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KTT Matcha vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile

An in-depth look at the KTT Matcha and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

The KTT Matcha and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile are both excellent choices when it comes to mechanical keyboard switches. The Matcha is known for its comfortable and snappy tactility, providing a satisfying typing experience. Not only that, but it also offers a distinctly clean bottom-out sound, thanks to its long pole stem. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switches by Wuque are perfect for office and work environments, as they strike a delicate balance between tactility and noise reduction. These switches feature ingenious stem railings with small cutouts, minimizing switch sound while delivering a crisp bottom-out and responsive return. What sets them apart from conventional silent switches is the absence of silicone dampeners, resulting in a typing experience that is devoid of the usual padded feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you determine the best switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

40g

Actuation force

N/A

Bottom-out force

45g

Bottom-out force

63.5g

Pre-travel

1.90 mm

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Total travel

4.00 mm

Total travel

3.50 mm

Factory lubed

Yes

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

Polycarbonate

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Mount type

Plate (3-pin)

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

Gold-plated spring

Spring

15mm single-stage spring

Housing materials

The KTT Matcha and Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches differ in their housing materials, with the Matcha featuring a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, while the WS Silent Tactile has a nylon top and bottom housing. The use of polycarbonate in the Matcha's housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, as polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic that produces clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile's nylon housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound.

Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it especially suitable for the top housing of the Matcha switch if RGB lighting is desired. This allows the light to shine through the housing, creating a visually appealing effect. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile's nylon housing does not offer the same translucent quality. Therefore, aesthetics-wise, the Matcha is better suited for those who wish to incorporate RGB lighting into their keyboard setup.

When it comes to typing experience, the choice of housing material also plays a role. The bottom housing of a switch, which is polycarbonate in the Matcha and nylon in the WS Silent Tactile, has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. The stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing in the Matcha may result in a sharper and crisper bottom-out sound when compared to the WS Silent Tactile's softer nylon bottom housing. On the other hand, the top housing, which is consistent between the two switches, will have a more noticeable impact on the sound when releasing a key.

In summary, the Matcha and WS Silent Tactile switches differ in their housing materials, with polycarbonate offering a sharper and crisper sound profile and nylon providing a deeper and fuller sound. Furthermore, polycarbonate's translucent nature makes it ideal for those desiring RGB lighting effects, while the softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound and creates a duller sound profile. The choice of housing material also affects the bottom-out sound and feel, with polycarbonate providing a potentially sharper bottom-out sound compared to the softer nylon. However, the impact on the sound when releasing a key is consistent in both switches due to their shared top housing material.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, there are noticeable differences in weight and force. The Matcha has a relatively lighter actuation force of 40 grams, meaning it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, its bottom out force of 45 grams indicates a lighter overall typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile's actuation force is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare. However, its bottom out force of 63.5 grams suggests a medium-heavy typing experience.

Considering weight, the Matcha switch's lighter actuation and bottom out forces make it appealing for those who prefer a more nimble typing experience. This would be ideal for individuals who do a lot of typing throughout the day, such as office workers or avid gamers. Conversely, the WS Silent Tactile switch provides a stronger push feel with its medium-heavy bottom out force. This appeals to users who desire a more substantial typing experience, which can be particularly satisfying for tasks that require a bit more force or precision.

While the actuation force of the WS Silent Tactile switch is unknown, the provided information suggests a heavier overall feeling compared to the Matcha. Both switches offer distinct advantages based on individual preferences and requirements. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the user's desired typing experience – whether they prefer a lighter touch or a more substantial keystroke.

Travel distance

The KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch have different travel distances. The Matcha has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered the most traditional distance, while the WS Silent Tactile has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Gamers often prefer switches with shorter travel distances as they allow for faster response times. If you value responsiveness in your typing or gaming experience, the WS Silent Tactile switch would be a suitable choice. However, some individuals find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt and may prefer switches with a longer travel distance, such as the KTT Matcha. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

The KTT Matcha has an MSRP of $5.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Matcha for $4.88.

The Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile comes in at $4.20 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 it comes to sound, the KTT Matcha switch offers a clean and crisp bottom-out sound due to its long pole stem, resulting in a clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch aims to provide a more muted sound experience by minimizing switch sound through ingenious stem railings with small cutouts. This creates a softer and quieter sound compared to a regular or clacky switch, making it a more suitable option for those seeking a quieter typing experience. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

Moving on to feel, both switches are described as accented switches, meaning they provide a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or too subtle. The KTT Matcha switch is characterized as having a stepped feel, meaning it has two stages with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. It also offers a snappy and responsive typing experience, thanks to its longer or dual-staged springs. Additionally, the Matcha switch is described as having a feathery and subtle feel, meaning it requires little exertion and offers a gentle resistance suitable for extended typing sessions in shared spaces.

Similarly, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch is also referred to as an accented switch, providing a notable amount of tactility. It is described as invigorating, offering pronounced feedback, a moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. Additionally, it is characterized as a mild switch, providing a more gentle and approachable typing experience without being too pronounced in its characteristics. This makes it suitable for a wide range of users, whether they are beginners or advanced typists.

In conclusion, the KTT Matcha and Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches offer different subjective qualities. The Matcha switch provides a clacky sound profile and a stepped, snappy, feathery, and subtle feel. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switch aims for a more muted sound experience and offers an accented, invigorating, and mild feel. Both switches strike a balance in providing tactile feedback without compromising on their respective sound profiles. So, if you are seeking a similar level of tactility, both switches can deliver satisfying results, each with their own unique sound and feel characteristics.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a light bottom out force and a comfortable, snappy feel, the KTT Matcha is an excellent choice. You can expect a distinctly clean bottom-out sound and a typing experience that is both responsive and satisfying. On the other hand, if you prioritize noise reduction and a medium level of tactility, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile is the switch for you. These switches offer a silent profile without compromising on the crisp bottom-out and responsive return. Additionally, they do not have the usual padded feel found in most silent switches, creating a unique blend of tranquility and tactility. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to your preference in terms of bottom out force, sound, and feel. Both switches have their own advantages and are suited for different typing preferences and environments.

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