KTT Laurel vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the KTT Laurel and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Laurel and the Wuque Studio WS Brown are two popular mechanical keyboard switches with unique features and qualities. The Laurel is a linear switch, known for its medium-light actuation force and full POM housing. Its short travel and long pole design create a perfect balance of responsiveness and comfort. Additionally, the Laurel offers a subtly low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the WS Brown is a tactile switch that combines familiarity and innovation. With a medium-light actuation force, these switches provide a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort, making them ideal for extended typing sessions. The WS Brown switches also offer a delightful auditory experience, thanks to their familiar nylon housing and POM stem combination. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision for your needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22m spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Laurel and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches provide distinct characteristics and sound profiles. The Laurel features a POM top housing, which creates a unique and pleasing sound that is deeper and relatively more muted. In contrast, the WS Brown uses a nylon top housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's softer plastic, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While both materials offer a deeper sound, the POM housing of the Laurel may produce a more subdued tone, while the nylon housing of the WS Brown may provide a fuller and more resonant sound.
Moving to the bottom housing, the POM housing of the Laurel once again highlights its ability to create an incredibly pleasing and unique sound with a deeper profile. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the WS Brown shares this characteristic of producing a deeper and fuller sound. However, the nylon material's softer plastic composition enhances sound absorption, contributing to a duller and rounder sound overall. It is important to note that the bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, so the POM housing of the Laurel might offer a slightly different bottom-out experience compared to the WS Brown's nylon bottom housing.
In summary, both the KTT Laurel and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches utilize housing materials that emphasize deeper sound profiles. The POM top and bottom housings of the Laurel contribute to a unique and pleasing sound that is relatively more muted, while the nylon top and bottom housings of the WS Brown create a deeper and fuller sound with a duller and rounder tone. However, it should be noted that the top housing plays a more prominent role in the sound produced when releasing a key, while the bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, although the materials differ, both switches offer similar results in terms of a deeper sound experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, some notable differences can be observed. The Laurel switch has a relatively light actuation force of 43 grams, making it easy to trigger keystrokes with minimal effort. In contrast, the actuation force of the WS Brown switch is unavailable, making it difficult to determine how it compares to the Laurel in terms of lightness or heaviness.
However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Laurel switch requires 50 grams, while the WS Brown switch requires a slightly heavier 55 grams. This indicates that the WS Brown switch provides a more substantial typing experience, as it requires a greater force to fully press the keys compared to the Laurel switch.
Considering the weight of the switches, individuals may have different preferences. Those who prefer a lighter switch may opt for the Laurel switch, as its lower actuation and bottom out forces allow for extended typing periods without causing fatigue. This lightweight characteristic also makes it suitable for keyboards used in work environments or during long gaming sessions.
Conversely, individuals who desire a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the WS Brown switch. Its slightly heavier bottom out force provides that extra resistance, giving a tactile feedback that some keyboard users find satisfying.
In conclusion, while the Laurel switch leans towards a lighter feel with its lower actuation and bottom out forces, the WS Brown switch offers a medium-light experience with a slightly heavier bottom out force. The choice between the two ultimately depends on personal typing preferences and the desired tactile feedback, with the Laurel providing a lighter option and the WS Brown catering to those who prefer a slightly heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, the Laurel has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the WS Brown has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become popular in recent times, particularly among gamers who prioritize faster response times. Choosing the shorter option, such as the Laurel, can provide a more responsive typing experience. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt. For those who prefer a more substantial keypress, the WS Brown with its longer travel distance may be the preferred choice.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Laurel has an MSRP of $4.42 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Laurel for $3.95.
The Wuque Studio WS Brown 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
The KTT Laurel linear switch is known for its medium-light actuation force, offering a balance of responsiveness and comfort. When it comes to sound, the Laurel switch provides a subtly low-pitched profile, with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch also offers a harmonious blend of familiarity and innovation. With a medium-light actuation force, it ensures fatigue-free typing during extended sessions. As for sound, there is no specific information provided, but it is worth noting that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Laurel switch is described as "snappy," which indicates super responsiveness during typing. This can be attributed to its longer or dual-staged springs, making the typing experience feel more lively. While there is no specific information about the feel of the WS Brown switch, it can be assumed that it provides a comfortable and satisfying tactile feedback based on the overall description.
Considering the available information, both the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch offer a balance between responsiveness and comfort. The Laurel switch stands out with its snappy feel and subtly low-pitched sound profile, while the WS Brown switch is regarded for its familiar and delightful auditory experience. Both switches are compatible with various keycaps and keyboards, allowing users to customize their typing experience. Ultimately, whether one prefers the Laurel or the WS Brown switch would depend on personal preference and the desired sound and feel for their mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a light and comfortable linear switch, the KTT Laurel would be a great choice. With its low actuation force of 50 grams and full POM housing, it offers a responsive typing experience without causing fatigue during extended sessions. Additionally, the Laurel provides a subtle low-pitched sound profile, which can add to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch, the Wuque Studio WS Brown would be a suitable option. With a slightly higher actuation force of 55 grams, it still falls within the medium-light range, ensuring a comfortable typing experience. The WS Brown switches are known for their familiar and delightful auditory experience, thanks to the combination of nylon housing and POM stem. Ultimately, the choice between the Laurel and WS Brown depends on your preference for linear or tactile switches and your desired typing experience.
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