KTT Orange vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash
An in-depth look at the KTT Orange and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, two standout options are the KTT Orange and the Wuque Studio WS Dash. The KTT Orange, known for its bouncy feel, features a 22mm long spring and is designed with a polycarbonate milky top housing complemented by a vivid nylon bottom. This combination results in a frictionless typing experience characterized by a low-pitched sound profile, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize smoothness and subtlety in their keystrokes. In contrast, the WS Dash, a hall effect switch, delivers a bright and clacky sound signature while maintaining a silky smooth keystroke. This switch not only offers a unique auditory experience but also showcases a refined appearance, making it ideal for those who appreciate aesthetic and audible feedback. Both switches cater to distinct typing preferences, with the KTT Orange focusing on a subtly refined experience and the WS Dash offering a lively, engaging interaction. 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
46g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Orange and Wuque Studio WS Dash both feature polycarbonate top housings, leading to similar sound profiles characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience. The use of polycarbonate, a relatively stiff plastic, ensures a clear and resonant sound that enhances the overall typing experience. Moreover, the translucency of the polycarbonate top allows for effective RGB lighting effects, making both switches aesthetically pleasing in a backlit environment. This shared material choice undoubtedly contributes to a more vibrant illumination when RGB lighting is in use, providing both functionality and visual appeal.
Contrastingly, the bottom housings of these two switches diverge significantly in material. The KTT Orange utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, which aligns with its top housing to sustain that crisp sound profile. This uniformity means that the bottom-out sound and feel will maintain a consistent clarity when typing. In contrast, the WS Dash features a nylon bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to nylon’s softer makeup, which absorbs sound more effectively than its polycarbonate counterpart, resulting in a rounder auditory experience. Thus, while the top housings of both switches yield a similar sound, the bottom housings distinctly influence the overall sonic texture.
The synergy between the differing materials creates two unique typing experiences despite the shared polycarbonate top. In the KTT Orange, both housings contribute to a coherent sound of clarity, making for an engaging typing experience with pronounced auditory feedback. In contrast, the WS Dash's configuration offers a more varied experience where the upper register's crispness meets the bottom's deeper tonal qualities. Ultimately, whether one prefers the articulation of polycarbonate throughout or the combination of polycarbonate and nylon should guide their choice between the two switches, depending on the individual’s desired sound profile during use.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Orange linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces, but similarities in their bottom out forces. The KTT Orange switch features an actuation force of 46 grams, while the WS Dash is lighter at 30 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience. Despite the difference in their actuation forces, both switches share a bottom out force of 55 grams, meaning that once fully pressed down, they require the same force to complete the key press. This similarity in bottom out force provides a consistent feel of resilience when bottoming out, despite the lighter feel of the WS Dash during typical keystrokes. Overall, those who favor a lighter touch for prolonged use may gravitate towards the WS Dash, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience may prefer the KTT Orange due to its heavier actuation force.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Orange linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch feature a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them comparable in terms of how far each switch travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. As they share this identical travel distance, users can expect a similar feel and responsiveness when actuating either switch. This similarity indicates that both switches deliver an equivalent experience in terms of keypress travel, allowing for consistent typing or gaming performance across both options.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
The Wuque Studio WS Dash has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Dash for $7.49.
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 Orange switch produces a low-pitched sound profile, characterized by a bass-heavy and mellow tone. This acoustic quality tends to make the typing experience cozy and less intrusive, which can be particularly appealing if you prefer a quieter workspace or enjoy the soft nuances of each keystroke. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Dash switch is known for its bright and clacky sound signature. This auditory profile is likely to add a more pronounced audibility to each press, making it suitable for users who enjoy a lively and engaging typing experience. It's worth noting that the overall sound production is also influenced by the keyboard construction and keycap choice, so the final auditory result may vary somewhat between the two.
In terms of tactile feedback, the KTT Orange switch offers a bouncy, spring-like sensation that provides a lively feel when pressing keys. This switch is designed to give a responsive rebound, making it an enjoyable option for those who appreciate a dynamic typing experience. Additionally, its frictionless nature contributes to a silky smooth travel, minimizing resistance and enhancing overall fluidity. The characteristics of the WS Dash switch, however, remain unspecified; thus, we cannot directly compare the tactile feedback it offers. If the WS Dash provides a similarly smooth keystroke, you may find the overall feel to be satisfactory, but without definitive details, it's impossible to make a precise comparison.
In conclusion, while both the KTT Orange and Wuque Studio WS Dash switches offer unique experiences, their key differentiator lies in sound, with the Orange providing a low-pitched, mellow tone and the Dash delivering a bright, clacky auditory signature. The KTT Orange is also notable for its bouncy, frictionless feel, enhancing the responsiveness of your typing. The tactile qualities of the WS Dash remain unknown, leaving an open question about its potential tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences regarding sound and feedback, with each bringing its distinct flavor to the typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your decision between the KTT Orange linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and the overall experience you seek from your mechanical keyboard. If you value a lively and bouncy feel with a smooth, frictionless travel, the KTT Orange may be your best choice, providing a delightful typing experience with its low-pitched sound profile. It’s particularly well-suited for those who enjoy a medium-light bottom out force and appreciate a refined, factory-lubed switch that emphasizes smoothness and minimizes resistance. On the other hand, if you lean towards a clacky sound signature that pairs together with a silky keystroke, the WS Dash would be more aligned with your preferences. Its unique hall effect technology offers a different tactile sensation and sound, making it perfect for users looking for a keyboard that combines both auditory and tactile feedback with a touch of refinement. Therefore, consider how these qualities match your typing style, and choose the switch that enhances your keyboard experience in the best possible way.
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