KTT Pine vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the KTT Pine and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Are you in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch but aren't sure which one to choose? Let's take a closer look at two popular options: the KTT Pine linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch. The KTT Pine switch is known for its medium-heavy feel, buttery smoothness, and effortless typing experience. With its factory-lubed finish, friction is minimized, resulting in silky key travel. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch offers a remarkable tactile bump and a satisfying resistance of 70g, making typing an engaging and immersive journey. These switches also have a captivating sound profile, thanks to Wuque Studios' nylon housings, which contribute to a satisfying "thocky" resonance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Pine and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile, specifically the top housings, differ significantly. The Pine utilizes polycarbonate, a stiff plastic that creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material's translucency also makes it ideal for RGB lighting. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile features a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound profile. While both materials have their advantages, polycarbonate is better suited for a clearer and more resonant sound, while nylon provides a fuller and deeper sound experience.
Similarly, the bottom housings of the Pine and the WS Heavy Tactile differ in material composition. The Pine's polycarbonate bottom housing, just like its top housing, contributes to a sharper and higher-pitched sound. Its stiffness enhances the clear and resonant sound profile of the switch. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing of the WS Heavy Tactile creates a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, producing a rounder and less crisp sound profile. As with the top housings, the choice between polycarbonate and nylon depends on the desired sound characteristics, with polycarbonate enabling a sharper sound and nylon providing a deeper sound experience.
When using a switch with different top and bottom housings, it is important to note that the qualities of each housing material will be divided between the top and bottom of the switch. Pressing down on the switch will make you feel the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel. If the Pine were to have a nylon bottom housing, for example, it would result in a deeper and fuller bottom-out experience compared to its current setup with polycarbonate. Conversely, when releasing a key, the top housing's material will have a more noticeable impact on the sound produced. In this case, the WS Heavy Tactile's nylon top housing would create a duller and rounder sound when compared to the Pine's polycarbonate top housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Pine linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, they exhibit notable differences. The Pine has an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a medium level of resistance for triggering a keystroke. On the other hand, the actuation force of the WS Heavy Tactile switch is unavailable, so it is difficult to compare directly. However, the Pine's bottom out force of 58 grams suggests that it requires a slightly heavier press to fully engage the switch compared to the WS Heavy Tactile's 45 grams. This makes the Pine heavier in terms of bottoming out force.
Consideration for weight plays a significant role in switch selection. Some individuals prefer lighter switches, such as the Pine, as it allows them to type for prolonged periods without experiencing fatigue. This makes it ideal for keyboards used in work settings or during extended gaming sessions. Conversely, those in search of a more substantial typing experience might opt for heavier switches. While the actuation force of the WS Heavy Tactile is unknown, individuals looking for a stronger push feel may find it to be a suitable choice due to its lighter bottom out force of 45 grams.
In conclusion, the KTT Pine linear switch has a known actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, while the details of the actuation force for the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch are unavailable. However, the WS Heavy Tactile does have a lower bottom out force of 45 grams. Therefore, if one prefers a lighter switch, the WS Heavy Tactile may provide a similar experience when bottoming out, while those seeking a heavier typing feel may lean towards the Pine switch.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the KTT Pine linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, it is clear that they have different distances. The Pine has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Heavy Tactile has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. This means that the Pine has a slightly longer travel distance than the WS Heavy Tactile.
4.0 mm is considered a more traditional travel distance, while 3.2 mm is on the shallower side. It is worth noting that shorter travel distances have become more popular, especially among gamers who value faster response times. For those seeking a more responsive typing experience, the shorter travel distance of the WS Heavy Tactile may be more appealing. However, some individuals find shorter travel distances to feel abrupt, and prefer a deeper, more substantial key press. In this case, the longer travel distance of the KTT Pine would be a better choice. Overall, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience, with the Pine offering a longer travel distance and the WS Heavy Tactile offering a slightly shorter one.
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 Heavy Tactile 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 Pine linear switch is best known for its medium-heavy weight and buttery smoothness, providing an effortless typing experience. This switch has a polished, factory-lubed finish that minimizes friction for smooth key travel. In terms of sound, the Pine switch is described as having a bassy and low-pitched sound profile. This means that it offers a deeper, richer sound with a lower frequency range. As for feel, the Pine switch is described as buttery and creamy, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. It offers a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Overall, the KTT Pine switch offers a satisfying sound and feel for those who prefer a smoother and bassier typing experience.
On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch is best known for its remarkable tactile bump and satisfying resistance. With a tactile force of 70g, every keystroke is imbued with a pronounced tactile feedback, making typing an engaging and immersive journey. This switch also offers a captivating sound profile described as clacky, high-pitched, and resonant. It produces a sharp, crisp sound when pressed, providing a clean and sharp auditory feedback. In terms of feel, the WS Heavy Tactile switch offers an accented, bouncy, invigorating, sharp, and snappy sensation. It provides a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The keys have a lively feel, giving a rebound when pressed. Overall, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch offers a tactile and responsive typing experience with a captivating sound profile.
Taking into account the available information, the KTT Pine linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch have distinct sound and feel characteristics. The Pine switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound with a buttery and creamy typing feel. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch provides a clacky, high-pitched, and resonant sound with an accented, bouncy, invigorating, sharp, and snappy typing feel. Each switch caters to different preferences, with the Pine switch appealing to those who prioritize a smoother and bassier sound and feel, while the WS Heavy Tactile switch appeals to those who prefer a sharper and more tactile typing experience. Both switches offer a satisfying auditory and tactile feedback, ensuring an enjoyable and immersive typing journey.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the KTT Pine linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a medium-heavy switch with a smooth typing experience, the KTT Pine is ideal for you. With a bottom out force of 58 grams and its factory-lubed finish, this switch offers effortless key travel and minimizes friction. On the other hand, if you prefer a light switch with a pronounced tactile bump, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch is a great choice. With a bottom out force of 45 grams, each keystroke is imbued with satisfying resistance, making typing engaging and immersive. Additionally, the Wuque Heavy Tactile switch possesses a captivating sound profile characterized by a "thocky" resonance. In contrast, the Pine switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound. When it comes to feel, the Pine delivers a buttery and creamy typing experience, while the WS Heavy Tactile switch provides an accented, bouncy, invigorating, sharp, and snappy feel. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for key weight, smoothness, tactile feedback, and sound profile.