KTT Mint vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the KTT Mint and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two standout options are the KTT Mint and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile. The Mint is renowned for its smooth linear switch, offering a satisfyingly effortless typing experience. With its light and fleeting feel and a subtle poppy thockiness, the Mint falls into the category of a low-pitched and neutral switch. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile from Wuque Studio is a remarkable addition to the WS series. These switches boast a profound and pronounced tactile bump, providing a satisfying resistance with each keystroke. With an accentuated and invigorating sound profile, thanks to Wuque Studio's nylon housings, the WS Heavy Tactile offers a captivating auditory feedback. While these are just general characteristics, let's delve deeper into the specifics to help you make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Mint and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile, specifically their top housings, offer distinct differences in sound profile and aesthetics. The Mint utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which promotes clear and resonant sound production. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile employs a nylon top housing that creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, generating a duller and rounder sound. Both materials have their unique sonic characteristics, allowing users to choose based on their preference.
The bottom housings of the Mint and the WS Heavy Tactile share the same material, nylon. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile in both switches. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, the sound produced when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings is characterized by a duller and rounder tone. The similar material used in the bottom housings ensures that both the Mint and the WS Heavy Tactile deliver comparable sound profiles during typing, emphasizing the depth and richness in their auditory experience.
It is essential to note that the top and bottom housings play different roles in determining the overall sound and feel of a switch. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing are more prominent, contributing to the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing the key. Thus, despite the differences between the Mint's polycarbonate top housing and the WS Heavy Tactile's nylon top housing, the similarities in their bottom housings indicate that users can expect similar results in terms of the deep and full sound experience during typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mint linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, it is evident that they offer different experiences based on their force requirements. Starting with the Mint linear switch, it boasts an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light option. This means that users will find it relatively easy to trigger a keystroke, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience. However, when fully pressing the keys, they will require a slightly heavier force to bottom out.
On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch has an actuation force that is unavailable, making it difficult to accurately compare. Nonetheless, its bottom out force is 45 grams, indicating a lighter feel compared to the Mint switch. This suggests that while it may be easier to trigger keystrokes on the WS Heavy Tactile switch, users will experience a gentler typing sensation overall.
In terms of weight, individuals who prefer a lighter feel may find the Mint switch more appealing. Its actuation force of 45 grams allows for longer typing sessions without experiencing fatigue. This makes it well-suited for work environments or extended gaming sessions. Conversely, those seeking a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the WS Heavy Tactile switch, as it offers a stronger push feel. While the actuation force for this switch is unknown, the bottom out force of 45 grams indicates a lighter overall weight.
In conclusion, the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mint linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch differ in their weight characteristics. The Mint switch is lighter overall, with a medium-light actuation force but a slightly heavier bottom out force. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch offers a lighter typing experience, although its actuation force remains unspecified. Therefore, depending on personal preferences and desired typing sensations, users can select the switch that aligns with their needs for either a lighter or heavier keystroke force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Mint linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, we find that the Mint has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Heavy Tactile has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. Therefore, the Mint has a slightly longer travel distance than the WS Heavy Tactile.
In terms of preference, a travel distance of 4 mm is more traditional, while 3.2 mm is considered shallower. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. So, if you prioritize quick responsiveness, the WS Heavy Tactile with its shorter travel distance may be the better option for you. On the other hand, some individuals find short travel distances to be too abrupt and prefer a more substantial depth when pressing down on keys. In this case, the longer travel distance of the Mint may be a better fit for those seeking a more satisfying key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming 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 Heavy Tactile 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
The KTT Mint linear switch is best known for its satisfyingly smooth feel when typing, resulting in a light and fleeting type feel. In terms of sound, the Mint is described as having a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. This means that it produces a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches, but still maintains a moderate sound profile suitable for most purposes. The Mint also offers a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch is known for its profound and pronounced tactile bump, providing a satisfying resistance during typing. This switch has a tactile force of 70g, resulting in a captivating and immersive typing experience. In terms of sound, the WS Heavy Tactile switch has a clacky, high-pitched, and resonant sound profile. This means that it produces a sharp, crisp, and clean sound with each keystroke, providing an immersive auditory experience.
In conclusion, the KTT Mint linear switch and Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Mint provides a light and fleeting feel with a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile offers a profound tactile bump, satisfying resistance, and a clacky, high-pitched, and resonant sound profile. Whether you prefer a smooth and light typing experience or a pronounced tactile feel with a captivating sound, both switches offer unique qualities to enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, the KTT Mint linear switch would be a great choice for you if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams and a satisfyingly smooth typing experience. The Mint's long pole stem delivers a poppy thockiness and a light and fleeting type feel. In terms of sound, the Mint offers a low-pitched and neutral profile, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users in various settings. On the other hand, if you're looking for a tactile switch with a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch would be a fantastic option. These switches feature a profound and pronounced tactile bump for an engaging and immersive typing journey. The WS Heavy Tactile switches also provide a clacky, high-pitched, and resonant sound profile, ensuring a satisfying auditory feedback with every keystroke. Moreover, the WS Heavy Tactile is described as accented, bouncy, invigorating, sharp, and snappy in terms of feel, offering a variety of tactile feedback intensities and responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Mint and Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches depends on your preference for linear or tactile switches, desired bottom out force, and the specific typing experience you're seeking.
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