KTT Pine vs. Wuque Studio WS Onion
An in-depth look at the KTT Pine and the Wuque Studio WS Onion 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 Onion, both of which are linear switches. The KTT Pine is known for its medium-heavy weight and buttery smooth feel, making it ideal for those looking for an effortless typing experience. Its factory-lubed finish minimizes friction, resulting in smooth key travel. On the other hand, the WS Onion stands out with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, offering a similarly buttery smooth keystroke feel. Users of the WS Onion praise its crisp and responsive feel, as well as its neutral sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Spring
WS CL635 Gold Plated Stainless Spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Pine and the Wuque Studio WS Onion have some similarities and differences. Both switches have a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, both the Pine and the WS Onion will provide similar sound qualities and visual effects when it comes to their top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Pine differs from the WS Onion. The Pine features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which will impact the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. On the other hand, the WS Onion utilizes a nylon bottom housing. Typing on switches with a nylon housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, the bottom housing of the Pine and the WS Onion will provide contrasting sound experiences, with the Pine offering a sharper and crisper sound, while the WS Onion provides a deeper and fuller tone.
In summary, both the KTT Pine and the Wuque Studio WS Onion employ polycarbonate top housing, offering similar sound and visual effects. However, their bottom housing materials differ, with the Pine utilizing polycarbonate and the WS Onion using nylon. As a result, the bottom-out sound and feel will vary between the switches, with the Pine providing a sharper experience and the WS Onion offering a deeper tone. It is important to consider these differences when selecting the housing material that best suits individual preferences in terms of sound and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Pine linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, there are both similarities and differences to consider. The Pine switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, both of which are considered medium. On the other hand, the WS Onion switch does not have a specified actuation force, but it has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is medium-heavy.
In terms of weight, the Pine switch could be considered lighter as it requires less force for both actuation and bottoming out. This lighter actuation force can be beneficial for individuals who prefer a more effortless typing experience, allowing them to type for longer periods of time without fatigue. It is also suitable for those who use their keyboards for work or engage in lengthy gaming sessions.
In contrast, the WS Onion switch has a slightly heavier bottom out force, providing a stronger push feel. This heavier force can contribute to a more substantial typing experience, appealing to individuals who prefer a tactile feedback and enjoy the sensation of a more forceful keystroke.
Although the actuation force of the WS Onion switch is not known, based on the information provided, it is likely to be similar to the Pine switch or possibly slightly heavier. Therefore, if the actuation force is not a major consideration for the user, selecting either switch would result in a comparable typing experience in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is an essential factor to consider when it comes to keyboard enthusiasts, as it determines the tactile sensation and overall typing experience. When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Pine linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, it is evident that both switches have an equal travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, users will experience the same amount of travel distance, resulting in a similar tactile sensation and overall typing feel. In terms of travel distance, there is no noticeable difference between the two switches, ensuring that users can expect comparable results regardless of their choice.
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 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
In terms of sound, the KTT Pine and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches offer different profiles. The Pine switches are described as bassy and low-pitched, providing a deeper and richer sound during key presses. On the other hand, the WS Onion switches have a neutral sound profile, which means they have a moderate sound suitable for various purposes. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by external factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of these switches, both the Pine and the WS Onion switches are described as buttery in their keystroke experience. This implies a smooth and fluid typing sensation, providing a seamless and effortless typing experience. The Pine switches are also described as creamy, offering a silky sensation as your fingers glide across the keys with ease. Similarly, the WS Onion switches are polished, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. These qualities contribute to an overall enjoyable typing experience on both switches.
Considering the available information, the KTT Pine and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switches share some similarities in terms of their subjective qualities. Both switches offer a buttery and smooth keystroke feel, providing a seamless and effortless typing experience. However, they differ in sound profile, with the Pine switches being bassy and low-pitched, while the WS Onion switches have a neutral sound. These switches are designed to enhance the typing experience and are suitable for users at different skill levels and purposes. It is important to consider personal preferences and the overall setup of your keyboard before making a decision.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the KTT Pine linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force, the Pine with its 58 gram rating may be more suitable for you. It is best known for its buttery smooth and effortless typing experience, thanks to the factory-lubed finish that minimizes friction. The Pine switch also offers a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, providing a deeper and richer tone during key presses.
On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force, the WS Onion with its 63.5 gram rating may be more to your liking. It offers a similarly buttery smooth keystroke feel and a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various use cases and skill levels. The WS Onion switch features a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a crisp and responsive feel.
Ultimately, the decision between the KTT Pine and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches will depend on your specific preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. Both switches offer a smooth and satisfying typing experience, so you can't go wrong with either choice. Consider experimenting with both switches to determine which one feels the best for your typing needs. Happy typing!
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