KTT Pine vs. Wuque Studio WS Jade
An in-depth look at the KTT Pine and the Wuque Studio WS Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Pine and Wuque Studio WS Jade are both linear switches known for their smooth key travel and unique characteristics. The KTT Pine is celebrated for its medium-heavy feel and buttery smooth typing experience, with a factory-lubed finish that minimizes friction for effortless typing. On the other hand, the WS Jade stands out for its bright metallic sound profile created by a metallic insert in the stem base, as well as a light diffuser for an enchanting RGB display. Each switch offers a creamy and smooth typing experience, but the Pine is categorized as 'Bassy' and 'Low-pitched', while the Jade is 'Clacky' and 'Resonant'. Ultimately, the decision on which switch to choose will depend on personal preference and typing style. 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
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Pine and the Wuque Studio WS Jade differ in terms of their top and bottom housing materials. The Pine features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. This makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the WS Jade utilizes POM for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a unique sound profile that is deeper and more muted compared to polycarbonate.
While the Pine and WS Jade both have polycarbonate top housings, which produce a clear and resonant sound profile, the WS Jade sets itself apart with its POM bottom housing. This difference in bottom housing material impacts the overall sound and feel of the switch. The Pine's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and crisper bottom-out sound, while the WS Jade's POM bottom housing creates a deeper and more muted bottom-out sound. This highlights the importance of considering both top and bottom housing materials in the design of mechanical switches.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and feel of the switch. The Pine and WS Jade showcase how different materials, such as polycarbonate and POM, can result in distinct sound profiles. While the Pine's use of polycarbonate in both top and bottom housing creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound, the WS Jade's combination of polycarbonate and POM results in a unique and pleasing sound profile that is deeper and more muted. Both switches demonstrate the importance of considering the impact of housing materials on the overall performance of mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Pine linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, there are slight differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Pine has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the WS Jade's 50 grams, while the bottom out force of the Pine is also lighter at 58 grams compared to the WS Jade's 60 grams. Both switches fall into the medium range of actuation and bottom out forces, providing a balanced typing experience. The Pine may be preferred by those who prefer a slightly lighter touch, making it suitable for longer typing sessions, while the WS Jade may be favored by those who prefer a slightly heavier and more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The KTT Pine linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Pine switch falls into the category of traditional travel distances, providing a slightly deeper key press experience. On the other hand, the WS Jade switch offers a shallower travel distance, which can be preferred by gamers looking for quicker response times. Both switches offer a distinct feel when pressed, with the Pine offering a more substantial depth compared to the WS Jade. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
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 Jade comes in at $4.30 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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Pine linear switch is known for its bassy and low-pitched characteristics, providing a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch is described as clacky, marbly, and resonant, offering a sharp, resonant, and clean sound that is bright and percussive. The sound produced by each switch is unique and catered to different preferences, so the choice between the two would depend on whether you prefer a deeper bass tone or a sharper, more resonant sound experience.
In terms of feel, both the KTT Pine and Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switches offer a smooth and buttery typing experience. The Pine switch is characterized as buttery and creamy, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Similarly, the WS Jade switch is described as silky and creamy, offering an exceptionally smooth and minimally resistant typing feel. Both switches aim to enhance the overall typing experience by providing a comfortable and smooth keystroke, allowing users to type with ease and precision.
Overall, the KTT Pine linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch each present unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Pine switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound profile with a buttery typing sensation, the WS Jade switch provides a clacky and resonant sound experience paired with a silky smooth typing feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between these switches to enhance their typing experience on mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Pine linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, consider the characteristics that best align with your preferences. If you value a medium-bottom out force and a smooth key travel experience with a buttery and creamy feel, the KTT Pine switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are drawn to a metallic insert for a unique sound profile, complemented by a bright and resonant typing experience with a clacky and marbly sound, the WS Jade switch could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, the decision between these switches boils down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
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