fluidity, the WS Light Tactile prioritizes smoothness and tactile feedback. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
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
18mm spring
Spring
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Silver and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile both feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is relatively stiffer compared to other plastics, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the switches. However, despite their similarities in top housing material, the Gold Silver's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, while the WS Light Tactile also offers nylon as a bottom housing material, resulting in a duller and rounder sound due to the material's softer nature.
While both the Gold Silver and the WS Light Tactile share the use of polycarbonate in their top housings for a similar sound profile, their differences lie in the bottom housing materials. The Gold Silver's nylon bottom housing offers a unique typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound, whereas the WS Light Tactile also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a different sound profile that is duller and rounder due to the material's softer nature. This contrast in bottom housing materials showcases how different housing materials can impact the overall sound and typing experience of a switch.
The split in qualities between the top and bottom housings of the TTC Gold Silver and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile allows for a dynamic typing experience. The bottom housing material, whether it be nylon for the Gold Silver or the WS Light Tactile, has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed. On the other hand, the top housing material, in this case, polycarbonate for both switches, plays a crucial role in the sound produced when the key is released. By incorporating different housing materials for the top and bottom, both switches offer a unique typing experience that combines the qualities of each material to create a distinctive feel and sound profile.
Weight
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of initial key press. However, the TTC Gold Silver switch does not specify a bottom out force, whereas the WS Light Tactile switch has a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it slightly heavier in comparison. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Gold Silver switch may be the better option, while the WS Light Tactile switch would be more suitable for individuals who enjoy a bit more resistance for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Gold Silver switch falls on the shorter end of the spectrum, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, providing a more hearty depth when pressing down on the key. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference when deciding which one to choose.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Silver has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Silver for $2.90.
The Wuque Studio WS Light 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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying auditory experience with each keystroke. In contrast, the WS Light Tactile tactile switch offers a neutral sound signature, maintaining a moderate and versatile sound profile suitable for various settings. Both switches offer different sound characteristics, with the Gold Silver showcasing a rich and resonant tone while the WS Light Tactile remains neutral and unobtrusive, making them suitable for different preferences and environments.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch is praised for its polished and silky typing experience, offering a smooth and refined keystroke due to its materials or factory lubing. It provides a mild and subtle typing feel, creating a gentle resistance without being overly pronounced. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile tactile switch offers a stepped and easy-to-press typing experience, featuring a two-stage tactile bump with minimal force required for activation. These qualities make the WS Light Tactile switch comfortable and effortless for extended typing sessions, catering to users who prefer a light and responsive typing feel.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the WS Light Tactile tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Silver emphasizes speed, precision, and a thocky sound profile, coupled with a polished and silky typing feel. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile focuses on smoothness, tactile feedback, and an easy-to-press typing experience, with a neutral sound signature. Depending on personal preferences and typing habits, users can choose between the swift and resonant characteristics of the Gold Silver or the smooth and tactile qualities of the WS Light Tactile to enhance their typing experience.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when considering whether to choose the TTC Gold Silver linear switch or the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you value rapid responsiveness, a smooth keystroke with a solid bottom-out, and a resonant sound signature, the TTC Gold Silver may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light tactile bump, smooth key travel, and a neutral sound profile, the WS Light Tactile could be more suited to your liking. Additionally, if you prefer a light typing feel with easy-to-press switches, the WS Light Tactile may be a better fit. Overall, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it is essential to consider what factors are most important to you in a keyboard switch before making your decision.