TTC Ice vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can drastically alter your typing experience, and two noteworthy options are the TTC Ice linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch. The TTC Ice switch is designed with a stunning crystal-clear transparency that not only looks striking but also provides a smooth and responsive feel, making it ideal for both gamers seeking quick keystrokes and typists looking for an enjoyable everyday writing experience. In contrast, the WS Dash switch from Wuque Studio is a captivating re-color of the popular Magnetic Jade, offering a unique and refined aesthetic. Its bright and clacky sound signature, combined with a silky smooth keystroke, caters to those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing or gaming. While both switches cater to different preferences—one emphasizing a premium feel with minimal resistance, and the other presenting an engaging sound experience—each has its own merits that could enhance your keyboard use. 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
30g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the TTC Ice and the Wuque Studio WS Dash feature polycarbonate as their top housing material, which leads to some intriguing similarities in sound profile and performance. As described, the polycarbonate top housing contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its stiffer characteristics. This shared material choice ensures that both switches deliver a clear and resonant sound, making them suitable for users seeking a more pronounced auditory feedback during typing. The translucency of polycarbonate also serves as an advantage for users who desire RGB lighting effects, as light can effectively shine through and create visually appealing patterns, enhancing the overall aesthetic experience.
In contrast, a key differentiator between the two switches lies in their bottom housing materials. The TTC Ice features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which maintains the same clarity and sharpness established by the top housing. Conversely, the WS Dash uses a nylon bottom housing, known for its softer nature, which absorbs sound and creates a deeper, fuller sound profile. This difference affects not only the sound produced when the switch bottoms out but also the overall tactile experience when typing. Users of the WS Dash can expect a distinctive roundness to the sound, which may appeal to those preferring a muted typing experience.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in each switch alters the typing experience significantly. With the TTC Ice's dual polycarbonate construction, users can enjoy a cohesive sound profile that carries through both the key press and release. On the other hand, the WS Dash's combination of a polycarbonate top and a nylon bottom creates a hybrid experience, blending the clarity of the top with the warmth of the nylon. This differentiation suggests that while both switches utilize polycarbonate to ensure a high-quality top housing experience, the bottom housing greatly influences the final sound and feel, thus catering to different user preferences and typing styles.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Ice linear switch with the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Ice switch features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, positioning it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the WS Dash has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. The lighter actuation force of the WS Dash makes it potentially more comfortable for long typing sessions or gaming marathons, as less force is needed to register keystrokes. Conversely, the Ice switch, with its heavier actuation force, offers a more substantial feel, which may appeal to users who prefer a firmer push. While the bottom out force of the WS Dash is slightly lower than that of the Ice, both switches provide distinctive experiences based on user preference, emphasizing that a switch's weight and feel can significantly impact typing comfort and enjoyment.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Ice linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, the TTC Ice has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Dash measures slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. This indicates that, although they are both on the shorter side compared to the traditional 4.0 mm travel distance, the TTC Ice offers a bit more depth for users who might prefer a more substantial key press. For gamers or individuals seeking responsiveness, the WS Dash's slightly shorter distance of 3.5 mm could provide a quicker actuation, which may enhance performance. However, for those who enjoy a more pronounced key feel, the additional 0.1 mm of the Ice switch may offer a more satisfying experience. Overall, the TTC Ice is the longer switch, while the WS Dash is the shorter option, catering to different user preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Ice has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice for $5.99.
The Wuque Studio WS Dash has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Dash for $7.49.
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
The TTC Ice linear switch features a satisfying bottom-out sound that enhances the overall typing experience without being overly loud, making it suitable for both gaming and everyday use. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch produces a bright and clacky sound signature, adding an exciting auditory element to each keystroke. This distinction in sound can significantly affect the feel of using each switch, especially considering that factors like the choice of keyboard and keycaps can also influence the final acoustics.
When it comes to feel, the Ice switch is known for its smooth, responsive action that provides a comfortable typing experience. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prioritize fluidity during long typing sessions or intense gaming. On the other hand, the WS Dash switch offers a silky smooth keystroke, which, combined with its unique hall effect technology, may provide a distinct tactile experience that differs from a standard linear switch. Both switches deliver a pleasurable feel, but the characteristics of the WS Dash may introduce a different sensation that some users may find appealing.
In conclusion, while the TTC Ice linear switch and the WS Dash hall effect switch each have their unique sound and feel profiles, they both offer premium typing experiences that cater to different preferences. If you lean toward a more satisfying bottom-out sound with a smooth action, the Ice may be your best bet. However, if you prefer a bright clacky sound with a refined, silky keystroke, the WS Dash could be the ideal match. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preferences, as both switches promise to deliver high-quality performance.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the TTC Ice linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, you’ll want to consider your preferences for feel, sound, and usage scenarios. If you appreciate a medium bottom-out force with a smooth, responsive feel and enjoy a satisfying bottom-out sound, then the Ice switch may be your ideal choice. It’s versatile enough for both gaming and everyday typing, making it suitable for a wide range of activities. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of 55 grams, and you prefer a bright, clacky sound profile complemented by a silky smooth keystroke, the WS Dash would likely meet your needs. These hall effect switches provide a unique typing experience that enhances the responsiveness of your Wooting keyboard, especially if you're into gaming where precision and tactile feedback matter. Ultimately, your choice should reflect not only the type of switch you enjoy but also how you plan to use your keyboard, whether for relaxed typing sessions or intensive gaming marathons.
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