KTT Laurel vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the KTT Laurel and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the KTT Laurel and the WS Silent Tactile, two mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct features and benefits. The KTT Laurel is a medium-light linear switch, renowned for its full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design. This combination provides a responsive typing experience while maintaining comfort. Additionally, the Laurel emits a subtly low-pitched sound profile, adding to its overall appeal. On the other hand, we have the WS Silent Tactile by Wuque Studio, an exceptional tactile switch perfect for office and work environments. These switches strike a delicate balance, offering a medium level of tactility without compromising on noise reduction. Crafted with precision, the WS Silent Tactile switches feature ingenious stem railings with small cutouts, minimizing switch sound while delivering a crisp bottom-out and responsive return. What sets these switches apart is their unique approach to silence, forgoing silicone dampeners and providing a typist with a satisfying and tranquil typing experience. Both switches have their merits, 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
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Laurel and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile differ in their choice of housing materials, with the Laurel featuring a POM top and bottom housing, while the WS Silent Tactile utilizes a nylon top and bottom housing. The POM housing of the Laurel creates a pleasing and unique sound profile characterized by a deeper and more muted tone. In contrast, the nylon housing of the WS Silent Tactile produces a deeper and fuller sound. This is attributed to nylon being a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile.
The difference in housing materials of the Laurel and the WS Silent Tactile extends beyond the sound profile. When it comes to the feel of the switch, the bottom housing has a more prominent role. Thus, the qualities of the POM bottom housing of the Laurel would influence the bottom-out sound and feel. In comparison, the nylon bottom housing of the WS Silent Tactile contributes to its deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the top housing of both switches will affect the sound generated when releasing a key. The POM top housing of the Laurel and the nylon top housing of the WS Silent Tactile bring their respective characteristics to the sound upon key release.
While the Laurel and the WS Silent Tactile have different housing materials, they share similarities in terms of the desired result. Both switches aim to create a deeper sound profile by utilizing materials that absorb sound effectively. The POM and nylon materials used in the construction of these switches contribute to a deeper tone, albeit with slightly different nuances. Therefore, while the specifics of the sound produced may vary, users can expect a similar overall outcome in terms of the depth and richness of the sound when using either switch.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Laurel has an actuation force of 43 grams, giving it a relatively light touch, while the WS Silent Tactile's actuation force is not available. However, it is important to note that both switches provide a substantial typing experience when bottoming out, as the Laurel has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the WS Silent Tactile has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, falling in the medium-heavy range.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer a lighter switch, like the Laurel, as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, those seeking a more substantial typing experience may favor a switch with a heavier push, like the WS Silent Tactile with its medium-heavy bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Laurel linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent tactile experience with regards to the travel distance, ensuring that users will have a similar typing or gaming experience regardless of which switch they choose.
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 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 KTT Laurel switch offers a subtly low-pitched profile. Low-pitched switches typically have a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switch provides a muted sound experience. Muted switches produce a softer and quieter sound, minimizing the usual noise associated with mechanical keyboards. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps. Both switches offer a different sound profile, but if you are looking for a quieter typing experience, the WS Silent Tactile switch would be a suitable choice.
In terms of feel, the KTT Laurel switch is described as snappy. This means that it offers a super-responsive typing experience, often due to the use of longer or dual-staged springs. The WS Silent Tactile switch, on the other hand, is described as accented. An accented switch provides a medium amount of tactile feedback that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. It offers a pronounced amount of tactility without being too scratchy. Additionally, the WS Silent Tactile switch is also described as invigorating, offering a snappy and reactive feel with moderate to firm actuation force, creating an immersive typing sensation. If you prefer a switch that provides a more gentle typing experience, the KTT Laurel switch may be a better fit. Both switches offer different levels of tactile feedback, allowing users to choose based on their preferences.
Based on the available information, it is clear that the KTT Laurel linear switch and the WS Silent Tactile tactile switch both have their unique qualities. The Laurel switch strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort, offering a medium-light linear experience. It has a low-pitched sound profile and provides a snappy typing feel. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switch is designed for office and work environments, offering a medium level of tactility without compromising on noise reduction. It provides a muted sound profile and offers an accented, invigorating feel. Both switches cater to different preferences, and users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-light linear switch with a full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design, then the KTT Laurel would be a great choice for you. It offers a responsive and comfortable typing experience, and its low-pitched sound profile adds to the overall enjoyment. On the other hand, if you prioritize a silent and tactile switch that is suitable for office and work environments, the WS Silent Tactile by Wuque Studio would be the ideal option. These switches strike a delicate balance between tactility and noise reduction, providing a crisp bottom-out and responsive return. They also have a unique design that eliminates the silicone dampeners found in most silent switches, ensuring a typing experience that is both tranquil and tactile.
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