TTC Ice vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing or gaming needs, two notable contenders come to mind: the TTC Ice linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch. The TTC Ice stands out with its visually striking crystal-clear transparent design, providing a smooth and responsive feel along with a satisfying bottom-out sound that makes it a top choice for those who enjoy a premium typing experience suited for both gaming and everyday tasks. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile switch caters to a different audience, particularly those in office environments, by delivering a medium level of tactility combined with superior noise reduction. Its innovative design features precision-engineered stem railings that allow for silent yet crisp feedback, avoiding the traditional silicone dampeners found in other silent switches. While the TTC Ice offers an invigorating typing experience, perfect for gamers and typists who appreciate auditory feedback, the WS Silent Tactile creates a more muted environment, prioritizing tranquility without sacrificing responsiveness. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Ice and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile, it is evident that they bring distinct auditory experiences due to their differing materials. The TTC Ice utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings. This choice results in a sound profile characterized by sharper, higher-pitched tones, which contribute to a crisper auditory feedback during typing. Polycarbonate's rigidity plays a pivotal role in enhancing the clarity and resonance of the sound produced, making it particularly effective for users who prefer brighter sound characteristics, especially in the context of RGB lighting where translucency of the material enhances visual effects.
In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile employs nylon for its top and bottom housings, leading to a markedly different sound profile. Nylon’s softer composition allows it to absorb sound, creating a duller and fuller auditory experience. This inherent property of nylon means that the switch's sound is likely to evoke a warmer and more rounded feel during typing. For users who appreciate a muted sound profile, the WS Silent Tactile may be the better option, as the nylon material significantly alters the perception of sound generated by key presses, resulting in a more comfortable and subdued typing environment.
Despite their divergent materials and corresponding sound profiles, both switches demonstrate how housing materials contribute to the overall tactile experience. The TTC Ice, with its polycarbonate construction, provides sharp and resonant feedback during both key presses and releases, while the WS Silent Tactile’s nylon bodies deliver a deeper, more rounded sound—however, the overall typing experience is still impacted by the combination of its housing materials. Notably, the outcome of similar characteristics can still be anticipated: in both cases, the top housing affects the release sound of the keys, while the bottom housing contributes significantly to the bottom-out noise and feel, creating a layered auditory experience regardless of the material used.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Ice linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch, we see distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The TTC Ice has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which places it in the medium range, making it suitable for users who prefer a moderate typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switch lacks a specified actuation force, but it does have a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorized as medium-heavy. This means that while the TTC Ice requires less force to actuate, the WS Silent Tactile demands a bit more effort when fully pressed down, highlighting its heavier bottom out feel. Consequently, the TTC Ice is the lighter switch, offering ease of typing for extended sessions, while the WS Silent Tactile, with its firmer response, may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial tactile experience. Overall, users looking for a lighter switch for endurance might prefer the TTC Ice, whereas those who appreciate a heftier touch should consider the WS Silent Tactile.
Travel distance
The TTC Ice linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch have slightly different travel distances, with the Ice measuring 3.6 mm and the WS Silent Tactile at 3.5 mm. Although the difference is minimal, the WS Silent Tactile switch is the shorter of the two, offering a slightly quicker response that can benefit gamers looking for fast actuations. In contrast, the TTC Ice, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial tactile feedback for those who appreciate a deeper keystroke. Both switches exist within the trend of shorter travel distances, catering to varying preferences in tactile experience and responsiveness. If you prefer a more immediate feel in your keystrokes, the WS Silent Tactile will provide that, whereas the Ice will lend itself to a more pronounced depth in each press.
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 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 Ice linear switch provides a satisfying bottom-out sound that enhances the typing experience, making it a strong choice for users who appreciate auditory feedback during their keystrokes. The crystal-clear design of the Ice switches may also contribute to this auditory depth, offering a more resonant sound profile than some other switches in the market. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch is designed with a focus on noise reduction, producing a muted sound that is significantly softer compared to traditional mechanical switches. It achieves this without the use of silicone dampeners, relying instead on precision-engineered stem railings to create a more subdued sound without sacrificing the key's response. While both switches provide a distinct auditory experience, one is geared towards an immersive acoustic feedback, and the other seeks to maintain a quiet atmosphere, particularly favorable in shared environments.
In terms of feel, the TTC Ice linear switch boasts a smooth and responsive action, providing a fluid typing experience with no tactile bump to distract from its linear nature. This design caters to gamers and typists who prefer an uninterrupted feel while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switch presents a medium tactility, striking a balance between pronounced feedback and an approachable typing experience. The invigorating feedback paired with a mild resistance gives typists a crisp response, making typing both engaging and comfortable. This combination makes the WS Silent Tactile prevalent for users who desire tactile feedback while still maintaining a sense of tranquillity during use. Therefore, while the Ice focuses on the smoothness and uninterrupted feel of linear switches, the WS Silent Tactile offers a more varied tactile experience that remains refined.
In summary, both the TTC Ice linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch provide unique typing experiences suited to different preferences. The Ice switch is ideal for those who enjoy an engaging sound profile and a seamless typing flow, making it great for gaming and everyday use. Conversely, the WS Silent Tactile offers a quieter yet tactile-rich experience, perfect for office settings or environments where noise reduction is vital without losing the benefit of tactile feedback. Thus, the best choice ultimately hinges on the user's specific needs—be it sound-oriented or feel-focused—allowing for an immersive typing experience tailored to personal taste.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the TTC Ice linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prioritize a crystal-clear design and a smooth, responsive feel that enhances both gaming and everyday use, the Ice switch would be your best bet. Its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams provides a balanced typing experience, ideal for those who enjoy a satisfying bottom-out sound without being overly loud. On the other hand, if you find yourself working in a quieter office environment or you simply value noise reduction, the WS Silent Tactile switch is designed specifically for you. With a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, it offers a unique tactile feedback experience while maintaining a low noise profile, thanks to its innovative design that avoids traditional silicone dampeners. This switch is perfect for users who appreciate a pronounced but not overwhelming tactility and seek to combine tranquility with responsiveness. Thus, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize auditory feedback and smoothness or a silent but crisp tactile experience amid your work or gaming setup.
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