KTT Mallo vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash
An in-depth look at the KTT Mallo and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Mallo and Wuque Studio WS Dash offer distinct experiences, each catering to different preferences among typists and gamers. The KTT Mallo, with its gentle tactile feedback and medium-light typing feel, exemplifies an elegant balance that is perfect for those who appreciate subtlety in their keystrokes. Its neutral sound signature ensures it fits seamlessly into a variety of environments without being distracting, making it an excellent choice for typers who value a refined touch. In contrast, the WS Dash switches introduce an invigorating auditory experience with their bright and clacky sound, complemented by a silky smooth keystroke. This makes them particularly appealing to users who thrive on a more dynamic and engaging typing experience. While both switches have their merits—whether you’re looking for understated finesse with the KTT Mallo or an energetic flair with the WS Dash—each offers unique qualities that resonate with different user preferences. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Mallo and the Wuque Studio WS Dash share a striking similarity in their housing materials, utilizing polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom. Both switches are designed with polycarbonate tops that contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced, making it an optimal choice for users who appreciate a defined auditory experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal of both switches when RGB lighting is utilized, allowing for a vibrant illumination that enriches the overall experience.
Contrastingly, the Mallo and the WS Dash diverge in the characteristics of their bottom housings, both made from nylon. In this context, the nylon bottom housing presents a deeper and fuller sound profile, largely due to the material's softness and its ability to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. This design choice leads to a more rounded auditory experience when typing, allowing for a sound that feels rich and engaging. The nylon bottom, therefore, plays a crucial role in influencing the sound and feel during use, making it a classic choice for switch housings where a more subdued, warm tone is desired.
Ultimately, despite the differences in the materials used for the bottom housing, both switches are likely to yield a highly satisfying typing experience thanks to their shared polycarbonate top. Users can expect similar results in terms of brightness and clarity of sound when key presses are released due to the properties of the polycarbonate. However, they will find distinctively contrasting auditory qualities while typing attributable to the nylon bottom, with the Mallo offering a fuller sound compared to the WS Dash. This combination of materials allows each switch to cater to differing preferences while maintaining an overarching similarity in the crispness provided by the polycarbonate top.
Weight
The KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch present an interesting comparison in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Mallo's actuation force is unknown, while it has a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorized as medium-light. Conversely, the WS Dash has a defined actuation force of 30 grams and the same bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that while both switches bottom out at the same force, the WS Dash requires a lighter actuation force, making it easier to trigger a keystroke. Consequently, if someone prefers a lighter switch for extended typing sessions, the WS Dash would be the more favorable option. On the other hand, both switches share the same bottom out force, offering a consistent feel when pressing down completely. Therefore, while the Mallo may deliver an undefined actuation experience, it does provide a snug bottoming out sensation akin to that of the WS Dash, making them suitable options for different user preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, the KTT Mallo has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Dash features a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Mallo the longer of the two switches, offering a more substantial depth that may appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback. In contrast, the WS Dash, with its shorter travel distance, caters to those who favor faster response times, which can be particularly beneficial for gamers. Ultimately, if responsiveness is a priority, the WS Dash would be the ideal choice; however, if a deeper, more satisfying keystroke is preferred, the KTT Mallo would be the better option.
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 Dash comes in at $7.49 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 comparing the sound profiles of the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, the Mallo is characterized by its neutral and subdued sound signature. This means that while it produces a sound that is not overpowering, it balances well in various environments—be it at home or in a workplace—appealing to both beginners and advanced users alike. The sound is moderate, allowing for a pleasant typing experience without being distracting. In contrast, the WS Dash features a bright and clacky sound signature, which provides a more pronounced auditory feedback during typing. This distinct quality makes it suitable for those who enjoy a more spirited auditory experience when using their keyboard, although the specific sound dynamics can also be influenced by other components, such as the keyboard itself and the keycap material.
In terms of tactile feel, the KTT Mallo switches excel with their feathery, mild, and subtle characteristics. They require minimal exertion to press, which significantly reduces finger fatigue, making them comfortable for extended typing sessions. The switch incorporates a stepped tactile feel, providing a gentle yet noticeable feedback during the actuation without being overly sharp or aggressive. This makes the Mallo approachable for users of all typing styles. On the other hand, the WS Dash's feel is less clearly defined in the provided information, so it remains unknown how it compares to the Mallo. However, users can generally expect a smooth transition given its hall effect design, which is known for maintaining consistent keystroke resistance.
In conclusion, both the KTT Mallo and the WS Dash switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Mallo offers a neutral, subdued auditory experience combined with a light and pleasing tactile feedback, making it a versatile choice for a range of environments and typists. The WS Dash, while its tactile feel remains unspecified, promises a bright and engaging auditory experience that will likely appeal to those who enjoy a clackier sound in their typing. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on personal preferences regarding sound intensity and typing feedback, with the Mallo providing a more understated option while the WS Dash appeals to those looking for a lively auditory response.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch hinges on your personal preferences and intended usage scenarios. If you're a typist who values a mellow typing experience that balances feedback with subtlety, the KTT Mallo is an excellent choice. Its medium-light actuation makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions without inducing finger fatigue, while the neutral and subdued sound profile ensures that it won’t be disruptive in shared environments. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more dynamic and energetic typing experience, especially for gaming or tasks that require quick key presses, the WS Dash could be more suited to your needs. Its bright, clacky sound adds excitement to your keystrokes, and the smoothness of the hall effect mechanism offers a unique responsiveness that many enthusiasts appreciate. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing habits, the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard, and whether you prefer a more understated or a lively audio-visual feedback experience.
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