KTT Orange vs. Wuque Studio WS Onion
An in-depth look at the KTT Orange and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the KTT Orange and the Wuque Studio WS Onion. The KTT Orange switches are known for their bouncy feel, frictionless typing experience, and low-pitched sound profile. With a polycarbonate milky top housing, long pole POM stem, and a vivid orange nylon bottom housing, these switches provide a slick and refined key travel. On the other hand, the WS Onion switches feature a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, offering a buttery smooth keystroke feel that is deeply satisfying. These switches also have a crisp, responsive feel and a neutral sound profile. Both switches have their unique qualities that make them desirable. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
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
WS CL635 Gold Plated Stainless Spring
Housing materials
The KTT Orange and Wuque Studio WS Onion both have polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches that utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, both switches offer similar qualities in terms of sound and aesthetic appeal when it comes to their top housing.
In terms of their bottom housings, the KTT Orange features a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the WS Onion utilizes a nylon bottom housing. The polycarbonate bottom housing, similar to the top housing, adds to the sharp and crisp sound profile of the switch. However, the nylon bottom housing of the WS Onion creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer and more sound-absorbent nature. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the WS Onion, providing a different auditory experience compared to the KTT Orange.
While the top and bottom housings of both switches contribute to the overall sound and feel, the impact of each housing material is distributed differently. When pressing down on a key, the bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, when releasing a key, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound produced. Therefore, the KTT Orange and Wuque Studio WS Onion provide differences in tactile feedback and sound depending on their respective top and bottom housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Orange linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, there are notable differences. The Orange has an actuation force of 46 grams, providing a medium-light push feel, while the WS Onion's actuation force is unknown. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Orange requires 53 grams of force, which is relatively light. In contrast, the WS Onion has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy.
Considering weight, those who prefer a lighter switch may opt for the Orange as it allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. This characteristic is particularly suitable for keyboards used at work or during extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may prefer the WS Onion with its heavier force, providing a stronger push feel.
In the event that the actuation forces are the same, users can expect similar results in terms of triggering a keystroke. However, it is important to note that the bottom out force of the Orange is lighter than that of the WS Onion, which may impact the overall typing experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Orange linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Comparing the two, the Orange has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the WS Onion. The Orange falls into the category of shorter travel distances, which is preferred by gamers for faster response times. On the other hand, the WS Onion provides a bit more depth with its longer travel distance. Some individuals may find the shorter travel distance of the Orange to be too abrupt, while others may appreciate the responsiveness it offers. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference, with the Orange offering a shorter travel distance and the WS Onion providing a slightly longer one.
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 Onion has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Onion for $5.53.
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 switches have a low-pitched profile. This means that they produce a deep and mellow tone, which can be pleasing to the ears. On the other hand, the WS Onion switches have a neutral sound profile. This means that they have a moderate sound, neither too loud nor too soft. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
Moving on to feel, the KTT Orange switches are described as bouncy and frictionless. They provide a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel with rebound when pressed. Additionally, these switches offer a smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any resistance or friction when pressing the keys. On the other hand, the WS Onion switches are described as buttery and polished. They offer a seamless and uniform typing sensation, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. The switches have a refined finish, either due to the materials used or factory lubing, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, both the KTT Orange and the WS Onion switches offer subjective qualities that contribute to a satisfying typing experience. The Orange switches are known for their bouncy and frictionless feel, as well as their low-pitched sound profile. Meanwhile, the WS Onion switches provide a buttery and polished feel, along with a neutral sound profile. While each switch has its own unique characteristics, it's important to consider personal preferences and the specific use case when choosing between the two. Those seeking a livelier feel and deeper sound may prefer the Orange switches, while those looking for a smoother and more versatile switch may lean towards the WS Onion switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a medium-light switch with a bouncy and frictionless feel, the KTT Orange linear switch is a great choice. With its 53 gram bottom out force and spring-like feedback, these switches provide a lively typing experience. Additionally, the Orange switch's low-pitched sound profile adds a mellow and bass-heavy tone to your typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a buttery and polished feel, the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch is the way to go. With its 63.5 gram bottom out force, these switches offer a crisp and responsive feel. The WS Onion switch's neutral sound profile makes it suitable for various applications, whether you're a beginner or advanced user, or using the switches at home or work. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to your preferences for force, feel, and sound.
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