KTT Matcha vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two intriguing options are the KTT Matcha, a tactile switch, and the Wuque Studio WS Dash, a hall effect switch. The KTT Matcha offers an engaging typing experience characterized by its comfortable, snappy tactility and a distinctive clean bottom-out sound thanks to its long pole stem. This switch is perfect for those who appreciate tactile feedback while typing and desire a lively acoustic response. In contrast, the WS Dash delivers a silky smooth keystroke combined with a bright and clacky sound profile, appealing to users who favor a refined touch and sound signature. While both switches have their own unique strengths—the Matcha with its tactile feedback and clacky appeal, and the WS Dash with its smooth, hall effect technology—each caters to different 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

KTT Matcha Tactile

Wuque Studio WS Dash Hall Effect

$5.20

$4.88 per 10

$8.00

$7.49 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Matcha and the Wuque Studio WS Dash share a commonality in their top housing material, which is made of polycarbonate. This similarity endows both switches with a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, attributable to polycarbonate’s relatively stiffer nature. Furthermore, the translucence of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal of both switches, particularly when RGB lighting is incorporated. The clear housing allows light to pass through, creating beautiful and vibrant lighting effects. Consequently, users can expect a similar auditory experience from the key release on both switches, highlighting the advantages of polycarbonate in crafting sharper sound characteristics.

In contrast, the bottom housing materials of the two switches tell a different story. The KTT Matcha employs a polycarbonate bottom housing that maintains the same sound properties found in its top housing, producing a clear and resonant sound. This material allows for consistency in sound profile, ensuring that both pressing down and bottoming out will deliver a similar auditory experience. Meanwhile, the WS Dash features a nylon bottom housing, which inherently brings a contrasting deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer composition. This difference creates a more rounded and dampened auditory result on the bottoming out sound, as the nylon absorbs sound better than the polycarbonate material.

The combination of these varying materials in the KTT Matcha and the WS Dash ultimately influences their tactile experiences and sound profiles. The Matcha’s uniform polycarbonate construction enables a cohesive auditory experience for both the key press and release, making it suitable for users who prefer a sharper sound. Conversely, the WS Dash’s hybrid housing of polycarbonate on top and nylon on the bottom creates distinct sound qualities that appeal to those who appreciate a more full-bodied sound upon bottoming out, despite the crisper release. This interplay of materials exemplifies how switch designs can offer nuanced sound profiles depending on the chosen housing components, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.

Weight

When comparing the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Matcha switch features a light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the WS Dash has a slightly lighter actuation force of 30 grams but a heavier bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that while the WS Dash requires less force to actuate, it demands more force to bottom out, resulting in a firmer feel when fully pressed. Consequently, the KTT Matcha is better suited for those who value a light touch, while the WS Dash may appeal to users seeking a more robust typing experience despite its lighter actuation force. Overall, the Matcha is the lighter switch in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces, whereas the WS Dash offers a slightly different experience, being a medium-light option.

Travel distance

The KTT Matcha tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this comparison, the Matcha offers a more traditional feel, providing a deeper travel that some users may find more satisfying, particularly those who appreciate a hearty depth when pressing keys. On the other hand, the WS Dash, with its shorter 3.5 mm travel distance, caters to gamers and users seeking quicker response times, making it a more responsive choice. Therefore, if you prioritize a more nuanced typing experience, the Matcha is the better option, while for those preferring rapid actuation, the WS Dash would be the preferred switch.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The KTT Matcha tactile switch produces a distinctly clean bottom-out sound, characterized by a crisp and percussive quality that many users find satisfying. This clacky sound signature is particularly appealing for those who enjoy an auditory feedback that enhances their typing experience. In contrast, the WS Dash hall effect switch is known for a bright and clacky sound signature as well, albeit with a more refined tone. While both switches deliver that enjoyable clack, the Matcha's sound might be perceived as being more straightforwardly sharp, whereas the WS Dash adds a touch of sophistication that can elevate the overall auditory experience.

When it comes to feel, the KTT Matcha excels with its comfortable, snappy tactility that many typists appreciate. Being a stepped switch, it provides a sense of two-stage feedback, making the typing experience engaging without feeling overly aggressive. Features like its responsive snappiness and accented tactile nature create an impression of a medium tactile switch that facilitates longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the details about the feel of the WS Dash hall effect switch are less defined. There’s an expectation that the smooth keystroke could provide a unique tactile experience, yet specifics regarding its tactile feedback and responsiveness remain undefined.

In summary, both the KTT Matcha and the WS Dash offer distinct sound profiles and tactile sensations that cater to different preferences. While the Matcha’s clean and crisp clack combined with its snappy, comfortable tactile experience is well-documented, the WS Dash’s bright auditory quality and smooth operation present a different allure for users who may appreciate the sophistication of hall effect technology. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual auditory and tactile preferences, with the Matcha favoring a straightforward tactile and acoustic experience and the WS Dash providing a more refined alternative for those drawn to the appeal of hall effect switches.

Conclusion

To sum up, your choice between the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you're seeking a light and agile typing experience where feedback is snappy and pronounced, the Matcha would be an excellent choice. Its moderate actuation force of 45 grams, combined with its clean, clacky sound and stepped tactile feel, makes it particularly well-suited for typing and tasks that benefit from quick, responsive keystrokes, especially during long sessions where comfort and reduced finger fatigue are a priority. On the other hand, if you value a refined auditory experience alongside smooth keystrokes, the WS Dash is your go-to. With a slightly higher actuation force of 55 grams, this switch excels in creating a bright and clacky sound profile while providing a silky-smooth feel. It's ideal for those who enjoy an engaging typing experience with a touch of sophistication, especially for gaming or scenarios where auditory feedback enhances your performance. In conclusion, consider the Matcha for a lighter, tactility-focused experience and the WS Dash for a more balanced, refined typing environment.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Matcha Tactile

$5.20

$4.88 per 10

Learn more

Wuque Studio WS Dash Hall Effect

$8.00

$7.49 per 10

Learn more