KTT Mallo vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the KTT Mallo and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Mallo and Wuque Studio WS Brown mechanical keyboard switches, both tactile switches offer a medium-light typing feel that strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort. The Mallo is praised for its subtle tactility and neutral sound signature, making it a versatile choice for various typing environments. On the other hand, the WS Brown switches are known for their familiar and delightful auditory experience, thanks to their nylon housing and POM stem combination. While both switches offer similar typing experiences, the Mallo excels in providing a gentler tactile feedback, while the WS Brown offers a more familiar and harmonious typing experience. 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
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Mallo boasts a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. This material is ideal for switches meant to showcase RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for the illumination of the keys. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Brown features a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs sound, resulting in a rounder tone. While both materials offer distinct sound profiles, the polycarbonate of the Mallo leans towards a brighter and more resonant sound, while the nylon of the WS Brown offers a warmer and mellower tone.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the KTT Mallo and the Wuque Studio WS Brown utilize nylon for this component. Nylon is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile, as its softer composition is effective at absorbing sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone. Because the housings are made of the same material in this regard, users can expect a consistent sound quality across the entire key press. While the top housing may have a more noticeable impact on the sound when pressing and releasing a key, the bottom housing still plays a crucial role in shaping the overall sound experience.
In summary, the differences in housing materials between the KTT Mallo and the Wuque Studio WS Brown contribute to their unique sound profiles. The polycarbonate top housing of the Mallo produces a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon top housing of the WS Brown offers a deeper and fuller tone. Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which enhances the overall sound quality by absorbing sound and creating a rounder tone. While the top and bottom housings each bring specific qualities to the switch, they work together to create a well-rounded auditory experience for users. By understanding the impact of housing materials on sound production, enthusiasts can choose a switch that best suits their preferences for sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
The KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch have similar bottom out forces of 55 grams, making them both fall under the category of medium-light switches. However, the actuation force of both switches is unknown. When considering weight, some users may prefer a lighter actuation force for longer typing periods, while others may prefer a heavier force for a more substantial typing experience. In this case, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of bottom out force, but the preference for the actuation force may vary depending on individual typing preferences. Overall, both switches offer a versatile option for users looking for a medium-light tactile switch.
Travel distance
The KTT Mallo tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Mallo has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the WS Brown, which could provide a slightly deeper typing experience. Gamers may prefer the WS Brown for its slightly shorter travel distance, which can lead to faster response times. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Mallo being on the longer side and the WS Brown being slightly shorter. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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
In terms of sound, the KTT Mallo tactile switch is known for its neutral and subdued sound profile, providing a balanced and versatile typing experience suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch does not have specific sound descriptors available, leaving the sound characteristic somewhat unknown. However, both switches may offer a pleasing auditory experience depending on other factors such as keyboard build and keycap choice.
Moving on to feel, the Mallo tactile switch is described as feathery, mild, stepped, and subtle, offering light actuation force and a gentle typing experience ideal for extended use without causing finger fatigue. Unfortunately, there is no specific information available regarding the feel of the WS Brown tactile switch. Despite this, it can be inferred that the WS Brown may also provide a comfortable typing experience considering its medium-light actuation force and emphasis on fatigue-free typing during long sessions.
In conclusion, the KTT Mallo tactile switch stands out for its subtlety and finesse in design, offering a gentle tactility, neutral sound signature, and a balanced typing feel. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch presents a blend of familiarity and innovation with a medium-light actuation force and a delightful auditory experience. While specific information on the WS Brown switch's sound and feel may not be readily available, both switches potentially offer similar results in terms of comfort and typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Mallo and WS Brown switches may depend on personal preferences and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a switch with a gentle tactility that strikes a balanced chord for typing, along with a neutral and subtle sound signature, the Mallo may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that offers a harmonious blend of familiarity and innovation, with a medium-light actuation force and a delightful auditory experience, the WS Brown could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and overall typing experience.
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