KTT Mint vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the KTT Mint and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Mint and the Wuque Studio WS Brown are two popular choices that offer distinct advantages. The Mint switch is beloved for its smooth linear action and satisfyingly tactile feedback. With its long pole stem, typing on the Mint switch provides a poppy thockiness that is a delight to enthusiasts. Additionally, the Mint switch offers a light and fleeting type feel, making it a preferred choice for those who prefer a more lightweight and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Brown switch offers a unique blend of familiarity and innovation. With a medium-light actuation force, these switches strike a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort, ensuring fatigue-free typing during long typing sessions. The WS Brown switch also delivers a familiar and delightful auditory experience, thanks to its nylon housing and POM stem combination. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to assist you in making the best switch choice for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
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
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Mint and the Wuque Studio WS Brown differ in terms of their housing materials. The Mint features a polycarbonate top housing, while the WS Brown utilizes a nylon top housing. This contrast in materials results in distinct sound profiles. The polycarbonate top housing of the Mint creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Its relatively stiffer plastic composition allows for a more clear and resonant sound experience. On the other hand, the WS Brown's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. Therefore, those seeking a sharper and more precise sound may lean towards the Mint, while individuals desiring a deeper and fuller sound experience may find the WS Brown more appealing.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Mint and the WS Brown employ nylon as the material of choice. Nylon, renowned as a classic switch housing material, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile in both cases. Its soft plastic composition allows for increased sound absorption, resulting in a more muted and rounded sound. The impact of the bottom housing is particularly noticeable when pressing down on the switch, as it influences the bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, whether one opts for the Mint or the WS Brown, they can expect a similar experience in terms of the deeper and fuller sound profile achieved through the nylon bottom housing.
It is important to note that the impact of the housing materials differs depending on whether they are utilized for the top or bottom housing of the switches. When releasing a key, the top housing has a more pronounced effect on the sound. Therefore, the polycarbonate top housing of the Mint will create a significant impact on the sound when keys are released, whereas the nylon top housing of the WS Brown will result in a more subdued effect. Conversely, during key presses and bottom-outs, the qualities of the bottom housing become more apparent. Hence, individuals considering either the Mint or WS Brown should take into account these differences in sound profile based on the placement of the housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mint linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, there are a few notable differences. The Mint has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the WS Brown's actuation force is currently unavailable. However, both switches have a bottom out force of 55 grams, which classifies them as medium-light. In terms of weight, the Mint is slightly lighter in terms of actuation force, making it suitable for individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, if one desires a stronger push feel, the WS Brown's higher bottom out force would provide a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces, the Mint and WS Brown offer similar results in terms of their medium-light classification.
Travel distance
The KTT Mint linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Mint being on the longer side and the WS Brown on the shorter side. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the WS Brown with its shorter travel distance, as it allows for quicker keystrokes. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing may lean towards the Mint with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference for either a shorter, more responsive press or a deeper, more tactile experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the KTT Mint comes in at $2.91, whereas the Wuque Studio WS Brown comes in at $3.50.
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 Mint linear switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile. The low-pitched nature of these switches provides a bass-heavy and mellow tone, creating a satisfying auditory experience. Additionally, the neutral sound profile means that the Mint switch has a moderate actuation force requirement, resulting in a pleasant sound suitable for most typing situations. On the other hand, the WS Brown tactile switch's sound qualities are unknown, so we cannot draw any conclusions about its sound.
When it comes to the feeling of the switches, the Mint linear switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. The mild nature of these switches ensures a gentle and approachable typing experience, making them suitable for a wide range of users. Additionally, the polished finish of the Mint switch results in reduced friction and smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing feel. In comparison, the feeling of the WS Brown tactile switch is unknown, so we cannot provide any insights into its specific tactile qualities.
Considering the available information, the Mint linear switch excels in delivering a low-pitched and neutral sound profile along with a mild and polished typing experience. These qualities ensure a satisfying auditory experience and comfortable typing for users. As for the WS Brown tactile switch, its sound and feel qualities remain unknown, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison. However, if you are seeking similar results to the Mint switch, it is recommended to choose a switch known for low-pitched sound characteristics and a mild typing experience. Remember that the choice of keyboard board and keycaps can also impact the overall sound and feel of the switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, both the KTT Mint linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch have their own unique qualities that make them suitable for different preferences and needs. The Mint is an excellent choice for those who prioritize smoothness and a light typing feel. With its long pole stem, it offers a satisfyingly smooth linear experience with a poppy thockiness and a fleeting type feel. On the other hand, the WS Brown is known for its harmonious blend of familiarity and innovation. It strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort, making it ideal for fatigue-free typing during extended sessions. Additionally, enthusiasts appreciate the delightful auditory experience it provides with its familiar nylon housing and POM stem combination.
When it comes to sound, the Mint offers a low-pitched tone that provides a bass-heavy and mellow sound profile. This can be soothing and pleasant for many users. The WS Brown's sound profile is not explicitly described, but its familiar nylon housing and POM stem combination likely contribute to a comfortable and familiar typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Mint is characterized as mild and polished. A mild switch offers a gentle typing experience, making it approachable to most users. The polished finish ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Brown's feel is not explicitly described, but its medium-light actuation force likely provides a comfortable and balanced typing experience.
Ultimately, your choice between the KTT Mint linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch will depend on your personal preferences for smoothness, typing feel, sound, and overall comfort. Consider what aspects are most important to you and how you plan to use the keyboard. By carefully considering these factors, you can make an informed decision that best suits your typing needs.
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