KTT Laurel vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the KTT Laurel and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that offer different experiences are the KTT Laurel, a linear switch, and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile, a tactile switch. The KTT Laurel is best known for its medium-light linear design, featuring a full POM housing and a short travel distance. This combination allows for a balance of responsiveness and comfort, making it a great choice for those who prioritize a smooth typing experience. Additionally, the KTT Laurel offers a subtly low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches are remarkable additions to the WS series. These switches showcase a profound and pronounced tactile bump, providing a satisfying resistance with each keystroke. With a tactile force of 70g, typing becomes an engaging and immersive journey. Moreover, the nylon housings contribute to a "thocky" resonance, resulting in a captivating sound profile. With their unique features and characteristics, both switches offer distinct advantages. However, let's delve deeper into the specific attributes of each switch so that you can make an informed decision based on your personal preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.20 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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Laurel and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile differ in their choice of housing materials. The Laurel features a POM top housing, which creates a unique and pleasing sound profile that leans towards deeper tones. In comparison, the WS Heavy Tactile utilizes a nylon top housing, known for producing a fuller and deeper sound. While both materials contribute to a more muted sound, the POM housing of the Laurel may offer a slightly more distinct and nuanced audio experience. On the other hand, the nylon housing of the WS Heavy Tactile is likely to absorb more sound due to its softer nature, resulting in a rounder and duller sound profile.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Laurel maintains its POM construction, producing a similar deep and muted sound profile as its top housing. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which further enhances the switch's ability to induce a deeper and fuller sound while typing. This is attributed to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, contributing to a duller and rounder audio output. Therefore, the bottom housing of the WS Heavy Tactile may have a more significant impact on the switch's bottom-out sound and feel compared to the Laurel's POM bottom housing.
Considering the overall experience of using these switches, the differences in top and bottom housing materials will affect the sounds produced when pressing and releasing a key. While the Laurel's POM housing influences the sound when letting go of a key, the WS Heavy Tactile's nylon housing will have a more prominent role in the sound and feel during a bottom-out action. Despite these variations, both switches aim to deliver a delightful and distinct typing experience. Whether using the Laurel's POM housing or the WS Heavy Tactile's nylon housing, users can expect similarities in terms of the deeper and more muted sound profiles accomplished through the utilization of these specific materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, a few key differences can be observed. The Laurel boasts a lighter actuation force of 43 grams, while the actuation force of the WS Heavy Tactile remains unknown. However, both switches have a relatively light bottom out force, with the Laurel at 50 grams and the WS Heavy Tactile at 45 grams. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Laurel would be an ideal choice, as its actuation force and bottom out force are both on the lighter end. On the other hand, if a more substantial and stronger push feel is desired, the WS Heavy Tactile may provide a satisfying typing experience, as its bottom out force is slightly heavier. Regardless of the differences, both switches offer options for those who prefer lighter forces, ensuring that similar results can be achieved in terms of typing comfort and efficiency.
Travel distance
The KTT Laurel linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch both have different travel distances. The Laurel has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the WS Heavy Tactile has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become increasingly popular. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. If you prioritize quick and responsive keystrokes, the Laurel with its slightly longer travel distance may be the better option. On the other hand, if you value a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing a key, the WS Heavy Tactile with its shorter travel distance might be more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice depends on personal preference and what feels more comfortable for the user.
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 Heavy Tactile 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 and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. In terms of sound, the Laurel switch is described as having a subtly low-pitched sound profile. Low-pitched switches typically have a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch is described as clacky, high-pitched, and resonant. This means that it produces a sharp, crisp, and immersive sound experience. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Laurel switch is described as snappy. Snappy switches are known for their super responsiveness, which is often achieved through longer or dual-staged springs. This gives the typing experience a lively and responsive feel. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch is described as accented, bouncy, invigorating, and sharp. An accented switch refers to a medium tactile switch that provides a noticeable amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. Bouncy switches provide a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel. An invigorating switch offers pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. Lastly, a sharp tactile switch has a strong and crisp tactile bump that is distinctly felt with each keypress.
In conclusion, the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Laurel switch provides a subtly low-pitched sound profile and a snappy feel, while the WS Heavy Tactile switch offers a clacky, high-pitched, and resonant sound profile, along with an accented, bouncy, invigorating, and sharp feel. It is important to consider personal preferences and desired typing experience when choosing between these two switches. However, if you prefer a similar sound and feel to the Laurel switch, the WS Heavy Tactile switch may provide a satisfying alternative with its sharp and crisp sound and pronounced tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for sound and feel.
If you prefer a switch with a subtly low-pitched sound profile, the Laurel is a great choice. Its POM housing and short travel contribute to a comfortable typing experience, while still providing responsiveness. On the other hand, if you enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound, the WS Heavy Tactile switch is the way to go. Its nylon housing creates a satisfying "thocky" resonance with each keystroke.
In terms of feel, the Laurel offers a snappy and responsive typing experience, thanks to its longer or dual-staged springs. On the contrary, the WS Heavy Tactile switch provides an invigorating and pronounced tactile bump, giving you a moderate actuation force and a reactive feel.
Overall, if you prioritize a low-pitched sound and a snappy typing feel, the Laurel is your best bet. However, if you prefer a clacky and high-pitched sound with an invigorating tactile feedback, the WS Heavy Tactile switch will be more suitable for you. Consider these factors and choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences and typing style.
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