United States: Free shipping on orders over $49

KTT Pine vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown

An in-depth look at the KTT Pine and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the KTT Pine and the Wuque Studio WS Brown. The KTT Pine is a linear switch, known for its medium-heavy weight and buttery smooth feel. It is designed to provide an effortless typing experience with minimized friction, thanks to its polished, factory-lubed finish. On the other hand, the WS Brown is a tactile switch that offers a harmonious blend of familiarity and innovation. With a medium-light actuation force, it strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort, ensuring fatigue-free typing during extended sessions. Additionally, enthusiasts appreciate the delightful auditory experience provided by its familiar nylon housing and POM stem combination. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision regarding which switch suits your preferences and needs.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

45g

Actuation force

N/A

Bottom-out force

58g

Bottom-out force

55g

Pre-travel

1.90 mm

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Total travel

4.00 mm

Total travel

3.80 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

Polycarbonate

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

15.5mm gold-plated spring

Spring

22mm double-stage spring

Housing materials

The KTT Pine and the Wuque Studio WS Brown differ in their housing materials. The Pine features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, while the WS Brown utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing. The choice of housing material greatly affects the sound profile of the switches. With its stiffer nature, the polycarbonate used in the Pine creates a sharper and crisper sound. This results in a higher-pitched sound profile and a more resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the nylon housing in the WS Brown produces a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound profile.

In terms of aesthetics, both switches offer unique benefits. The Pine's polycarbonate housing, particularly in the top part, is translucent. This makes it more suitable for use with RGB lighting, as the light can shine through the housing, creating a visually appealing effect. In contrast, the WS Brown's nylon housing does not offer translucency. However, the classic look of nylon gives the switch a timeless and elegant appearance.

While the top and bottom housing materials differ between the two switches, they share some similarities in terms of the sound profiles they produce. Both polycarbonate and nylon housing materials have an impact on the sound when a key is pressed and released. The differences lie in the specific characteristics each material brings. The stiffer polycarbonate of the Pine creates a clearer and more resonant sound when pressing down on a key, while the softer nylon of the WS Brown absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder sound profile.

Overall, the housing materials of the KTT Pine and the Wuque Studio WS Brown contribute significantly to the sound profile and overall typing experience of each switch. The polycarbonate used in the Pine emphasizes sharpness and resonance, while the nylon used in the WS Brown brings depth and fullness to the sound. Both switches offer distinct advantages in terms of aesthetics, with the Pine's translucent polycarbonate being ideal for RGB lighting and the WS Brown's classic nylon providing an elegant look. However, despite their differences, both switches utilize their respective housing materials to enhance the sound when keys are pressed and released, making them a suitable choice for keyboard enthusiasts seeking unique typing experiences.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Pine linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, we find that both switches have medium actuation forces. The Pine requires 45 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the exact actuation force for the WS Brown is unavailable. However, the WS Brown has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 55 grams compared to the Pine's 58 grams.

Considering weight, some keyboard users prefer a lighter switch as it allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. This makes it ideal for those who bring their keyboards to work or engage in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, some individuals prefer a heavier actuation force to provide a more substantial push feel, enhancing the typing experience. For these users, they may opt for options with heavier forces.

While both switches have medium actuation forces, the WS Brown offers a slightly lighter bottom out force. This can result in a slightly lighter overall typing experience compared to the Pine. However, since the exact actuation force for the WS Brown is unknown, it is difficult to draw a direct comparison in terms of actuation force. Nonetheless, users seeking a medium actuation force with a slightly lighter bottom out force may find the WS Brown to be a suitable option.

Travel distance

The KTT Pine linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Comparing the two, it can be seen that the Pine has a slightly longer travel distance than the WS Brown. In terms of traditional standards, the Pine falls within the average range with its 4 mm travel distance, while the WS Brown is slightly shorter at 3.8 mm. This suggests that the Pine switch may offer a slightly deeper key press compared to the WS Brown. However, it is important to note that both switches fall within the range of typical travel distances and should provide a similar level of functionality. The preference for shorter or longer travel distances ultimately depends on the individual's personal preferences. Gamers, for instance, may prefer the shorter travel distance of the WS Brown for faster response times, while others may prefer the slightly deeper key press of the Pine.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

The KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine 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

In terms of sound, the KTT Pine linear switch offers a deep and rich bassy sound profile during key presses. The sound is characterized by a lower frequency range, giving it a sense of depth and richness. On the other hand, there is no specific description provided for the sound of the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch. It is important to note that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. However, based on the available information, if you are looking for a switch with a bass-heavy and mellow tone, the Pine switch would be a suitable choice.

Moving on to the feel, the KTT Pine linear switch is described as buttery and creamy. These switches provide a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation. With a polished, factory-lubed finish, the Pine switches minimize friction and ensure smooth key travel. Similarly, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch does not have a specific description provided for its feel. From the available information, it can be inferred that the WS Brown switches offer a balance between responsiveness and comfort, ensuring fatigue-free typing during extended sessions. While the specific tactile feel is unknown, it is important to keep in mind that preferences for tactile switches can vary from person to person.

Considering all the available information, the KTT Pine linear switch stands out for its smooth and effortless typing experience, thanks to its buttery and creamy feel. The switches are medium-heavy and built for an effortless typing experience. Additionally, the Pine switch offers a deep and rich bassy sound profile during key presses. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort, ensuring fatigue-free typing. Although the specific sound and feel characteristics of the WS Brown switch are unknown, it still offers a harmonious blend of familiarity and innovation. Ultimately, individual preferences in terms of sound and feel will play a significant role in determining the best switch for an individual.

Conclusion

To sum up, when considering whether to choose the KTT Pine linear switch or the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you value a slightly heavier bottom out force and a smooth and effortless typing experience, the Pine switch may be the better option for you. With its medium-heavy bottom out force of 58 grams and its buttery smooth feel, these switches are designed to minimize friction and provide a satisfying typing sensation. Additionally, if you appreciate a deeper and richer sound profile, characterized by a bass-heavy and mellow tone, the Pine switch may be the way to go.

On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort, the WS Brown switch might be more suitable for your needs. With its medium-light actuation force of 55 grams, these switches offer a familiar and delightful typing experience. They are designed to ensure fatigue-free typing during extended sessions and provide an auditory experience that enthusiasts cherish. While the sound profile of the WS Brown switch is not specifically described, it can be assumed to provide a pleasing auditory feedback.

Ultimately, choosing between the Pine and the WS Brown switches will depend on your desired typing experience and preferences. Consider factors such as bottom out force, typing feel, and sound profile to make an informed decision.

Mentioned in this article