TTC Neptune vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the TTC Neptune and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Neptune and Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile offer unique experiences for different preferences. The TTC Neptune stands out for its innovative internal structure that provides a smooth and almost frictionless typing experience, akin to the springy resistance found in chewy delights like mochi or tapioca pearls. With its "matte" feel and ultralight design, the Neptune ensures swift and effortless typing while keeping the sound signature muted and refined. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile switches from Wuque Studio maintain smoothness with a tactile bump that offers a satisfying feedback without being too pronounced. Additionally, these switches have a neutral sound signature that is unobtrusive. If you prefer a switch with a buttery and gummy feel, the TTC Neptune may be the way to go. If you enjoy a smooth typing experience with a subtle tactile bump, the WS Light Tactile switches could be more to your liking. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
41g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened 21.5mm spring
Spring
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Neptune and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile, it is clear that they both offer unique sound profiles based on the materials used. The Neptune's POM top housing provides a deeper and more muted sound, while the WS Light Tactile's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This contrast demonstrates how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall acoustics of a switch.
In terms of the bottom housings, the Neptune's polycarbonate bottom housing and the WS Light Tactile's nylon bottom housing offer different sound profiles as well. The polycarbonate bottom housing provides a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. This difference in sound profiles highlights how the choice of bottom housing material can affect the overall typing experience and the sound feedback users receive when pressing down on the switches.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the TTC Neptune and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile, both switches showcase how various plastics can influence the sound profiles of mechanical keyboards. Whether it is the POM or polycarbonate top housing of the Neptune, or the polycarbonate or nylon bottom housing of the WS Light Tactile, each material brings its own unique characteristics to the switches. Ultimately, users can achieve similar results in terms of sound profiles by selecting switches with complementary top and bottom housings that align with their preferences for typing experience and sound feedback.
Weight
The TTC Neptune linear switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 41 grams compared to the WS Light Tactile tactile switch's 45 grams. Both switches have a bottom out force of 50 grams, offering a consistent typing experience when fully pressed. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Neptune may be a better option, allowing for longer typing sessions without as much finger fatigue. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile switch provides a slightly more substantial push feel, which some users may prefer for a more responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding typing force and feel.
Travel distance
The TTC Neptune linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the TTC Neptune has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the WS Light Tactile. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may be noticeable to some users, with the Neptune feeling slightly more abrupt than the WS Light Tactile. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Neptune has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Neptune for $5.09.
The Wuque Studio WS Light 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 TTC Neptune linear switch is known for its low-pitched and muted sound profile, creating a refined and unobtrusive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch is described as having a neutral sound signature, making it suitable for various environments. Both switches offer a subdued sound when pressed, ensuring a pleasant typing experience without disturbing those around you. Ultimately, whether you prefer the low-pitched and muted sound of the Neptune or the neutral sound of the WS Light Tactile, you can expect a satisfying and enjoyable auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the TTC Neptune linear switch provides a buttery and gummy typing experience, with a smooth and frictionless keystroke that mimics the sensation of pressing on a gummy bear or trampoline. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch offers a stepped and easy-to-press typing experience, providing a mild tactile feedback that enhances typing comfort and reduces finger fatigue. Both switches offer a polished and refined typing feel, ensuring a smooth and uniform key travel that contributes to an enjoyable typing experience. Whether you prefer the unique buttery and gummy feel of the Neptune or the stepped and easy-to-press feel of the WS Light Tactile, both switches prioritize comfort and responsiveness in typing.
In conclusion, the TTC Neptune linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch offer distinct yet enjoyable qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Neptune excels in providing a low-pitched and muted sound with a buttery and gummy typing feel, while the WS Light Tactile offers a neutral sound and a stepped and easy-to-press tactile feel. Whether you choose the Neptune for its smooth glide and textured pleasure or the WS Light Tactile for its snappy tactile feedback and effortless typing, both switches guarantee a high-quality typing experience tailored to individual preferences. Ultimately, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience that caters to different sound and feel preferences, ensuring that newcomers to mechanical keyboards can achieve similar levels of typing enjoyment with either option.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a smooth and effortless typing experience with a matte finish and muted sound, the TTC Neptune linear switch would be an excellent choice. The light bottom out force of 50 grams combined with its unique internal structure provides a textured pleasure with every keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile bump with a neutral sound profile and easy-to-press keys, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch is the way to go. With its stepped tactile feel and light actuation force, it offers a responsive and comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, your decision between these switches will come down to your preference for either a linear or tactile switch, as well as your desired typing sound and feel.