KTT Phalaenopsis vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the KTT Phalaenopsis and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Phalaenopsis and the Wuque Studio WS Brown are both tactile mechanical keyboard switches that offer their unique advantages. The Phalaenopsis switch features a light actuation force of 37g, making typing effortless and minimizing finger fatigue even during prolonged sessions. With a tactile force of 50g, it provides a satisfying and discernible bump with each keystroke, ensuring a delightful typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Brown switch strikes a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort with its medium-light actuation force. It offers an elegant blend of familiarity and innovation, providing fatigue-free typing during extended sessions. Enthusiasts particularly cherish the auditory experience offered by these switches, thanks to their familiar nylon housing and POM stem combination. Both switches have their unique qualities and advantages. 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
37g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Phalaenopsis and the Wuque Studio WS Brown differ in their choice of housing materials for both the top and bottom parts of the switch. The Phalaenopsis features a polycarbonate top housing, while the WS Brown utilizes a nylon top housing. The use of polycarbonate in the Phalaenopsis creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, ideal for users seeking a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the WS Brown's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its relatively softer composition that absorbs more sound. While both materials offer distinct sound characteristics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Phalaenopsis delivers a sharper sound, while the nylon top housing of the WS Brown elicits a rounder sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the KTT Phalaenopsis employs a polycarbonate material, while the Wuque Studio WS Brown utilizes a nylon bottom housing. Similar to their top counterparts, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Phalaenopsis contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, resulting from its relatively stiffer composition. Conversely, the WS Brown's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound due to its softer plastic nature, leading to a duller and rounder sound. While the bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, both the Phalaenopsis and the WS Brown provide different tonal qualities due to their distinct housing materials.
In summary, the choice of housing materials in the KTT Phalaenopsis and the Wuque Studio WS Brown plays a significant role in the sound profile of each switch. The polycarbonate top and bottom housings of the Phalaenopsis create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, while the nylon top and bottom housings of the WS Brown elicit a deeper and fuller sound. While the Phalaenopsis offers a more clear and resonant sound, the WS Brown provides a duller and rounder sound profile. However, both switches demonstrate how the top housing influences the sound upon key release, while the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel upon key press. Thus, users can anticipate unique auditory experiences based on the chosen housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, we can see some similarities and differences. The Phalaenopsis has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the WS Brown, which unfortunately does not provide information about its actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Phalaenopsis requires 50 grams of force, while the WS Brown requires a slightly heavier 55 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Phalaenopsis would be a suitable choice due to its lower actuation force, allowing for longer periods of comfortable typing. On the other hand, the WS Brown provides a slightly more substantial typing experience with its higher bottom out force, which can enhance the overall feel for those who prefer a stronger push.
Unfortunately, without information about the actuation force of the WS Brown, we cannot make a direct comparison in that aspect. However, given its medium-light bottom out force, it is likely to offer a similar feel to the Phalaenopsis in terms of keystroke execution.
It's important to consider weight and force when choosing a tactile switch, as individual preferences may vary. Those seeking a lightweight option for extended usage may find the Phalaenopsis appealing, while those desiring a more tactile and substantial keystroke experience might lean towards the WS Brown with its slightly heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice will depend on the user's typing preferences and requirements.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, there is a slight difference between the two. The Phalaenopsis has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the WS Brown has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Phalaenopsis being on the longer side and the WS Brown being slightly shorter. Gamers seeking 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 prefer a more tactile and solid feel when typing may lean towards the Phalaenopsis with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Phalaenopsis has an MSRP of $4.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Phalaenopsis for $4.15.
The Wuque Studio WS Brown comes in at $3.50 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
The KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch is known for its beautiful translucent design and light actuation force of 37g. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and minimizes finger fatigue even during prolonged typing sessions. Additionally, the Phalaenopsis switch has a tactile force of 50g, providing a satisfying and discernible tactile bump with each keystroke. This ensures that typing on these switches is a delightful experience.
On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch strikes a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort. With a medium-light actuation force, these switches are designed to provide fatigue-free typing during extended sessions. Although the specific tactile force of the WS Brown switch is unknown, it offers a familiar and delightful auditory experience due to its nylon housing and POM stem combination.
When it comes to sound, the Phalaenopsis switch is described as having a "bassy" and "thocky" profile. The "bassy" characteristic offers a deeper and richer sound with lower frequencies, similar to the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The "thocky" characteristic produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed and released, resembling a soft "knock" or deep "thud". On the other hand, there is no information available about the sound profile of the WS Brown switch.
In terms of feel, the Phalaenopsis switch is described as a "stepped" switch. This means that it provides a tactile feel with two stages in the keystroke. It offers some pre-travel and/or post-travel, making it feel more mild compared to hypertactile switches. Unfortunately, there is no information available about the feel of the WS Brown switch.
In conclusion, both the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch offer their own unique qualities. The Phalaenopsis switch provides a delightful typing experience with its light actuation force, discernible tactile bump, and a sound profile characterized by deep bass tones and satisfying "thocky" sounds. On the other hand, the WS Brown switch strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort, offering a familiar auditory experience. While the specific sound and feel characteristics of the WS Brown switch are unknown, they can still provide similar results based on the available information. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences in terms of actuation force, tactile feedback, and sound profile.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, it ultimately depends on your preferences and typing style. The Phalaenopsis switch is ideal for those who value a light actuation force and a satisfying, discernible tactile bump. With its effortless typing experience and minimized finger fatigue, it is perfect for prolonged typing sessions. Additionally, if you appreciate a bassy or thocky sound profile, the Phalaenopsis switch offers a deeper and richer auditory experience. On the other hand, the WS Brown switch strikes a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort with its medium-light actuation force. This makes it a great choice for fatigue-free typing during extended sessions. While there is no specific sound or feel description provided for the WS Brown switch, it is best suited for individuals who prefer a familiar and delightful auditory experience. Ultimately, consider your desired actuation force, typing experience, and sound profile when deciding between these two switches.
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