KTT Matcha vs. Wuque Studio WS Red

Overview

The KTT Matcha and Wuque Studio WS Red are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct experiences for users. The Matcha is well-known for its tactile feedback, providing a comfortable and snappy feel when typing. Additionally, users can expect a clean bottom-out sound thanks to its long pole stem. On the other hand, the WS Red offers a bouncy and responsive typing experience with its 22mm double-stage spring. While it retains a familiar sound signature, it also introduces a heavier actuation force, adding a touch of weight to each keystroke and delivering a satisfying and substantial typing feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.

By the numbers

KTT Matcha Tactile

Wuque Studio WS Red Linear

$5.20

$4.88 per 10

$3.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The KTT Matcha and the Wuque Studio WS Red differ in terms of their housing materials, with the Matcha utilizing a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, while the WS Red incorporates a nylon top and bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Matcha creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that resonates more clearly. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is particularly beneficial for those planning to use RGB lighting, as it allows for better light diffusion. On the other hand, the WS Red's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound when typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile.

Similarly, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the KTT Matcha contributes to its sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Its stiffness enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Moreover, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for RGB lighting enthusiasts. In contrast, the WS Red's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound during typing. Due to the softer nature of nylon, it absorbs more sound and creates a more subdued and rounded sound profile. This can be appealing for those who prefer a mellower auditory experience.

Comparatively, if a switch features the same material for both the top and bottom housing, the qualities associated with that material will be consistent throughout. However, when the top and bottom housings are different, as in the case of the Matcha and WS Red, the specific characteristics of each housing material will be divided between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing plays a more significant role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when the key is released. Although the Matcha and WS Red differ in their housing materials, both switches offer distinct sound profiles depending on their respective housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Matcha has an actuation force of 40 grams, which is relatively light, while the WS Red's actuation force is unavailable. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Matcha requires 45 grams, still considered on the lighter side. In contrast, the WS Red has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. This means that while the Matcha offers a lighter touch and requires less force for both actuation and bottom out, the WS Red provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force. Depending on personal preference, some individuals may prefer the lighter feel of the Matcha for extended typing sessions or gaming, while others may opt for the WS Red's heavier force for a stronger push and more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for weight and typing experience.

Travel distance

The KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch have different travel distances. The Matcha has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the WS Red has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In terms of the traditional range, the Matcha falls on the longer side with its 4.0 mm, while the WS Red is slightly shorter at 3.8 mm. Gamers, who prioritize faster response times, tend to prefer shorter travel distances. Therefore, if you are looking for a more responsive feel, the WS Red with its shorter travel distance might be the better option for you. However, if you enjoy a deeper, more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, the Matcha's longer travel distance could be more to your liking. Both switches offer their own unique experiences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the KTT Matcha tactile switch is best known for its clean and distinct bottom-out sound, which is a result of its long pole stem. This switch produces a clacky sound when pressed, which is sharp, snappy, and percussive in nature. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. On the other hand, there is no specific information available about the sound of the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch. However, it is safe to assume that it may have a familiar sound signature due to its classic material blend, but further details are unknown.

Moving on to the feel, the KTT Matcha tactile switch provides a comfortable and snappy typing experience. It is a stepped switch with a mild tactility, meaning it has two stages in its keystroke. This switch ensures that you can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel, giving it a unique and accentuated tactile feel. Additionally, the Matcha switch is described as feathery, which indicates that it is exceptionally light to press and requires minimal exertion from your fingers. This characteristic reduces finger fatigue, making it suitable for extended typing sessions. Furthermore, the Matcha switch is also described as subtle, meaning it has a gentle resistance and a light typing feel. It is important to mention that the WS Red switch does not have specific information available regarding its feel. However, based on the information provided, it can be assumed that the WS Red switch offers a bouncy and responsive typing experience, potentially with a heavier actuation force that adds weight to each keystroke.

In conclusion, the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch have distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Matcha switch produces a clacky sound that is sharp, snappy, and percussive while offering a clean bottom-out sound due to its long pole stem. It has a stepped feel with a mild tactility, providing a comfortable and snappy typing experience. Additionally, the Matcha switch is described as feathery and subtle, making it ideal for extended typing sessions and shared spaces. On the other hand, specific information about the sound and feel of the WS Red switch is unavailable. However, based on available information, it can be predicted that the WS Red switch offers a bouncy and responsive typing experience, potentially with a heavier actuation force. While the two switches have different characteristics, they both provide a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that you can achieve your desired results.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a light bottom out force and a comfortable, snappy tactility, the KTT Matcha is an excellent choice. Its long pole stem also provides a distinctly clean bottom-out sound. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a bouncy, responsive typing experience, the Wuque Studio WS Red is a great option. It offers a satisfying and substantial typing feel with its heavier actuation force. Considering sound, the Matcha is described as clacky with a sharp and snappy sound, while the sound signature of the WS Red is not provided. In terms of feel, the Matcha is described as stepped, snappy, accented, feathery, and subtle, while the WS Red is not described in this aspect. Ultimately, the decision between the KTT Matcha and Wuque Studio WS Red will depend on your preference for tactile or linear switches, desired bottom out force, and the specific characteristics you value in the typing experience, such as tactility, sound, and overall feel.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Matcha Tactile

$5.20

$4.88 per 10

Learn more

Wuque Studio WS Red Linear

$3.50 per 10

Learn more