KTT Lightning vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the KTT Lightning and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the KTT Lightning and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile. The KTT Lightnings are known for their exceptional speed and responsiveness, making them the go-to choice for gamers or anyone who values quick keystrokes. With a clacky sound profile and a slick feel while typing, these switches offer a satisfying experience. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switches by Wuque strike a delicate balance between tactility and noise reduction. Perfect for office and work environments, these switches provide a medium level of tactility without compromising on quiet operation. Their design incorporates ingenious stem railings with small cutouts to minimize switch sound while maintaining a crisp bottom-out and responsive return. Unlike conventional silent switches, the WS Silent Tactile switches forego the use of silicone dampeners, creating a typing experience that is devoid of the typical padded feel. With an unrivaled blend of tranquility and tactility, these switches are perfect for those seeking a quieter yet satisfying typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Lightning and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile differ in terms of their impact on sound profiles. The Lightning's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, while the WS Silent Tactile's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. These differences in sound profile can significantly affect the overall typing experience, as it allows users to choose between a more precise and crisp sound or a deeper and fuller sound.
In terms of aesthetics, the two switches also differ due to their housing materials. The Lightning's polycarbonate top housing is translucent, making it ideal for those who plan to use RGB lighting. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile's nylon top housing does not possess this translucency. Therefore, if RGB lighting is a priority, the Lightning switch would be the more suitable option.
Moving to the bottom housing, both the Lightning and the WS Silent Tactile utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This choice of material results in a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches. While they may sound similar due to their shared housing material, it is important to note that the impact of the bottom housing is felt more during the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down. Therefore, if a user prioritizes the feel and sound when pressing down on a key, both switches would provide a similar experience.
Overall, the housing materials of the KTT Lightning and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile play a crucial role in determining the sound profiles and aesthetics of the switches. The polycarbonate top housing of the Lightning creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon top housing of the WS Silent Tactile produces a deeper and fuller sound. On the other hand, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a similar experience in terms of the deeper and fuller sound when pressing down on a key. Users should consider their preferences in terms of sound profile and aesthetics when choosing between these two switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch, it becomes evident that they offer different experiences for keyboard users. The Lightning switch has a relatively light actuation force of 43 grams, which means it requires a gentle push to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile switch's actuation force is unknown, making it difficult to determine its specific sensitivity. However, the bottom out force of the Lightning switch is 50 grams, indicating that it provides a slightly heavier feel when fully pressed down. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switch boasts a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it noticeably heavier.
Considering weight is important for various reasons. Some individuals prefer lighter switches, as they enable longer typing sessions and can be ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. The Lightning switch would cater to this preference due to its lighter actuation force. However, others seek a more substantial typing experience and prefer a stronger push feel. For these individuals, switches with heavier forces are better suited. In this case, the WS Silent Tactile switch fits the bill with its medium-heavy bottom out force.
Although the actuation force of the WS Silent Tactile switch is unknown, it is likely to provide a distinct typing experience compared to the Lightning switch. While both switches offer a different level of resistance, those seeking a lighter feel may find similarities in their results as both switches have a relatively lightweight actuation force. However, for those who enjoy a heavier typing experience, the WS Silent Tactile switch's greater bottom out force delivers a more robust tactile feedback. Thus, the decision between these two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference regarding typing feel and the desired force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, we can see that there is a slight difference between the two. The Lightning has a travel distance of 3 mm, while the WS Silent Tactile has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the WS Silent Tactile has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Lightning.
The difference in travel distance between these two switches may not seem significant to some, as both fall within the shorter range when compared to the most traditional 4.0mm travel distance. However, for gamers or individuals who value faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the Lightning may be preferable. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on a key may find the slighter longer travel distance of the WS Silent Tactile to be more suitable for their needs.
In conclusion, while the travel distances of the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch are not the same, they are both within the range of shorter travel distances. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preferences, with the Lightning offering a quicker response time and the WS Silent Tactile providing a slightly deeper key press experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the KTT Lightning comes in at $3.41, whereas the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile comes in at $4.20.
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 Lightning switch is known for its clacky sound profile. This means that when pressed, it produces a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch is described as having a muted sound. This means that it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to a regular or clacky switch, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the KTT Lightning switch offers a subtle typing experience. This means that it has a gentle resistance that is not feather-light but still maintains a light typing feel. Additionally, it is described as having a polished finish, resulting in smooth and refined key travel. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switch is characterized as accented. This means that it provides a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. It offers pronounced feedback, a snappy and reactive feel, and a moderate to firm actuation force. The WS Silent Tactile switch is invigorating and creates an immersive typing sensation. Alternatively, if you prefer a milder typing experience, the WS Silent Tactile switch also offers a mild option. This provides a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics, making it approachable to most users.
In conclusion, the KTT Lightning switch is a good option for those looking for a switch that excels in speed and responsiveness, with a clacky sound profile and a subtle typing feel. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switch by Wuque Studio offers a balance between tactility and noise reduction, providing a medium level of tactile feedback without compromising on sound. The WS Silent Tactile switch features ingenious stem railings that minimize switch sound while maintaining a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out and responsive return. Whether you prioritize speed or a quieter typing experience, both switches offer their own unique qualities. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences and requirements. However, if you prefer a muted sound and a more invigorating typing sensation, the WS Silent Tactile switch will be a suitable option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness in your typing experience, the KTT Lightning linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. With its light bottom out force and slick type feel, these switches are perfect for situations where milliseconds can make a difference, such as fast-paced gaming. Additionally, the clacky sound profile adds a satisfying auditory element to your typing experience. On the other hand, if you work in an office or shared environment where noise reduction is crucial, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch would be the ideal option. With a medium-heavy bottom out force and ingenious stem railings, these switches offer a pleasant tactile feedback without compromising on noise reduction. Unlike traditional silent switches, the WS Silent Tactile switches provide a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out and responsive return, making them suitable for both work and home use. Overall, both switches have their unique advantages, and your choice should depend on your specific preferences and needs.
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