KTT Laurel vs. Wuque Studio WS Red

Overview

The KTT Laurel and the Wuque Studio WS Red are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct qualities for different typing preferences. The KTT Laurel is best known for its medium-light actuation force and full POM housing, providing a responsive and comfortable typing experience. Additionally, it features a subtly low-pitched sound profile, making it suitable for those who prefer a quieter keyboard. On the other hand, the WS Red stands out with its 22mm double-stage spring, offering a bouncy and responsive typing experience. Its classic material blend provides a familiar sound signature, while the heavier actuation force adds a touch of weight to each keystroke, delivering a satisfying and substantial typing feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.

By the numbers

KTT Laurel Linear

Wuque Studio WS Red Linear

$4.42

$3.95 per 10

$3.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Laurel and the Wuque Studio WS Red differ in terms of their top and bottom housing materials. The Laurel features a POM top housing, while the WS Red incorporates a nylon top housing. Despite this difference, both materials create a deeper and fuller sound profile. However, the POM housing of the Laurel provides a relatively more muted sound, while the nylon housing of the WS Red generates a duller and rounder sound due to its softer nature and increased sound absorption.

In terms of bottom housing, the Laurel utilizes a POM housing while the WS Red utilizes a nylon housing. Similar to their top housings, both materials contribute to a deeper sound profile. However, the POM housing of the Laurel once again generates a relatively more muted sound, while the nylon housing of the WS Red creates a duller and rounder sound. The softness of the nylon material absorbs more sound, resulting in a richer audio experience during typing.

Although the top and bottom housing materials differ between the two switches, their impact on the overall typing experience remains consistent. The bottom housing has a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down, while the top housing affects the sound when the key is released. Therefore, while the specific qualities of the POM and nylon materials may vary, the switches' overall sound profile and tactile feedback are similar in terms of depth and fullness.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Laurel and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switches, there are noticeable differences. The actuation force of the Laurel is 43 grams, while the force required for the WS Red is unknown. Despite this, we can conclude that the Laurel has a lighter actuation force than the WS Red. In terms of bottom out force, the Laurel requires 50 grams, whereas the WS Red has a heavier force of 67 grams. Therefore, the WS Red has a heavier bottom out force compared to the Laurel.

Considerations of weight come into play when selecting a switch. Some users may prefer a lighter switch, like the Laurel, to allow for extended periods of typing without fatigue. This lighter option is also ideal for those who bring their keyboard to work or engage in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, some individuals prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. For these users, switches with heavier forces like the WS Red would be more suitable.

Ultimately, the actuation and bottom out forces of the Laurel and WS Red differ, with the Laurel being lighter in both respects. However, if a user prefers a similar experience, they can opt for the Laurel for the lighter actuation force and bottom out force, achieving comparable results.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, it is clear that the Laurel has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the WS Red has a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that if you prefer a more responsive feel when pressing down on a key, the Laurel would be the better choice with its shorter travel distance. Gamers, in particular, often prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper, more substantial feeling when typing, the WS Red with its longer travel distance may be more suitable for you. It is worth noting that both options offer alternatives to the traditional 4.0 mm travel distance, catering to different preferences and needs. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately depends on individual preferences – whether it be for a snappy response or a more substantial keystroke experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the KTT Laurel linear switch offers a subtly low-pitched sound profile. Low-pitched switches typically feature a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch is unknown. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the KTT Laurel switch is described as snappy. This means that the switch is super responsive, providing a typing experience that feels more alive. This snappiness can be attributed to longer or dual-staged springs in the switch design. On the other hand, the feel of the WS Red switch is unknown.

Based on the available information, the KTT Laurel linear switch offers a medium-light linear switch with a full POM housing, short travel, and a long pole design. It strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort, providing a pleasant typing experience. The switch also offers a subtly low-pitched sound profile and is described as snappy, indicating its responsiveness. On the other hand, information about the WS Red linear switch's sound and feel qualities is unknown. If you are looking for a switch that offers similar characteristics as the Laurel, such as a medium-light linear switch with a responsive and comfortable feel, the WS Red might provide similar results, but the specific sound and feel cannot be determined without further information.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you prioritize a lightweight and comfortable typing experience, as well as a subtly low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Laurel linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. Its 50-gram bottom out force, full POM housing, and short travel provide the perfect balance of responsiveness and comfort. Additionally, the snappy feel of the Laurel switch ensures a super responsive typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy and responsive typing experience with a slightly heavier actuation force, the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch is the way to go. With its 67-gram bottom out force and 22mm double-stage spring, the WS Red switch delivers a satisfying and substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the Laurel and WS Red switch comes down to personal preference in terms of typing force, sound profile, and overall feel.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Laurel Linear

$4.42

$3.95 per 10

Learn more

Wuque Studio WS Red Linear

$3.50 per 10

Learn more