TTC Honey vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the TTC Honey 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 popular options to consider are the TTC Honey and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile. The Honey switches are praised for their smooth and creamy feel, offering a frictionless typing experience. Additionally, these switches produce a deep and pleasant sound profile, adding to the overall satisfaction of using them. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switches by Wuque are designed with office and work environments in mind. These switches strike a delicate balance, providing a medium level of tactility without sacrificing noise reduction. The WS Silent Tactile switches are crafted with precision, featuring innovative stem railings with small cutouts to minimize switch sound. Unlike traditional silent switches, these tactile switches do not use silicone dampeners, resulting in a typing experience that is devoid of the usual padded feel found in most silent switches. They offer a unique blend of tranquility and tactility. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
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
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
25.5 mm lengthened spring
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Honey and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches differ in terms of the materials used. The Honey features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, while the WS Silent Tactile utilizes a nylon top and bottom housing. Polycarbonate is known to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. This results in a more clear and resonant sound during typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile's nylon housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
While the housing materials of the Honey and WS Silent Tactile switches differ, they both offer distinct sound profiles. The polycarbonate housing of the Honey creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon housing of the WS Silent Tactile produces a deeper sound. These differences in sound can greatly impact the typing experience, allowing users to choose based on their personal preference. However, it's worth noting that both switches contribute to a clear and resonant sound, although the Honey's polycarbonate housing may provide a slightly higher-pitched tone compared to the WS Silent Tactile's nylon housing.
When it comes to the tactile feel of the switches, the housing materials also play a role. The bottom housing, which differs between the two switches, contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel. As such, the TTC Honey's polycarbonate bottom housing may result in a sharper and crisper bottom-out experience, while the WS Silent Tactile's nylon bottom housing might provide a softer and more rounded bottom-out sound. On the other hand, the top housing, shared between both switches, will impact the sound when releasing the key. Therefore, no matter the housing material, the top housing will contribute to a similar sound during key release.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Honey linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Honey switch has an actuation force of 42 grams, providing a relatively light touch to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the WS Silent Tactile switch is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare. However, the bottom out force of the Honey switch stands at 50 grams, still on the lighter side. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switch has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, giving it a medium-heavy touch.
Considering weight, individuals who prefer a lighter feel may lean towards the Honey switch, as its actuation and bottom out forces are lighter. This characteristic allows for longer typing sessions, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. For those who enjoy a stronger push and desire a more substantial typing experience, the WS Silent Tactile switch with its heavier bottom out force may be a more appealing choice.
In terms of actuation, while the force required to trigger a keystroke for the WS Silent Tactile switch is unspecified, it is worth noting that if the actuation force is similar to that of the Honey switch, users can expect a comparable light touch. However, without specific information, it is challenging to make a definitive comparison between the two switches in this aspect.
In summary, the Honey switch possesses a lighter actuation and bottom out force, while the WS Silent Tactile switch has a heavier bottom out force, making it more suitable for those who desire a stronger push feel. Ultimately, individuals should consider their preferences for weight and typing experience before deciding between these switches.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Honey linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch, it is clear that the Honey has a slightly longer distance of 3.8 mm, while the WS Silent Tactile has a distance of 3.5 mm. While both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, the Honey offers a slightly deeper press. Gamers, in particular, often opt for shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the WS Silent Tactile would be the better choice. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt. For those who prefer a more satisfying depth when pressing down on a key, the Honey with its longer travel distance would be the preferred option. Ultimately, the decision would depend on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Honey has an MSRP of $9.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Honey for $6.78.
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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Honey and the WS Silent Tactile provide different experiences. The Honey switch is described as offering a subdued sound. While it is not completely silent, it produces a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile is known for its muted sound profile. The switch is designed to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, creating a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. It's important to note that sound can be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, the Honey switch is often described as creamy, frictionless, buttery, subtle, and polished. These switches offer a smooth and effortless typing experience, with lubricant applied in the factory or specific materials contributing to their buttery sensation. The WS Silent Tactile, on the other hand, is characterized as accented, invigorating, and mild. These tactile switches provide a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming, offering a snappy and reactive feel while still being approachable to most typists. The absence of silicone dampeners in the WS Silent Tactile ensures that the typing experience is devoid of the padded feel commonly found in silent switches.
Taking all the available information into consideration, it is clear that both the TTC Honey and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches offer unique qualities. While the Honey switch has a smooth and creamy feel with a subdued sound, the WS Silent Tactile provides a balanced blend of tranquility and tactility, with a muted sound and satisfyingly crisp bottom-out. Depending on individual preferences, typing environment, and desired typing experience, both switches offer their own advantages. It's important to note that the choice of keyboard board and keycaps can also impact the overall typing experience and sound produced. Therefore, thorough research and personal experimentation are recommended to find the perfect fit. Ultimately, if a user prefers a smoother typing experience with a more subtle sound, the Honey switch would be a suitable choice, while those looking for a medium-level of tactility, reduced noise, and a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out may opt for the WS Silent Tactile switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Honey linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, there are a few key factors to consider.
If you prioritize a lighter bottom-out force, smooth and creamy typing experience, and a deep and pleasant sound profile, then the TTC Honey switch is an excellent choice for you. Its light touch and smooth feel make typing effortless and enjoyable. Additionally, the subdued sound of the Honey switch creates a more subtle and less disruptive typing experience compared to most switches.
On the other hand, if you value a medium-heavy bottom-out force, a moderate level of tactility without compromising on noise reduction, and an immersive typing sensation, then the WS Silent Tactile switch by Wuque Studio is the switch for you. These switches strike a delicate balance, offering a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out and responsive return while maintaining an impressively silent profile. The absence of silicone dampeners in these switches ensures a typing experience that is devoid of the usual padded feel found in most silent switches, resulting in a unique blend of tranquility and tactility. The WS Silent Tactile switch also offers a moderate actuation force requirement and a muted sound profile, making it suitable for most intents and purposes.
Ultimately, the decision between the TTC Honey linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch comes down to personal preferences. Consider the characteristics and features that are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch and choose accordingly. Whether you prioritize a smooth and creamy typing experience with a subdued sound or a medium-heavy bottom-out force with a moderate level of tactility and a muted sound, both switches offer their own unique qualities to enhance your typing experience.
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